The “Freshman 15” is that dreaded 15 pounds that many college students seem to gain during their first year of school. It really doesn’t help that most of what college entails is sitting for long hours in a classroom or in front of a computer and drinking energy drinks just to stay awake in class.
Various factors like these can cause the extra calories and lack of movement to add up quickly and gift you with a few extra unwanted pounds.
Fortunately, there are ways of combatting that feisty 15 pounds! These are some simple tips you can integrate into your day to remain one step ahead of the Freshman 15, and maybe even get a little healthier in the process.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own. Please note that Amazon prices may change at any time.
1
Walk to Class
If you are living on or near your college campus, try walking to your classes instead of driving. This might require leaving a little earlier or allowing extra time to get from one class to another, but this small change will have a big effect in the long run. Walking is a great calorie burner!
One tool that can often help motivate you is a fitness tracker that counts steps. Set a step goal for yourself and check it throughout the day to see how you’re doing. Apple watches have this capability, but if you don’t want to spend a crazy amount of money just to count your steps, check out these other options!
2
Climb Stairs
If your classes are upstairs and you typically take the elevator, switch to taking the stairs. This will help you burn a few more calories, get a few more steps in, and even build a little muscle in your legs!
Like walking to class, you may want to make sure you leave a few minutes early to account for the extra time it will take to climb a few flights of stairs. This can also apply to your dorm if you live on an upper floor, or any other buildings where you would usually take an elevator.
3
Dorm Exercises
If you’re a person who wants to go the extra mile and fight just a little harder against those unwanted pounds, incorporating a few simple exercises into your daily routine might be the perfect option for you.
There are several free apps (I use FitBod) that offer free exercises based on your goals and habits, and many also allow you to choose which muscle group or part of the body you want to focus on each day. Adding just 15 minutes of extra movement into your day can make a significant difference after only a few short weeks.
I prefer working out at home to working out in a gym with tons of people around me. Here are a few of my favorite tried-and-true products I use at my house during my own workouts:
4
Choose Healthier Snacks
If you’re like me, sitting in classes for several hours makes you hungry. I typically throw a couple snacks in my backpack for when I’m sitting in class, but the snacks you choose to grab on your way out the door can quickly add to those unwanted extra pounds.
One candy bar might not seem like much, but one candy bar every day or during every class adds up to a lot of extra calories! Making smart snack-swaps can help you curb your hunger in class while also being conscious of healthy eating habits and healthy calories.
Here are a few of my favorites:
5
Incorporate Supplements
While you don’t necessarily want to pump your body full of supplements, there are a few you can incorporate into your everyday routine to add some protein, nutrients, and vitamins needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I primarily use Redcon1 products – this company has everything you could need in the supplement world. Protein powder, creatine, pre-workout, Vitamin gummies, ENERGY DRINKS!!! Head over to their website and check out their products! If you see anything you think would be a good fit for your needs, use code T20SaraMc at checkout to get 20% off your order. (Also, make sure to check for weekend deals!)
If you want to try some other products that you can get straight from Amazon, these are a few of my favorites:
6
Drink Water!!
Drinking plenty of water throughout your day can help with digestion, increase your energy, help your joints recover, keep your heart and organs healthy, and many other things. Find yourself a fun water bottle, set reminders on your phone, or buddy up with a friend and remind each other to drink water!
