How Not to Gain the Freshman 15

Caffeine is the college student's friend. It can help you stay up an extra hour to study for that test tomorrow, or it can give you a little extra focus in the morning when you should have gone to sleep early instead of going to see your roommate's boyfriend's band.

Look at the nutrition label on your favorite soda. Most soft drinks have 150 calories in them for every 12 oz. So you drink 4 soft drinks and you have just consumed 600 calories! Almost a third of what a normal college girl should have. Energy drinks are as bad, if not worse.

Switch to diet. Better yet, try some of the Crystal Light mixers with caffeine. They come in the single use packets that you can mix with a bottle of water.

Also, stay away from the bar! Most alcoholic beverages have lots of calories, which will pile on the pounds.

Good Soda Link : A Regular Soda a Day Boosts Weight Gain

Keep high energy, filling foods in your dorm room so you don't reach for the potato chips in the vending machine. There are several good choices that don't require refridgeration. Fresh fruit is always a good choice, as is healthy whole grain cereal. You can even keep canned tuna or chicken to spread on crackers or healthy bread.

But if you have the space for it, consider getting a dorm fridge. They are relatively inexpensive, and the benefits are great. With a dorm fridge you can keep all sorts of yummy dairy products. Non-fat yogurt, string cheese and low-cal cream cheese are good snack choices. Snacking vegetables and fat free dressing like carrots, broccoli and ranch would all reside in the fridge too. Bonus tip - always take leftovers home from the parents if you can swing it. It is free, and usually healthy!

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Good Snack Link : Healthy Snacks

Most campuses have almost everything you need in walking distance. Use this walkability to your advantage! Don't use your car or the campus busing. Walk. Everywhere.

Our bodies were made for walking! So walk fast to your class! Who knows, you might run into a pretty great guy or girl.

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Good Walking Link : Walking for Health

Lack of sleep can wreck havoc on a lot of aspects in your life. Your memory, your emotions and even the hormones that regulate your weight. Without the right amount of sleep, studies say you'll make food choices that are worse than ones you'd make with adequate sleep. And your weight will definitely suffer.

Your body needs sleep! So give it what it wants, no matter how hard that is. Take a nap in between classes if you are tired and you have a gap. Don't stay out late on nights before early morning classes. Just say no to all-nighters. Really. They do more harm than good.

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Is Your Diet Sabotaged by Your Eating Habits?

Most college and universities have gyms for students. They are usually free and included in your student fees they assess at the beginning of the year. If you don't use it now, you'll pay for it later.

Most people that go to the gym first thing in the morning find that it gives them more energy throughout the day, and makes it easier to tackle things that need to be done. If going to the gym can benefit your body, and make you more energetic for your studies - what are you waiting for? You may think you don't have time, but if you don't make time for it now, you'll be paying for it later.

Why Go to the Gym?