Staying Healthy in College: Tips for College Freshmen

Melissa Darlow, an incoming sophomore at University of Southern California, provides tips to incoming freshmen about how to stay healthy in college. 

Class of 2015: Congratulations on finishing high school! Now that you’ll be heading off to college soon for the first time, everything may seem uncertain. Everyone talks about gaining the “freshman 15” but there are ways to ensure you remain healthy while away from home.

I’m about to start my sophomore year at the University of Southern California and, with my background as a nutrition minor and from personal experience, here are some tips for staying healthy in college:

• Move a little bit every day. Even if slammed with homework and in the library for hours, get up and stretch or take a stroll around campus.
• In the dining hall always include something green on your plate. Start with a salad and if you’re still hungry then go for something heavier such as pizza or pasta.
• If your schedule allows take a one to two credit exercise courses such as hip-hop dance, yoga, and tennis. It is a great way to meet people and stay in shape
• Keep snacks in your backpack. Always carry around nuts, protein bars, or fruit in case hunger strikes. By having healthy snacks on hand you are less likely to grab an unhealthy item on campus.

Eat this, not that:

• If you are craving ice cream grab a carton of Arctic Zero, which is only 150 calories for an entire pint! Rather than a calorie dense tub of Ben & Jerry’s.
• Peanut butter is always a good idea, but next time swap out your typical nut butter for PB2. While PB2 is lower in calories it does not lack in flavor. Two tablespoons is only 45 calories!
• When in need for something crunchy try a 90 calorie pack of freeze dried edamame rather than a bag of chips. Edamame provides protein, nutrients, and flavor. Make the switch!

Dorm room recipe:

Want something sweet but don’t want to leave the comfort of your dorm room? Take a carton of low fat plain Greek yogurt mix and spice it up. Swirl in some PB2, cinnamon, and Stevia. Freeze for a few minutes and you have healthy peanut butter froyo! 

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