How To Stay Fit In College Without Even Thinking About It

Everyone fears gaining that Freshman 15, so check out these tips on how to stay fit in college! Some of them are way easier than you'd think!

The freshman 15 is something that looms over every freshman when they embark on their journey to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The last thing anyone wants is to come back for Thanksgiving to have people whisper behind your back that you gained a few. Instead, you want them to comment about how your ~~thirty~~, and flirty, and thriving. So, how do you do this without spending hours at the gym instead of having fun and relishing in your new found freedom? It’s easy! Just follow these simple tips on how to stay fit in college!

1. Take the Stairs

This should just be a life hack for staying in shape. Why go to the gym and spend a half hour on the stair stepper when you could just take the stairs during the day. It doesn’t take much longer, and without much effort, you will soon notice that your legs are stronger and more sculpted. This is a really simple, yet effective tip on how to stay fit in college!

2. Join Intramurals

Many people play sports in high school, but when they get to college they stop. Unfortunately, people’s metabolisms also tend to slow down starting in our college years. Just because you aren’t good enough to play on a college level doesn’t mean you can’t still play organized sports. Get some friends together and start a team, there are tons of sports to choose from and it is not only a great way to exercise, but also to meet new people.

3. Watch What Type of Alcohol You Drink

It’s no secret that certain alcohol has more sugar and carbs than others. Try to limit alcohol intake if you are watching your weight. If you are pregaming, try not to chase/mix with super sugar sodas and juices. Vodka sodas are your best friend.

4. Limit Snacking

It is easy to go back to your room in between classes and snack without noticing how much you’re eating. While it is good for your metabolism to have small snacks throughout the day, excessive snacking can cause you to pack on the lbs. If you are someone who compulsively snacks, make sure the snacks you keep on hand are healthier than potato chips.

5. Don’t Skip Breakfast

It really is the most important meal of the day because eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism. It can definitely be difficult dragging your butt out of bed before your 10 am class to go to the dining hall and grab something to eat but trust me, you will notice the benefits. In addition to starting your metabolism, you are also feeding your brain so that you’re able to concentrate more and think more clearly. Win-win.

6. Get Enough Sleep

This one is not so fun, because it can be tempting to stay up late with your friends. You also may find yourself doing work, studying, or super invested in a chain of youtube videos about god knows what. However, studies have shown that people who don’t get enough sleep overeat and tend to eat more sugary food. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night and you won’t be so inclined to reach for a cinnamon roll or donut the next morning. Unfortunately, oversleeping can also cause weight gain, so try to limit sleeping to 8ish hours/night. This is seriously one of the most important tips on how to stay fit in college!

7. Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach

If we know anything about drinking, it is that drinking on an empty stomach is a big no-no. The reason goes beyond getting drunker faster. Alcohol hits your bloodstream more quickly if your stomach is empty, but you are also at risk of drunk eating really unhealthy foods later that night because alcohol drops your blood sugar and triggers your hunger.

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8. Take Advantage of Free Workout Classes

Many colleges, especially if you go to a big school, will offer free workout classes. Whether it be a Zumba class, yoga, or a butts and guts class, don’t shy away from attending them. There’s a good chance you’ll never have access to free classes again in your life, and if you go with a friend it can be a fun way to exercise. This is a really fun and cost friendly tip on how to stay fit in college!

9. Drink Lots of Water

Again, this is a tip for life in general, but as we get older it becomes increasingly important to drink lots of water throughout the day. Your body needs water to function, and in terms of gaining weight, people who drink less water tend to gain it faster. Dehydration slows down your metabolism so try to drink as much as you can. It will give you so much energy so you don’t feel sluggish, plus, it’s good for your skin!

10. Manage Your Stress

It is a fact that people who are stressed out eat more. It’s another case of emotional eating. If you are stressed out, go for a run, watch a tv show, or listen to music. You will find you’re not craving food as much as you would be otherwise. Remember, eat to fuel your body.