The freshman fifteen.  The name strikes fear into students as they entered the hallowed halls of great institutions, with the promise of adding fifteen undesirable pounds.  Yet what if you actually have weight to lose rather than gain?  Consider the following tips to help you lose weight your freshman year.

Eat healthy

Mom and dad aren't there to cook for you anymore.  They also might not be there to stand over your shoulders and tell you to eat your peas and not eat the entire carton of ice cream in one sitting.  Thus many of the freshman students see their first year of college as a free-for-all, eating lots of pizza and other meals out.  They may gorge on candy, potato chips and anything that comes out of a bag or foil wrapper no matter what its nutritional content.  If you long to lose weight (and have a healthier lifestyle) then you will need to have different eating habits.  If you are looking for easy treats, then get some fruits.  It is just as easy to grab a banana as it is a candy bar, yet it is about half the calories (or less) without the massive fat.  Get some vegetables.  Many college students go out to eat.  Choose healthier options like grilled, steamed or baked foods instead of those that are fried.  Limit desserts.  Also, many college freshman eat and eat and eat.  When you are full, stop eating.  Do not keep a lot of tempting junk food in your room.  By eating healthier you will often have less calories and this can help you lose weight in your freshman year.

Exercise

There are often many opportunities for exercise on college campuses.  For instance, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, there is a track that students can use much of the time.  Of course, many college campuses are just beautiful and have many paths on which to run.  Most of them have extensive gyms.  Many offer aerobics classes.  There are also often exercise groups on campus such as a jogging group or a sports team that is for fun and exercise. These are also a great way to get to know people and make new friends.  Try to get thirty minutes of aerobic exercise a day.

Be active in general

There is often the opportunity  for a lot of walking at college.  If you go to the University of Florida, there is much within walking distance.  If you make an effort to walk places instead of drive, you will burn more calories and hopefully lose weight.

Losing weight  your freshman year is possible.  Work hard and you might see the freshman minus fifteen.