Top 5 Ways to Avoid The Freshman 15

1. Buffets are the cornerstones of on campus meal plans. Try to avoid these places as much as you can. Once you're in there, self control can only go so far. You'll be flooded with smells of all sorts of goodies and be tempted to eat them all. Instead, try going to a cafeteria that you pay for what you eat. Once you're full, you'll be less likely to eat more.

2. If you must go to a buffet, use a big plate for salads (small plate for everything else) and make sure you eat the salad before the main entree. This way, you'll eat more low calories foods and less high calorie ones.

3. When you eat, drink water instead of soft drinks. Many people don't know how many calories soft drinks really have. One cup can have more than 130 calories and that's only in 8 ounces. The cups that you'll be using can be around 16-24 ounces. This can save you hundreds if not thousands of calories per week and make a huge difference in the long run.

4. Instead of driving or taking the bus to class, walk or ride your bike there. You'll be exercising and getting to class at the same time.

5. Exercise might be the most important step in trying to avoid weight gain. If you eat too much, exercise is the only way to burn off those extra calories. You have a free gym at your disposal so you might as well use it.

For more ways on how to avoid and even reverse the freshman 15, visit the Guide to The Freshman 15. You can also see how other students have been successful in not gaining weight their first year at school by visiting the diet and exercise forums.

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