Hey there Bloggers:

From now on I will be writing to all of you from a college campus! It doesn’t matter where I am: the library, my apartment, a lounge, or even the dining hall. Speaking of the dining hall, have any of you guys been worrying about that freshmen 15 you’ve heard so much about? Well, if you answered yes, then don’t stress out too much. This blog can be a helpful resource for all of you college students in care—or soon-to-be college students in care—on how to stay healthy and stay fit during your years on campus.
Let’s face it; we don’t have to be college freshmen to gain 15lbs in a short period of time, and it doesn’t make a difference whether you’re in care, out of care, or in after care. Only you and your choices are what will determine how your weight is managed. With that being said, here a few tips that help me maintain a healthy weight:

-Minimize procrastination. Procrastination causes stress, stress causes anxiety, and anxiety can cause overeating. I know that when I get all of my work done on time, and I’m not worrying about how I’m going to cram all of my assignments into one night, I tend to eat food that is better for me and my thinking processes.

-Exercise a few times a week. I know we think that we’re getting in a lot of walking on campus, but we’re also eating a lot of pizza and fries and walking just won’t cut it. The first couple of weeks are going to be the hardest when it comes to managing your time and figuring out the best time to go on a run or hit the gym. But don’t worry! Once you’re used to your schedule and you’re completely settled into your new life style, finding time for healthy exercise will be a piece of cake—a piece of healthy cake that is.

-Make healthy choices. When it comes time to go to the dining hall and decide what you should have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the options can seem endless. We all want to eat tons of bacon, waffles loaded with syrup, chicken wings, pizza with fries, and all the delicious greasy stuff. But those things should be eaten in moderation and not on a daily basis. That’s where your will power comes in. Try eating some yogurt, or whole grains, protein, and fruits vegetables. And try to drink more milk, water, and real fruit juices instead of lots of soda.

These are just a few things that help me to keep my body and my mind working properly and feeling good. Of course, they won’t work for everyone and you might even disregard my advice for your first year of college. But that’s okay. We all learn at our own pace and in our own ways. Sometimes we have to gain before we can learn how to maintain.

Until next time,

Kendra