10 Tips to Beat the Freshman 15

Don't let late night snacks, sugary coffee drinks, and all-you-can-eat dinning halls wreck your hard work!

6. Beware of sugary coffee drinks.

10 Tips to Beat the Freshman 15 4
A single white mocha blended coffee can have as many calories as a full meal and as many grams of sugar as you should eat in a day. While it’s okay to have an occasional treat, keep your daily coffee order simple. A non-fat cappuccino or latte will have a fraction of the calories and will still be a tasty morning treat.

7. Join a team.

10 Tips to Beat the Freshman 15 3
Making time for the gym is difficult on a student schedule. Days are hectic and the finals period allows time for nothing but studying. If you end up missing the gym for several weeks in a row, join a sports team instead. There are plenty of fun intramural sports you can try. From ultimate frisbee to soccer to Quidditch, there’s something for everyone. Most colleges offer P.E. classes that will give you additional credits.

8. Make sleep a priority.

10 Tips to Beat the Freshman 15 2
Being sleep-deprived makes you susceptible to cravings and stops your metabolism from functioning at its best. You’re less likely to make it to the gym if you’re already tired!

9. Stay hydrated.

10 Tips to Beat the Freshman 15
Dehydration also makes you susceptible to cravings. Carry a water bottle and choose water over sodas at the dining hall. Make sure to drink plenty of water after nights of partying and during workouts!

10. Sneak in exercise.

10 Tips to Beat the Freshman 15 7
Whenever possible, walk or bike to class instead of driving or riding the bus. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. These small changes can help you burn an extra hundred calories per day. Nowadays, many smartphones track how many steps you take. Challenge yourself to be a little more active each day. You can also check out these 9 quick dorm room workouts.

Are you looking for more tips to beat the Freshman 15? Check out these 35 easy recipes you can make in your dorm room or browse our weight loss posts.

For more healthy lifestyle tips and easy recipes, like us on Facebook, follow us on Pinterest, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Hungry for more? Let us know what you thought about this article or what you’d like to see on the site! We love hearing from our readers.

 

This post may include affiliate links.

Sofia Lopez

Sofia received her BA from Cornell University and her MFA from San Francisco State University. She creates workouts and fitness challenges. Her hobbies include running, hiking, and listening to audiobooks from the exercise bike.

More by Sofia