Freshman 15: Fact or Fiction

The first year at college, late nights, fast food, pizza, stress, lack of exercise, and possibly alcohol consumption can all lead to the DREADED "Freshman fifteen". Actually, studies estimate the weight gain closer to five pounds, not fifteen, but that's still something you want to avoid. Below are a few things you can do to avoid this problem while still enjoying the college experience.

1) Your eating habits need to be regulated, don't skip meals and then consume one large meal in the evening. There are numerous studies that show by reducing caloric consumption in the evening, participants were more likely to maintain ideal body weight. Midnight pizza is not something you want to do more than say once a week, and possibly even less.

2) Stress associated with deadlines, grades and social events can raise cortisol levels which can lead to weight gain. Identify your stress triggers, deal with them or if they can't be avoided try meditating once or twice a day. Meditation has been shown to lower cortisol levels.

3) Alcohol. HMMMMMMMM. Need I say more? I can elaborate, but at the risk of sounding like a parent I'll stop and not mention poor decision making, empty calories, and the fact that most freshman are under 21.

4) Late nights socializing and cramming for tests can lead to reduced sleep which is associated with weight gain. Regular sleep patterns are essential to maintaining an ideal body weight .

5) Exercise is a great way to burn off a few of those extra calories. As shown in earlier blog,you can burn up to 1,000 in one Title Boxing Power Hour! It reduces your stress levels, helps regulate blood sugar levels, builds muscle, and allows you to hang with a bunch of great friends!

Those of you well past the Freshman experience can benefit from these tips as well!