the freshman *fifty*

mathmom
Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:52:23 +0000

You’ve taken the first step and recognized that you have a problem. The good news is that at your age, it’s really not that hard to get rid of the extra pounds. I was able to lose 20 pounds the summer after I graduated from college and again the summer after graduating from grad school by stepping up the exercise and eating less (but still eating pretty normally.)

Here’s some suggestions. If there are parties it’s hard not to drink some, but at the very least you can either dilute what you are drinking with seltzer, and/or limit yourself to two drinks and drink seltzer the rest of the time. Then get back on track about what a normal portion is. Protein- deck of cards, Vegetable - tennis ball, Salad has much as you like but try to stick to one TB of dressing. Limit your desserts to once or twice a week if you’ll feel deprived without them. Look for opportunities to get exercise. If there is a game like racket ball or tennis find a partner. Get to the gym. Take the stairs. Walk places even if you could take the campus shuttle. Skip the fried food and chips.

It’s really, really easy to gain weight at college. You’ve gained more than average, but you can get back to a normal weight.

Yes, and please, please, please stop smoking. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around. It is foolish to play with it.