Freshers, are you ready? Because your life is going to change for the better over the next few weeks. Goodbye school uniforms, rules and homework. Hello beer, freedom and assignments completed the night before. It's a whole other ball game out there but be warned. College life isn't renowned as being one of health and fitness, more hangovers and feeling shit. Many before you have discovered this for themselves when, four weeks after starting college, realize that they can no longer fit into their favorite jeans. Here's how to avoid that trap. Here's how not to gain the freshers ten pound fate awaiting you...
1) Portion Control
There's a tendency to overdo it once you leave the homestead. Your mother has long been the one thing between you and plus size pants, but now that you're the one in control of how many pot noodles you go through on any given day, you may tend to overcompensate. Just follow the golden rule and stop fucking eating so much you greedy bastard.
2) Cut Down On Carbs
Whereas once you had a plate consisting of protein, veg and carbs, it's now just one hundred percent carbs. After all, what better way to cheer yourself up on a miserable, hungry Tuesday evening, then with a plate full of pasta or a bowl full of bread (that's just weird, in hindsight). Stop. Yes, it'll fill you for an hour, but then you'll crash and burn. Also, have you experienced a bread belly bloat? Step AWAY from the sliced pan.
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3) Wise Hangover Foods
Being hungover pre-college didn't really bring as many problems. Mainly because being sixteen and hungover doesn't really exist and also, we generally woke up after a night out with a full fridge. Not any longer. Soon, you'll be familiar with waking up with no money, no food and no dignity. A hangover treat every now and then is fine and all but a diet solely consisting of cravings and salt won't win anyone that beach body.
4) Less Beer, More Spirits
Speaking of beer, I once read that a pint of beer is equivalent to a slice of bread. So every time you down that beer, just be aware of the fact that you're steadily making your way through a sliced pan. Beer is great, I know that better than anyone, but if you switch from cans to vodkas and soda water, you'll be saving yourself a sexy beer gut without skimping on the drinking fun. Now surely that's worth the sacrifice...
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5) No Midnight Feasts
Yes, I understand that you're not in boarding school and it's not 1957, but believe me, your usual daily schedule will up and leave the minute you hit college. Late night drinks, bonding sessions and all night studying all equate to late night snacking which, in turn, equates to weight gain. Healthily snack, if you really must.
6) Walk Everywhere
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In time, this will become a necessity, as well as a practicality. Tight finances mean that food or drink will likely be far more important than getting taxis or buses everywhere. This is great for a number of reasons but mainly think of it as a free gym session (walking fairly speedily, obviously) and you'll soon be jogging your way to lectures (go with it.)
7) Join Sports Societies
Whether it's the trampoline, dance or pole dancing (cheeky) soc, then it's nothing but a good thing. It's a way to meet new people, have some new experiences, perhaps discover a new talent and above all, stay fit, healthy and not gain that college weight.
8) Exercise On Nights Out
I can almost picture your confused little face at this very moment in time. But nights out are for drinking and debauchery, I can hear you say. True, but if you can burn off a few calories by dancing your precious little heart out, then go for it. You'll probably have fun while you're at it. Then, why not finish off the night in true style and throw some sexercise into the mix. It's one of the best (and most enjoyable) forms of exercise there is, after all.
9) General Good Sense
It's all well and good saying that you're going to let loose when you embark upon your college adventure, but you should refrain from having that same attitude when it comes to your health and well being. A healthy, junk food minimized diet that actually includes some fruit and veg (no, the powdered ones that come with noodles don't count), as well as loads of water and some exercise will ensure that you look and feel your best throughout the college year. You can thank CT when your hot bod is lapping up the attention.
