Choosing Healthy Foods

Although the "freshman 15" in fact seems to be a myth, it is still important to be a conscious eater for your overall health! College is a time for adjustments including getting use to roommates, busy class schedules, and making new friends. Many times with all these changes come homesickness, stress, and anxiety, which may result in overeating. Try to evaluate your level of hunger when you reach for a snack; are you choosing a snack because you are hungry? Stressed? Bored? Do yourself a favor by stocking your room with healthy snack options: yogurts, fruits, whole grain cereals and breakfast bars. Some tips to help you make healthy choices in the dining hall! Even the most health conscious students can make less than healthy choices while filling their plates in the dining hall. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you make healthy choices most of the time: There are no "good" or "bad" foods. When choosing chicken fingers and French fries and/or a few...

According to a recent study conducted at Ohio State University and the University of Michigan (published in December 2011 in Social Science Quarterly ), the “Freshman 15” is in fact a myth! The origin of this concept goes back to an article published in Seventeen Magazine in 1989. After reviewing the data on 7,400 college students it was determined that most freshman do not gain 15 pounds . On average, college freshman gain much less than 15 pounds - or even lose weight. However, it is still important to be a conscious eater for your overall health. All foods can fit into a healthy diet - you just need to practice moderation! Think of your calories each day like a debit card. Use your calories wisely - you don’t want to spend all your calories at once so spread them out throughout the day. Choose foods that are nutrient dense (low in calories - high in nutrients) and you will have room for those sweet treats or less than healthy choices you want to include sometimes. Even the most heal...