It’s not some hokey, paranoid warning to get you to visit the campus gym; the dreaded “freshman 15” is pretty common among college students. And why wouldn’t it be? You get to sleep in later (unless you signed up for all 8:00 classes, which I do not recommend!), eat whatever greasy mess you want from the cafeteria (which is sometimes unlimited as well), and unless you’re on a team or majoring in phys ed, you probably aren’t playing any sports or engaging in other physical fitness, either.

While the “freshman 15” looms around the corner, you can still completely avoid it easily enough. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Don’t take the shuttle. If you think it’s going to get you there faster, you’re probably wrong—shuttles are often a little off-schedule. Select your courses with enough walking time in between them and simply walk. This alone could help keep any extra weight at bay.
• Eat mindfully. I used to do my math homework during my lunch; don’t do this. Instead, have lunch with friends, or at least put the book away, and pay attention to what you eat. You will be more likely to stop when you are full rather than mindlessly keep putting food in your mouth.
• Eat well. Don’t pick the same burrito and chips with salsa and all the fixings for lunch every day. Mix it up with a variety of foods, and be sure to include some fruits and vegetables. (When cold season comes around, you will be glad you’re consuming vitamins when everybody else isn’t.)
• Easy on the soft drinks. Yes, they may help you stay awake when you’re cramming for a test or writing a lengthy paper, but you will regret it later. Those are pure empty calories, usually loaded with sugar and other crap. Drink plenty of water instead; ice cold water can actually help you stay alert and awake.
• Get some physical activity in every day. It doesn’t matter what you do—an aerobics DVD, using the campus fitness center, swimming at the pool—as long as you take the time to do it. Enlisting a friend to get active with you can help, too.
• Stock your dorm with healthy snacks. This might sound too expensive when ramen noodles are so cheap to come by, but if you buy in season or with a keen shopper’s eye you can find some bargains. Fresh blueberries were on sale for $1 a package at our local store—but only if you bought ten! A great way to use deals like this is to pool some friends together and do your shopping on one ticket, then divide out your stuff when you’re done.