subject: Avoiding The Freshman Fifteen [print this page] Heading out of home and into college life is exciting and full of new experiences. However, changes abound during this time and many new college students who are away from home for the first time find themselves packing on some extra pounds that they dont care to have. This weight gain is so common that it has long been dubbed the Freshman 15. The Freshman 15 does not have to be a guaranteed experience in college. If you want to avoid weight gain at college, there are plenty of ways to do it.
The major contributor to the Freshman 15 is the lack of nutritional awareness that many students have. When you lived at home, your parents stocked the fridge and quite likely made most of your meals. The few items of junk you consumed here and there were offset by high school activities and nutritious meals at home. At college, your food intake could come mainly from a dining hall or fast food restaurants located close to your college housing.
If you dont know what foods are best for you, it is possible that you will reach for whatever looks good or can be made quickly. To compound temptation, you may eat differently when you are stressed over classes or lacking sleep. Finding fresh foods like salads and fruits will help you maintain your weight and will also keep your energy up to also maintain a stringent study schedule. Fresh foods are far better choices for energy than caffeinated drinks that are full of weight adding sugar.
Exercise is another important aspect; and one that can easily fall away with a busy class schedule. Dont forget to get out and get active as often as possible even during college. Staying active during these years may help you to create a lifelong habit of physical fitness that will pay off with more health and lower weight.
Martial arts classes or self defense training make perfect exercise options for students of all ages. Self defense training (often misspelled self defence training) is ideal for women who also want to make sure they protect themselves from assault or robbery. And if you dont think learning self defense or martial arts moves will get your body burning fat; just try a class or two!
Not all martial arts moves are effective for self defense; and they are not all created equal in terms of helping you stay fit either. When looking for a martial arts class to attend, research some different styles of martial arts. If you want self defense training, look into martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu or Kenpo. If you want to learn martial arts moves that are graceful and calming, then take up Tai Chi.
Keeping off the Freshman 15 doesnt have to take monumental effort. Finding fun ways to get exercise in and tasty foods that will fuel your body and mind are certainly steps that can lead you in the right direction as far as your fitness is concerned.
by: Bruce Strong
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