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Entity advises on how to avoid the freshman 15.

College freshman [noun]: happy, free, confused, lonely … and hungry?

It’s no secret that college comes with a buffet of stress, freedom and fatty food. T-Swift was right – it’s miserable and magical. More dreaded than those pop quizzes or roommate drama is that frustrating Freshman 15. Although it’s a myth that incoming college students will put on exactly 15 pounds, most freshmen do gain a few pounds their first year.

Depressing, right? Luckily, if you study up like a good student you can pass the test with flying colors. We’ve gathered some handy tips and tricks for putting off that weight gain when you don’t have time in your schedule to hit up the gym.

1 GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

Make sure you get enough Zs to keep off the pounds. Nutritionist Lisa Drayer points out how a consistent lack of rest can affect the body. “Basically when we don’t get at least eight hours of sleep each night we experience hormonal changes that can actually increase our appetite that can cause us to eat more than we planned,” Drayer said (via ABC News). Scale back on those all-nighters and midnight partying to stop those unwanted (salty) cravings.

2 WATCH OUT FOR ALCOHOL.

Alcohol is full of calories and the drunk-eating struggle is real. Be conscious of your intake. Keep your smarts sharp by monitoring those drinks. Seriously – not only is binge drinking unhealthy for your waistline, it may also waste your brain. According to the National Institute of Health, the effects of drinking are “detectable after only one or two drinks and quickly resolve when drinking stops. On the other hand, a person who drinks heavily over a long period of time may have brain deficits that persist well after he or she achieves sobriety.”

3 KEEP SNACKS IN YOUR DORM.

Does stocking up on snacks to lose weight sound too good to be true? It turns out that occasional snacking is actually good for you if you do it wisely and choose smarter options for your snacking endeavors. Plus, it’ll help you remember to eat breakfast before that 8 a.m. lecture. Having a banana on hand when you’re running late to class will save your body from coffee shop donut runs. Try Health’s “20 Snacks That Burn Fat” to see some healthy snack options that will help stave off the freshman 15.

4 DON T INDULGE IN THE DINING HALL.

College is the perfect time to sample endless options in the classroom – and on the table. Unlimited access to buffet-style comfort foods tempt even the healthiest freshman to stray. While those greasy burgers and the drool-worthy dessert bar may be welcomed after a long lecture, those extra additions won’t look so pretty on the scale. Huffington Post suggests looking (or asking) for alternatives; maybe substitute salad for burgers and fruit for dessert. Sure, it’ll feel less glamorous at the dining hall, but you’ll be far more confident in that dress Friday night.

5 AVOID FOOD-BASED ACTIVITY.

Unfortunately, many college adventures involve trips to Fro-Yo or Domino’s. Kristi King, pediatric dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson, recommends socializing away from the table. “Encourage friends to partake in activities that don’t necessarily revolve around food, such as intramural sports,” King said (via Eat Right). When you hang out away from food, you and your friends can avoid the freshman 15 and pick up a healthy new habit instead.

Overall, always have moderation in mind! Don’t forget to have fun but also don’t forget to give your body and health some TLC.

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