The "Freshman Fifteen"
You may not have heard the words "freshman fifteen" before, but they are very important for students who are entering university. A freshman is a first-year college student. "Fifteen" refers to fifteen pounds— the fifteen pounds added to a student's weight in his or her first year. There are a number of reasons why first-year university students gain weight; but it's encouraging to know that freshmen don't have to add these harmful fifteen pounds.
Mistakes choosing food
University kitchens serve many kinds of food. Some students choose unhealthy food, because now their parents are not nearby to help them choose. Some students visit the kitchen many times while studying. Late at night, some students get harmful fast food such as French fries with coke to drink. Students also have less time for walking, running, and doing sports because of their schoolwork.
Eating right
If you're careful, you don't have to add fifteen pounds. Here are some ideas:
*Think more about what you eat.
*Eat plenty of vegetables and healthy meats.
*Don't eat desserts full of sugar, have fruit after dinner.
*Try not to eat so much junk food while you study.
*It's all right to have a little fast food sometimes—but not often.
*Write down the foods you eat.
Remember that the "freshman fifteen" can happen to anyone. Talk to your friends about it. Together, try to eat healthy food and not to eat junk food. Walk, run, do sports—move and you will feel better! And it is always more fun with friends. Help each other and you can have a healthy and happy freshman year.
