Beware the Freshman 15!
With college and university starting up, new students are tasked with starting a whole new way of doing things.
For many students, going to college or university is their first taste of being on their own. Often, new students get to school expecting to have fun, study hard, and party hard.
It is very easy to let regular habits slide a little and gain a few pounds. The extra weight can come from an increase in alcohol consumption, as well as fat and carbohydrate rich cafeteria-style food. Lack of sufficient sleep and exercise as well as the presence of stress and undernourishment may lead to overeating and weight gain.
All these factors and more can affect new students in different ways. Some colleges and universities are cracking down on proper nutrition offering students information, education and heal- thy alternatives. The problem has become such a phenomenon that many students are focusing on preventing it before it happens.
Why the worry? College is a time of big changes and for some the stress of acclimation can be cause for overeating. Finding time to eat well can be another problem. Although most schools offer healthy food choices, sometimes just grabbing a burger on the run seems like the best choice. However, eating on the run is never a healthy choice no matter what the food of choice is.
It is important to eat well for students as well as anybody else, for several reasons. Eating well will produce more energy for socializing, athletic activities, and studying. People who practice healthy eating sleep better, look fitter, and get sick less often.
Some tips for avoiding the Freshman 15 and eating healthy include paying attention to portion size, staying hydrated, and making time for meals rather than grabbing something on the run. Carrying healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, nuts, trail mix, and cheese, will help fight off the urge to pick up something easy and less healthy. Battling the bulge is a full time job.
Post-secondary education is about learning new things, both inside and outside the classroom. The occasional pizza and fries is great, but like everything else, moderation counts.
Questions about eating right at school can be answered by a registered dietician at EatRight Ontario at 1-877-510-5102. Additional information can be found at www. eatrightontario.ca.