The Dreaded Freshman 15

     The average college student's menu includes pizza, pasta, burgers, carbs galore. Students don't stop to think what all of these foods can do to one's body over a period of time. The period of time we're speaking of is the college years, a very crucial period at which you develop many of your eating habits that will carry on to your adult life. Some students don't realize how much they are over eating, or how much one little late night snack can pay a toll on your body. These little habits can add up over time and develop into more serious problems.
   
      So what are the real reasons for the weight gain in college? Is it the stress brought on from classes, the late night eating, or the alcohol consumption? It can be any or all of those reasons because everyone is different. The only solutions to this epidemic are to exercise regularly, manage your proportions, and to just eat healthy in general.
 
     Marianne Carter registered dietitian and director of the Delaware Center for Health Promotion at Delaware State University reports about the dangerous lifestyle choices we make in college. It begins with the new found freedom students feel when attending college, no more being told when and what they have to eat. This leads to the late night snacks, binge eating, in some cases alcohol consumption, or in other words weight gain. Studies have found that the average weight gain for freshmen is about 5 pounds. However, any pattern of weight gain is hazardous to future health, explained Carter. In many colleges they created different groups and organizations dedicated to the wellness of students.  Tips for prevention of weight gain Carter provides are as follows:

• Eat regular meals. Skipping meals can lead to overeating and weight gain. Breakfast is crucial in that it helps jump start your metabolism and keeps you more alert in class.
• Keep your portions in check. Whether you eat in the dining hall or cook for yourself, avoid going back for seconds. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables – these will fill you up with fewer calories.
• Keep healthy snacks handy. If you have a dorm room refrigerator, stock it with healthy snacks such as fruit, string cheese, yogurt and baby carrots.
 For more tips you can go to http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20120918/HEALTH/309110078/College-springboard-lessons-healthy-eating