How to Lose the Freshman 15

Freshman year is over, finals are done, and suddenly it's apparent stress has taken a toll over the past year--in the form of an extra 15 pounds. The Freshman 15 is very common, even though almost everyone going into college knows about the phenomenon. Stress, freedom of choice of foods, and all the unhealthy foods available, all lead to weight gain.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch what you eat. Even if eating at a fast food restaurant, choose healthy foods. Salads with low fat dressings, fruits and vegetables, grilled foods--there are several options available to help you lose the Freshman 15. If unsure, ask for nutritional information or a recommendation.

• 2

  Mix up your drinks. College almost always means drinking alcohol. Beer contains a large number of calories, and they add up quickly! So do mixed drinks, wine coolers and pretty much anything else that is not just straight alcohol. Drinking also lowers inhibitions, which means overeating and eating unhealthy. Double whammy! You won't lose the extra pounds that way.

• 3

  Exercise! Choose something interesting, like cardio striptease, kickboxing or water aerobics. Working out with groups keeps the motivation high and builds friendships as people join togther with common weight loss goals.

• 4

  Find a healthy diet plan that works. Low calorie diets and Weight Watchers are good examples to help you lose the Freshman 15. Pick a plan that you'll stick with over time. If you choose a fad plan that you drop after the weight comes off, you're likely to gain the weight back!

• 5

  Enlist help from friends and family. If invited over for dinner, ask them to provide healthy options. Or ask if you can bring over healthy food to share.

• 6

  Be patient. Healthy weight loss should not exceed one to two pounds per week after the initial few weeks.