The freshman 15.
That one saying has been stressing out college students for years. Those three words have caused stress and have made some students obsessed with their weight.
“Not only is hitting the gym an important part of staying healthy but so is eating the right food.” Ashlee Willhelm Fanshawe Colleges group exercise and personal fitness wellness coordinator said.
A lot of the time the cause for weight gain in college is because students are away from home for the first time. This sometimes causes stress eating or simply pure excitement of being on their own.
“A lot of the time people will eat whatever they want and then go to the gym but for most people that does not work” Willhelm said while discussing how students should balance everything that comes with starting post secondary school.
Many believe the theory that exercise is strictly related to the gym that is false. There are so many things students can do to stay active such as:
-walking to and from classes
-walking rather than taking the bus
-going for a run by your home
-go swimming with some friends
“We think it is important to have all kinds of food options because of all the different people attending the school.” Ryan McTavish Fanshawe Colleges food and beverage manager said when speaking about all the different options the school has. He also stated through research and planning they were able to chose the best range healthy to the odd snack they were able to pick the best for staff and students.
When students are choosing food McTavish advised that they write out what they are going to eat when so they are able to see it in front of them and make the best choices.
A great way for some students to de-stress and take a break from class work is hitting the gym or making a meal plan for themselves.
The freshman 15 is not something to fear, use that determination to avoid it to find ways to stay happy and healthy.