Am I Gaining The Freshman Fifteen?

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If you have ever found yourself pondering this question, you are not

alone. Millions of freshmen across the nation struggle with weight gain

each year as they adjust to college life, and quite often this weight

gain comes as an unpleasant surprise as they return home and step on the

scale at Thanksgiving or Christmas. So in this time when college weight

gain has become almost as inevitable as term end finals how do you, the

college student, know if you are gaining the freshman fifteen?

 

1. Have the contents of your diet changed since entering college?

Calorie laden cafeteria food, greasy fast food, and cheesy pizzas often

become staples in the diet of a college student. When you lived at home

chances are that your parents served well-balanced, nutritious meals.

Once arriving at college, however, your diet can skyrocket in extra fat

and calories resulting in weight gain.

 

2. Have you been eating more since entering college?

Buffet style cafeterias and late night snacks increase the total

calories that you eat each day. When you consider the fact that one

pound equals 3,500 calories, and extra 500 calories each day will be an

extra pound gained each week.

 

3. Has your activity level decreased since entering college?

Hectic class schedules, part time jobs, and social activities often

dominate your days, leaving no time for the gym. You may have played on

a sports team in High School or participated in some other organized

activity that now has no place in your schedule. This decrease in

activity will end up showing around your waistline.

 

Did you answer yes to one or more of the above questions? If so, then

chances are that you are on your way to gaining the Freshman Fifteen.

But wait! You don't have to follow in the footsteps of the millions

of college freshmen who gain this unwanted weight each year. By making

yourself aware of the causes of this traditional weight gain you have

already won half of the battle.