Beating the Freshman 15
by Michael
Paetzold
zone3
It's a fairly accepted 'fact' among college age women that they will
gain weight their first year away from home. It's so well accepted, in
fact, that nearly anyone will know immediately what you mean when you
refer to the 'Freshman 15'. The research doesn't quite bear it out,
though. One study conducted 15 years ago found that incoming freshman did
gain weight at higher rates than their peers who did not attend college,
but the average weight gain for the stressful freshman year was 7 pounds,
less than half the mythical 15 pounds they'd been told to expect.
Even more encouraging is that a more recent study of college weight
gain monitored the weight and body fat of freshman women. More than half
the students put on weight, but for most it was less than five pounds. One
third of the students lost weight. Interestingly, those students who most
worried about gaining weight believed that they had gained weight even
when the scales showed that they hadn't.
If you're concerned about gaining weight in that first year away from
home, here are some concrete suggestions that can help you avoid the
dreaded Freshman 15.
Adopt a Healthy Attitude Toward Food.
Researchers place part of the blame for the Freshman 15 on the tendency
to turn to food for comfort. In an unfamiliar setting, with new stresses
and new worries, students may turn to the familiar foods that make them
feel good to help them get through. Train yourself to eat when hungry -
and deal with stress through other means.
De-stress.
The corollary to the statement above is that the less you allow changes
and worries to affect you, the less stress you'll have to deal with. One
of the best ways to stress-proof your body is by eating a healthy diet.
Regular exercise and making sure you get enough sleep play a big part,
too. When you're body is well-nourished and well-rested, you'll find it
much easier to deal with stress without resorting to major snacking.
Watch out for the parties.
Away from parental supervision for the first time, many college age
students give in to the urge to party. Try to keep in mind that beer, even
light beer, has 100 calories per every 12 ounces that you drink. You're
also a whole lot more likely to snack on high fat junk food like chips
when you're drinking. As for other drugs - there are all sorts of reasons
not to smoke. Add the fact that it's fattening to the list.
Exercise.
Take advantage of the gym facilities and any student privileges you
might have by getting regular workouts. Swimming, tennis, aerobics - any
sport that you play, any activity that you do will both burn calories, and
help reduce the stress of your first year at school.
Socialize.
Find a group of friends and be a part of it. The more you feel like you
belong, the less you'll be missing home, and the less you'll be snacking
to make up for it.
The Freshman 15 isn't inevitable. Just remember to eat healthy,
exercise, sleep well and have fun. The weight loss will take care of
itself.
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