How to Lose Weight in College – 5 Simple Tips

In college, it’s all too easy to pack on the dreaded “freshman fifteen”. With studying and working it can be hard to find time to get in any exercise-well, other than sprinting across campus so you don’t miss your next class. Plus, it’s all too easy to opt for pizza over healthier choices. Here are some tips to help you fight the freshman fifteen and lose weight in college!

5 Simple Tips: How to Lose Weight In College

1.) Get to class! Of course you should be going to class, but let’s be honest, not everyone does. Here’s some added incentive: You can burn a lot of calories hauling yourself and your heavy book bag across campus. Depending on how fast you walk and the terrain of your campus, you can burn as many as 420 calories each week by making three 10 minute walks.

2.) Grab a friend and get moving. In the evening, rather than sit around the student lounge area or your dorm room, find a friend and head out on a walk. After dinner, my friend and I would go on a brisk walk around our campus. This is a great way to burn some calories and catch up on the latest gossip. If the weather isn’t cooperating with your fitness efforts, don’t give up! Many schools have student gyms so if you must you can always walk on the treadmill.

3.) Limit how much you drink. A part of college life, for many students, is drinking. However, being able to control yourself and limit your consumption is key to not only balancing academic and social responsibilities but also to learning how to lose weight in college. Alcohol is loaded with empty calories. One regular 12 oz beer has 150 calories. Keep in mind that it isn’t only the empty calories in alcohol you have to worry about. When you’re intoxicated, it’s easy to make unhealthy food decisions.

A study by the Ohio State University discovered that 96% of students at least sometimes ate before they drank. I’m guessing most of these meals were not salads!

4.) Don’t cave in to cheap food. As a college student, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of fast food options, and when you’re living on a budget it may seem smart and frugal to stick with those choices. Plus, they’re fast and easy options that fit in well with your hectic schedule. However, those fast food favs are not how to lose weight in college! Rather than grabbing a McDonalds Big Mac (550 calories) or a Chipotle chicken burrito with white rice, cheese, and sour cream (870 calories), grab a salad (watch out for the dressing) or a healthy wrap.

5.) Cut out mindless eating. When you’re studying or watching TV, it’s easy to devour an entire bag of chips. Try focusing on one activity at a time to quit eating without thinking about what you’re doing. If you need fuel to push through your studies take a break and savor your snack.

College can be a difficult transition for many students. Those pesky pounds don’t help matters. Use the five tips in this article to help you lose weight in college.