How to stay healthy during your freshman year

As you apply for scholarship opportunities and financial aid in advance of your freshman year, you might also be thinking about what college will have in store for you. While tough classes and adjusting to dorm life are probably your major concerns, finding ways to fight off the dreaded freshman 15 weight gain may also be on your mind. Though it's often exaggerated, the fact is that many new college students do put on some pounds during freshman year, according to Cornell University. Here are some tips to help stay happy and healthy throughout college.

Walk to class
While it can be a challenge to find enough time and motivation between studies for frequent trips to the gym, walking can help supplement your daily exercise. Rather than hopping the campus shuttle or public transportation, try to make walking to class a part of your routine. If you can get between 45 minutes to an hour or walking in four or five days a week, you'll help keep those pounds off.

Watch what you eat
It can be immensely convenient to eat your meals in your school's dining halls instead of cooking for yourself, but beware of the type of food you eat. While there are likely plenty of healthy options available, there will also be lots of greasy hamburgers, hot dogs, burritos, pizza and French fries. Keep an eye on your cafeteria diet to resist the freshman fifteen.

Get some sleep!
Whether it's partying or studying, college students often pull late nights that can lead to weight gain. Your body needs plenty of sleep to maintain a healthy metabolism, so make sure you're getting eight hours a night.

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