Fighting the “freshman 15” During the New School Year

With the new school year starting today, many parents have just sent their children off to college. Because it is their child’s first time being on his/her own, parents want to help out in any way possible without being overbearing.

But what’s the biggest problem that new college students have? The “freshman 15” is certainly the most common, and it is one of the areas you can help out the most.

Find ways to encourage your young adult to be healthy through diet and exercise. For example if your son is a runner, you might want to get him a pair of running shoes, workout clothes and a watch with a timer.

Or if your daughter likes Zumba, you can get her a membership at a gym that offers Zumba classes, some Zumba workout clothes, dance shoes, and Zumba workout movies. There are several ways to encourage your children to be active and healthy.

There are many other cheap and portable fitness products you can purchase for your college student. Just look at which items your student is most likely to use and help him/her out!

Another way you can help out your new freshman avoid the freshman 15 is by helping them with food. As a moving out present, give them 2 weeks to a month of easy prep healthy foods.

Whole grain noodles, canned, frozen, or fresh veggies and fruit are all great things to send your student off to school with. There are also many different kinds of healthy frozen dinners that are easy to prepare.

When making meal plans with your college student, take them to the store with you to go grocery shopping. He/she can make sure that they will actually eat their food, and you can make sure it’s healthy.

Between the two of you, you’re bound to build a meal plan that’s delicious and nutritious! Remember though, if you child doesn’t like the food they won’t eat it, no matter how healthy it is.

There are many other ways you can encourage your college students to be healthy. Check the college’s website and look for free fitness classes offered on campus and free tracks they can use for jogging.

Make sure they know what fitness opportunities they have access to as a student, and that they have all the things they need to be active and healthy. Remember, good healthy habits are the most important things you can teach your kids!

About the Author

Alyssa Beal Alyssa Staheli is a health and fitness enthusiast. She loves to write and share her knowledge with others. This is because she believes that “knowledge is power” and that with the right information, you can do anything. You can find Alyssa on Google+.