Weekly update: -0.6 pound; overall, +2 pounds
As local colleges gear up for the fall semester, a whole new class of students will be faced with the “freshman 15” – which, of course, refers to the 15 pounds of extra weight students pack on during their first year of college.
A recent news release from the University Extension Office gives some pointers for fighting the freshman 15, but those tips can be useful to anyone who’s trying to take off weight or keep from adding it on.
Researchers at Cornell University’s Division of Nutritional Sciences found that students gained an average of four pounds during the first semester – which would be about a pound of month. Not a big deal if it stops there, but when that rate of gain continues – for psychological, social or practical reasons – it doesn’t take long until health is impacted.
For college students, a practical perspective that can affect weight is the fact that they’re exposed to more food choices than they may have had at home. Dormitory dining halls, welcome events, parties and Greek rush activities all tempt students’ palates.
But if you think about it, an abundance of options – from calorie-laden corporate lunches to shared office goodies to quick, sugar-filled afternoon pick-me-ups – might also be considered a problem for adults in the work-force.
Not surprisingly, stress is a factor that can contribute to weight gain, and it can affect people of all ages.
It makes sense, then, that the same tips college kids can use to keep the weight off might be helpful to the rest of us.
Tammy Roberts, a nutrition and health education specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, offers these suggestions:
• Eat three healthy meals a day – with reasonable portion sizes.
• Keep healthy snacks available to avoid temptation from high-calorie offerings. (Why is it I never have an apple handy on those days when someone brings doughnuts in the office?)
• Limit high-calorie drinks. Water’s an excellent choice. (I still say diet soda should count as a good choice, but then, I’m not a nutritionist!)
• Walk to classes and events instead of driving. (The rest of us can substitute “work” or “lunch” for “class.”
All good things to keep in mind – and to put into practice.
Weekly update: A small loss is still a loss, so I’m glad to be moving in that direction. At this point in my weight-loss endeavor, I’m looking at enlisting some help, whether it’s a structured eating plan or something else. I’ve been checking out these fiber-packed bars, called Full Bars, and am toying with giving those a try. (And here’s my disclaimer: I’m in no way advocating that others do any of these things. Weight loss decisions should be made individually and in conjunction with one’s physician). This week’s rain hampered my walking goal a bit, but we’re about to begin a new week, so we’ll see what it brings.
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