Even though teens today are going off to college having experienced a variety of food already, and have a lot of knowledge about healthy eating, temptation to over-indulge still exists. One reason to explain this is that college students are encouraged to socialize as much as possible in order to be engaged and prevent loneliness.

Plans Often Revolve Around Eating

*Students are also keeping late hours and enjoying the fun and freedom of placing midnight pizza orders, or making spontaneous runs for treats such as french fries, donuts, ice cream, etc.

*These young people are usually low on cash and the cheapest food is usually the junkiest.

*Exercise can be the first thing to cancel when other responsibilities and activities come calling.

*There can be new or increased experimentation with alcohol, and with that comes extra calories, and more food as well.

*Schedules are tight, and cafeterias are known for having daily desserts cut and ready for utmost convenience.

*The university work-load can be intense; stress eating can also occur.

The “Freshman 15” Is Tricky

Parents

Don’t show shock if you witness rapid weight gain. If you’re asked for help, together brainstorm ways to reduce some of the eating – such as drinking more water before being around a lot of food, cutting portions in half, deciding what’s worth it and what’s not, scheduling more time to exercise, making a list of goals and values, etc.

College Students

Here are a few extra ideas… Link up with a friend who might also want to put a stop to the “Freshman 15” so you can help one another stay on track… Calculate how far or little you’re walking to class and determine if this is a benefit or a problem… Consider making a list of foods that are especially hard for you to resist and decide how you can best respond when those foods are around… Take a trip to the grocery store and buy your favorite healthy foods to always keep on hand for when you are hungry, and resist eating if you’re already satisfied from your good choices… Find a balance/technique/inspiration/plan that works uniquely for you so that you don’t feel like you’re missing out on “Freshman Fun” while also not gaining so much weight that you spend next year doing the “Sophomore Stay Away from Everything.”

You Have Freedom

Don’t leave the Lord out of this part of your life; some really helpful passages of Scripture to give you strength in this area are:

• Exodus 16:4-5
• Psalm 42:1-4; 63:1-8; 78:18; 106:14
• Proverbs 23, 24
• John 8:32
• Romans 6
• Romans 12:1-2
• 1 Cor. 6:12-20
• 1 Cor. 10:13-31
• 2 Cor. 1:3-7
• Gal. 2:20-21
• Phil. 4:19