13 Simple Tips For West Chester Students To Avoid That Haunting Freshman 15

Everyone goes to college with motivation to stay fit, but it's harder than it looks.

1. Avoid the diner!!

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The Diner is definitely the hot spot on campus to go out with friends. It’s open late and their waffle fries are godly, but instead of sacrificing your social life and just not going, try to meet up somewhere else every once and a while; maybe Einstein’s or Eco grounds. Go out and explore!

2. Take a walk around West Chester

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Although staying in your room and watching Netflix all day is tempting, you would be surprised at all the different places there are to go and hang out with friends around West Chester. The quad is always a nice place to get work done and escape the midst of your stuffy dorm. Plus, there are also some cool shops further into town. By doing this you will be getting a nice walk without even thinking of it as a workout.

3. Don’t be afraid of going to the Recreation Center

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When you walk around campus with your friends, don’t be afraid to stop by the Rec Center. Even if working out isn’t necessarily “your thing,” they make it easy for you to find something you’re interested in. Whether it’s playing basketball or soccer with friends at the courts, doing yoga on the terrace, or just trying out the rock wall and racket ball. There is a variety of fun things to do there besides just working out with the free weights or on the dreadful treadmill.

4. 4. Don’t abuse your Rambucks

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Depending on how active you are, pick out an appropriate meal plan so that you aren’t tempted to eat out all day long, but also don’t starve yourself. Also, balance between the flex dollars and meals that you have. Try finding different places that have healthier options, because we all know Lawrence doesn’t always have the greatest nutrition value.

5. Don’t forget breakfast

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We’ve all been taught to eat breakfast although you still don’t, but breakfast will actually help you avoid weight gain and keep your energy levels high all day long. Even if it’s a small granola bar and some coffee that is better than nothing. If you are in a hurry Tapingo is a great app for you to just pick up your food on the way to class whether if it’s from any coffee shop on campus, such as Einstein’s Bagels or Starbucks.

6. 6. Pick out the right snacks for your dorm room

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Sometimes, it is a lot easier to just eat in your dorm room rather than going out, therefore pick out some healthy appropriate snacks to keep around your room. Considering these snacks may become the majority of your diet. Maybe try some, fruits that don’t go bad quickly like apples or grapes to keep in your fridge. Nuts, yogurt, and string cheese are also some suggestions that may keep you away from the greasy chips but still satisfied.

7. 7.Keep a Brita Water Filter in your fridge

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Any water filter makes the nasty sink water from the bathroom actually drinkable. This will keep you hydrated which is a major part of remaining healthy and avoiding weight gain. This will also help you avoid having to waste money in buying and using up a bunch of plastic water bottles.

8. Avoid spending every night on Walnut Street

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Binge drinking is the main reason for weight gain in freshman because your body is not used to that much alcohol. And it’s not worth saying don’t drink, so when you go out, drink lots of water and don’t overdo it. Maybe stick to going out only on the weekends. College isn’t just for the parties, maybe you can learn something too.

9. 9. Avoid the temptation of the late night munchies

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When you are hanging out with your friends around midnight and they want to order a pizza from Lorenzo’s or Domino’s, maybe just stick to you lighter snacks and save yourself some money. Eating right before bed is a major component of gaining weight so save the pizza for lunch the next day.

10. Set good sleeping habits

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If you go to bed late every night your brain won’t work properly like it normally does. When lacking sleep your body tends to enhance its cravings and by keeping a good sleep schedule and getting at least 8 hours of sleep, you are helping your body avoid those sleepy cravings. Also a good night’s sleep will keep you feeling energized throughout the day without needing that high calorie coffee drink every morning

11. Avoid naps (especially while studying)

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Connecting to good sleeping habits, sleeping all day will definitely affect that. A nap here or there won’t kill you, but daily long naps may impair your ability to sleep at night, which is necessary to survive college. I know it’s tempting after class to catch some Z’s, but you will enjoy your nighttime sleep that much more if you avoid the nap.

12. Find a positive stress reliever

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Stress can lead major weight fluctuations and mess with your bodies balance. Snacking is most definitely a result of stress, as we all know. Finding a good way to relieve stress may help you avoid over snacking. Maybe a nice walk around campus, listening to music, or a hot shower will help. Not only is relieving stress important for your mental health, but also physical health too.

13. 13. Chew gum while studying

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Chewing gum is yet another tip in order to avoid snacking. When you start studying it helps to be chewing on something and people often use that as an excuse to snack. This also goes along with the stress factor and wanting to eat. Chewing gum will still give you the satisfaction without adding on the extra calories.

In the end it's all about will power. If you are motivated enough, you can avoid your freshman 15!