<p>Just wondering, is this a very common thing for freshman to get, to current college students, did you get it?</p>
<p>And are there good ways to prevent it or watch out for it?</p>
<p>Definitely not a myth. I gained the freshman 10, which is what was pretty normal among the people I knew. More like the freshman 8-10.</p>
<p>Hmm... exercise and not eating too much in the dining hall?</p>
<p>If you drink, gaining weight will be an unstoppable issue. Otherwise, its very easy not to gain weight.</p>
<p>Preventing overeating: If you have some control over your class schedule, try to set up your classes so that you can eat at regular times everyday. This way you won't be starving at your meals and you're less likely to overeat. </p>
<p>Eating wisely: If you're on a meal plan that involves buffet-style cafeterias, there's a way of eating a healthy diet. Don't just load up on the hot food that's served. A lot of people think that just eating a bowl of salad should be good enough in terms of vegetables. But if you want to stay healthy, eat a whole plateful of salad and various other vegetables. Plus, eat the fruits that are available. By eating more fruits and vegetables and less hot food, you'll feel more satisfied and you'll consume less calories in the process. You should also try to avoid indulging yourself with late pizzas. Those will really pack on the pounds</p>
<p>Plus, exercise is always huge. You don't need to go on a crazy workout routine. Simply walking to all of your classes when it's nice out and taking the stairs help you stay active. And if getting to the gym or playing some sports for fun is convenient then it's all the better. </p>
<p>If you want a quick summary: Eat with Moderation, Fruits & Vegetables, Stay Active</p>
<p>Honestly, I lost 25 pounds my first term...I was actually able to eat less because I was more occupied and stuff and whenever I had to go somewhere I walked instead of driving like at home.</p>
<p>i stayed the same weight until winter break, now i've gained like 5 pounds - but even if you may eat more in the dining hall, you are generally walking a lot more to get to classes, etc. and going to the gym is easier (for me) in college than hs</p>
<p>I didnt gain any weight until my junior year, after I joined my fraternity. It is easy to limit eating, but the calories from drinking seem to come out of no where.</p>
<p>I went off to college is 2001 with a weight of 185 lbs and I was very fit. In May 2003 I was at 195 lbs. I ate very well at the dining halls and put on some muscle through ROTC training. But the trouble happened when I transfered to a school (no longer in ROTC) and didn't enroll in a meal plan. I consumed A LOT more calories than I needed (fast food, cereal, popcorn, etc.). During the summer of 2004 I was at 230 lbs and felt terrible. So I cut out the extra calories and today I weigh 215 lbs. If I exercised I could lose a lot more, but unless I get very extreme I fear that I will never have the nice defined six-pack that I had in high school. But the other day I was able to bench more weight than I did in high school, even after not lifting any weights in the last three years. So I guess I have something to feel good about. </p>
<p>Since I don't exercise I really have to limit the calories that I consume and the kinds of food that I eat. High blood pressure and heart disease runs in my family and I have already had elevated blood pressure.</p>
<p>I lost like 10 pounds 1st semester... I've gained like 2-4 back so far over break.</p>
<p>You will burn more calories by walking to classes and around campus. Really. You'll probably walk a few miles a day, which is a lot farther than in HS.</p>
<p>And like someone else said, most people gain wait b/c of: drinking and LATE NIGHT FOOD (pizza, chips, popcorn, w/e, it's not healthy.)</p>
<p>I definately will watch the drinking, none for me actually since I hate the vile taste. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I'll be doing that much walking since the campus is so huge that they provide buses. But still, I'm sure I'll walk a greater distance than now. Avaliable foods.. there are healthy things you can get late at night right? Apples? Or is it just chips.. -.-</p>
<p>Some people I know actually lost weight from eating MUCH less. Without their mothers continually making food, there was no temptation. Not the best way to lose weight, but it works.</p>
<p>I was sure coming into college that I, of all people, would not succomb to the Freshman 15...I was very physically active in high school, and planned to continue being so in college. Nevertheless, despite continued daily exercise, I gained the infamous 15 (almost exactly!).</p>
<p>For me, I don't think alcohol was a major factor. Rather, the buffet style meals three times a day did me in. My new 'rule' is to take what I want/think is appropriate the first time through the buffet line, and not go back up for more unless I'm really starving.</p>
<p>No, you see, alcohol WAS the problem. Even a single drink of alcohol can slow down your protein synthesis by 30% and destroy your metabolic speed. Did the buffet hurt? Yes, but as a consequence of the retarded metabolism.</p>
<p>I gained the freshman 20 ... seriously ... and I somehow managed to do it in just 3 months ... :/ It's probably a result of my eating habits (eating in the middle of the night, loading up on EasyMac, etc.) and the fact that I'm less active than in high school. People say I don't look any different, and i'm not at a horrible weight now anyway (I was 102 to start with, now I'm 122) but I'd like to get back to my comfort zone in the 105-115 area, and firm up the flabby areas. </p>
<p>Anyways, my point was, yes, the freshmen 15 (or 20) can happen to you!!! I could never gain weight before in my life, EVER, and I wanted to because people said I was too skinny ... well I got to college and BOOM - the extra weight that I see I never really wanted or needed. Watch it, people. And stay away from the ice cream machine in the dining hall!!!!!!</p>
<p>:p</p>
<p>P.S. I don't drink at all.</p>
<p>I'm skinny so I want to gain some weight. So far, I think I've lost a few. Better start eating up.</p>