How to Lose Weight in College: 16 Ways to Do It

college weight loss tips

Lossing Weight / September 30, 2019

There are some college experiences that are almost universal. Learning to get along with a new roommate, blanking on first mid-term (you thought you were going to ace) and of course trying to lose the freshman 15. If you haven't heard the term, the freshman 15 is the name for that pesky weight gain many young people experience their first year of college.

Losing Weight in College: How to Lose The Freshman 15

There are a lot of great ways to manage losing weight in college.

But what if you are already dealing with those extra pounds? Who wants to follow a diet at college? The good news is that you don't have to actually go on a diet to manage your weight. With a few, simple lifestyle changes you can make the Freshman 15 a thing of the past!

  1. Planning Pays Off
    Be honest. Have you been making the best choices in the dining hall? You probably find it harder to resist comforting, fattening food when you're hungry and it's in front of you. Find out if your school posts the weekly menu in the cafeteria, commons, or online. By getting advance warning of each day's menu you will be able to identify healthier choices. When you know what you're going to eat ahead of time, the sight and aroma of rich comfort foods wafting through the cafeteria will prove far less tempting.
  2. Avoid Multi-Tasking
    Could you be munching without even realizing it? If the pounds have crept on while you've uttered, "I don't eat that much!" you may be falling victim to mindless eating. It's not uncommon. Whether you're stressed, studying, or relaxing by watching a movie, it's easy to eat on auto-pilot. When your mind is on other things, it isn't monitoring what or how much you eat. Try to separate eating from other activities.
  1. Timing is Everything
    When you don't take your time and eat slowly, sometimes you don't feel like you've eaten even though you have. This can lead to second or even third helpings and taking in extra snacks throughout the day, even when you're not hungry. Try to relax and take a breath when you have a meal. You will be more likely to register that you've eaten. Remember, it can take up to 20 minutes for you to feel full after eating.

    It's also very important to eat at regular times and try not to skip meals. Doing both will help keep your blood sugar in check, which will keep your energy level up and help you to avoid becoming overly hungry. You can also carry a healthy snack with you. Skipping meals almost always leads to over-eating later. Healthy snacking is the solution.

Source: www.verywell.com