college weight loss

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
college weight loss
5
Sun, 01-15-2006 - 6:29pm

Hello. I am a college freshman just starting my second semester. I need to loose about 100 pounds in order to be healthy (and looking better won't hurt) Anyway, living at school and eating in the cafeteria doesn't allow for much choice in the healty eating category. I try to avoid really bad foods but sometimes, there is no choice. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for a poor college student, eating cafeteria food. Thanks!

~Kate

PS

I am about 5'4" and weigh around 235. I have a large frame. My doctor said to aim for around 135 but gave me no advice or help whatsoever. I do try not to eat after 7pm and usually have a granola bar for breakfast, because I don't have much time before classes. :) Thanks for any suggestions!




Edited 1/15/2006 6:41 pm ET by klm87
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2005
In reply to: klm87
Sun, 01-15-2006 - 8:17pm

How do we avoid the dreaded FRESHMAN FIFTEEN? That is a very good question. For me, it was more like 30. What can I say? I was always an over-achiever. I wish someone had prepared me for how totally different college life was. And I am not just talking about academics. It's the first time that you are virtually on your own. You can make your own decisions. Some of them good. Well, lets hope most of your decisions are good. Unfortunately, some bad decisions are made as well. I don't profess to have all the answers, but hind sight is 20/20, right?

Okay, i am assuming your campus is a good size campus...hopefully, it's bigger than your high school was. Which means that you'll be walking a lot. That is always a good thing. And even though there are some questionable items in the cafeteria, there are some good ones as well. Salads are a good way to go. Try to minimize the amount of fried and greasy foods you eat. Never leave the cafeteria without sneaking some fresh fruit into your bag. This isn't stealing because you did technically pay for it through your meal plan. I was notorious for giving into those late night feeding frenzies...a study break always found me at the convenience store stocking up on candies and cakes. If you get these try to resist them...if you can't, find a more healthy alternative.

I'm guessing you want to get fantastic grades...just don't overly consume yourself with studying. Get out and do something. Take a break from studying. Go out and live life...that will burn some calories, I hope. College is about exploring, having a good time, and most importantly finding out who you are, what you like, what you want to do with your life. You're setting a strong foundation. You don't have to be Spartan in order to achieve success. As in the words of Plato, moderation is a VIRTUE.

Good luck in school.

til next time

randomgirl

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2003
In reply to: klm87
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 3:47am

College!! Those were the best days of my life!! The freedom.. the opportunities.. the stupid mistakes... and the big horrible mistakes..

OK enough of that..

I actually gained nothing in my freshman year and I did eat out at the cafeteria & fast food joints most of the time. The secret? I was ALWAYS late.. so I was always running around campus and always took the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator (it took me less time to climb 5 flights than to wait for the elevator). I also didn't own a car at the beginning so I did a lot of walking to the bus station (which was far off campus).

Also, try to eat all the time. You have a granola bar in the morning.. try having a fruit after your first class.. a cheese and lettuce sandwich for a quick lunch, etc. And when you reach for a salad, hold the dressing.

oh and stay clear from the soda & chips. If you have to have fries, go for the smallest package.

Good luck in school!! Have lot of fun, and think twice before considering a "new look"
Mary
247/216/165

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
In reply to: klm87
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 10:25am

Thanks for the advice! Unfortunatly I attend an urban school in a downtown area so I actually don't have much of a campus to walk around but I I do walk in the city most of the time if I have to go somewhere rather than taking a bus. Thank you so much for your replies and I certainly hope they turn out to be the best years of my life!

~Kate

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2006
In reply to: klm87
Wed, 01-18-2006 - 9:47pm
I'm also a college student but this is my second year. I wouldn't know what it is like to live on campus but I can feel your pain about the caffeteria! LOL It's my lunch everyday! But the first thing I run for is the salad bar... do you have one of those? I'm sure you do, most colleges do. Then I go for the sandwhich counter... may seem like a bad choice... but at Johnson & Wales University the culinary students run the caffeteria and they make your sandwhiches as you want them made... choose what ever you want! If you have something like this, it's a real good idea. Or another good thing, which I'm planning on doing my last 4 years of school when I transfer, is keeping healthy foods in my mini fridge in my dorm that I could make at night before I go to bed then just take with me in the morning before I head out for class. Good luck, and if you need more support please feel free to e-mail me anytime! JWULobster@aol.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
In reply to: klm87
Wed, 01-18-2006 - 10:19pm
Yeah, we've got a salad bar and a make your own sandwich thing, that I just noticed, or maybe it's new. :) I'll definitley give it a try the next time I'm in there! Thank you!