Five tips for avoiding the freshman 15

You may have avoided it thus far, but with bulky sweaters and comfort food, winter offers the perfect opportunity for the dreaded “Freshman 15” to catch up with you. But don’t worry; Follow these tips and that extra insulation will be gone in time for swimsuit season:

1. Make time for breakfast

Adding a meal in order to lose weight may seem counterintuitive, but eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism and helps keep it steady throughout the day. Skipping your morning meal may also cause you to binge eat later. If you’re not a big breakfast eater, try having something light, like a banana or yogurt.

2. Schedule exercise

Working exercise into your weekly routine will help you fulfill your commitment to work out and shed those pounds. Schedule time to exercise like you would a class, and be consistent. If your days often become too hectic to work out, consider going for a run or taking a studio class in the morning before things get crazy and you start making excuses.

3. Avoid late-night eating

Although ordering a pizza during a marathon study session may be tempting, if you absolutely have to snack late at night, make sure it’s healthy. Instead of greasy fast food, reach for a bag of nuts or some string cheese.

4. Drink water

Hydration is an important part of being healthy, and keeping a refillable water bottle with you throughout the day will help you avoid vending machine temptations like soda and juice. Water’s not only healthy for you, it also reduces bloating.

5. Make sleep a priority

College alums may tell you that pulling an all-nighter is a right of passage, but skipping sleep can actually cause you to gain weight. Aim for at least seven hours a night – you’ll be less stressed out and will likely consume fewer calories during the day.