College Happenings

Many studies (and even students themselves) suggest that the fateful, albeit semi-mythical Freshman Fifteen beast exists. Whether it is fact or fiction in your life, chances are great that between the sedentary sitting involved in attending class, late night studying, less than stellar meal plans, and the revelry of being a young adult, you’ve gained a few pounds. The good news is you’re not alone. And the even better news is if you make small changes in your daily routine, you can stop the semi-mythical beast of the Freshman Fifteen from settling on your physique.

Research has shown that we are what we eat and how we take care of our bodies greatly affects not only our moods but also our overall sense of well being. Fueling your mind and body with healthy foods will not only prevent weight gain but help you keep it off. Have nutritional snacks (like dried foods, nuts, and yogurt) within reach to resist the temptation of consuming junk during your next late night study session. And speaking of all nighters, studies show that people who get regular, consistent amounts of sleep are thinner than those who do not. Increase your sleep bank to ward off any unwanted extra pounds.

You can also avoid the Freshman Fifteen during your next visit to the dining hall. Choose the most wholesome, simple foods and avoid any (if not all) processed foods. If you attend a party, apply portion control and steer clear of high calorie alcoholic beverages like mixed drinks and beer. Replacing your favorite cocktail with low calorie alternatives like wine, light beer, and low or no calorie mixers will curb the possibility of weight gain.

Finally, get moving. Exercise will help you work off the stress that your studies create, increase the feel good hormones, and keep you from putting on the pounds. Hit the gym. Walk. Run. Take the stairs to class. Join a sports team. Make an extra loop around campus. Or find an activity you enjoy to effectively chase off that semi-mythical freshman fifteen beast.

Related Links:
http://www.skidmorenews.com/features/the-freshman-fifteen-myth-or-fact-1.2942566#.UJLafMXA9uM

Sick of eating mac and cheese, ramen noodles or what have you? We know students often eat poorly either due to lack of time or lack of funds. Also, many of us while in college spend a lot of our time eating alone, or if with others, then take out or cafeteria food. Even if you live off-campus and cook for yourself, single people know how often food spoils. Meals during college are hardly like eating mom’s home cooking.

Well, if you live somewhere where there’s a fridge, stove and a set of pots and pans, there’s a solution for some of you, if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort: continue reading…

Clearly, date rape is wrong, people shouldn’t do it. But, counting on other people’s sense of right and wrong isn’t going to keep you safe. Making smart choices will.

Alcohol is often a factor. If you’re going to drink, make choices that will protect you. Don’t get outrageously drunk around strangers or acquaintances and let your control slip. Friends of friends are exactly that – not your friends. Stick with your trusted group. Don’t ride or wander off alone with people you don’t know you can trust.

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College Ramen, cheap, fast and easy, fairly palatable – at first – with a few additions, but perhaps it’s not the best nutritional choice for a steady diet. It’s high in sodium and often has a lot of MSG. Fortunately, there are lots of other simple and affordable options.

Rice and Beans:
Chop an onion, a little garlic, some olives, favorite spices, sauté in oil for a few minutes in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add two cups rice, a 16-ounce can of cooked beans, drained and rinsed, or the equivalent amount of cooked dry beans, sauté a few minutes. Add 3 cups of water and bring to boil. Cover tightly, reduce heat, cook 35 to 40 minutes. Inexpensive, taste and reheats perfectly in the microwave. Fry up a couple plantains (banana family), heat up some spinach or other deep green vegetables and you have a cheap, well-balanced meal. continue reading…

While we don’t recommend drugs at all, obviously, experimenting smartly can make the difference in how well you come through the experience. Use your brain; make smart choices.

Drugs in powder form can easily be adulterated. The average drug dealer is not about the experience the substance will provide, but the profit it will generate. Powdered drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, may contain other substances that can poison you, even kill you. Are you ready to bet your life on the integrity of the person looking to make a profit great enough to justify his business risks?

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At college, it’s all too easy to slip into sloppy eating habits. Cafeteria food, convenience food, junk food – they feed the body, but do they really nourish? Is your brain getting what it needs to perform its best? Here are 3 nutrients that your brain will appreciate: continue reading…