Spring Break
Avoiding the freshman 15, eating healthy in college
Chris Fahrenbruch
Issue date: 8/20/07 Section: News
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Classes have officially begun at the UA, and many students have moved into the residence halls, purchased textbooks and football tickets, and must now keep off the freshman 15.
Lifestyles have changed for students coming to college for the first time, said Marjorie Fitch-Hilgenberg, an associate professor of dietetics. "There's stress involved with coming to school because it's life-altering," she said.
Some students will eat out more or consume more alcohol which can be a major source of calories, Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
Friends have changed and classes can be mentally exhausting, she said, so students should be aware of changes in their activity levels and diet.
Fitch-Hilgenburg recommended preparing for a lifestyle change before too much time has gone by. Step on the scale before 15 or even 10 pounds have been added, she said.
"Know when it's the third bag of peanut M&M's," Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
Missing dining hall hours might require a trip to vending machines that don't have a store of foods without empty calories, Fitch-Hilgenberg said. But oatmeal, soup and other foods can be purchased in individual servings. These convenience foods are generally more expensive than foods that take longer to prepare, she said.
Cooking in the residence halls and having everyone bring a few ingredients is a good way to keep costs down, she said. Shop for items such as fresh vegetables with friends and share them to reduce costs and avoid eating the same food for a month, Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
Have things such as yogurt and string cheese that can be picked up and thrown in a bag without being squished. Keeping a stash of healthier snacks can prevent a trip to Wendy's or Taco Bell to fix the midnight munchies, Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
When making the trip to RZ's Coffee House or Arasaga's, order a coffee or tea, because both drinks have virtually no calories before adding milk, sugar or cream, she said. When ordering a mocha or latte, opt for using low-fat milk to take in some protein without as many calories or fat.
Lifestyles have changed for students coming to college for the first time, said Marjorie Fitch-Hilgenberg, an associate professor of dietetics. "There's stress involved with coming to school because it's life-altering," she said.
Some students will eat out more or consume more alcohol which can be a major source of calories, Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
Friends have changed and classes can be mentally exhausting, she said, so students should be aware of changes in their activity levels and diet.
Fitch-Hilgenburg recommended preparing for a lifestyle change before too much time has gone by. Step on the scale before 15 or even 10 pounds have been added, she said.
"Know when it's the third bag of peanut M&M's," Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
Missing dining hall hours might require a trip to vending machines that don't have a store of foods without empty calories, Fitch-Hilgenberg said. But oatmeal, soup and other foods can be purchased in individual servings. These convenience foods are generally more expensive than foods that take longer to prepare, she said.
Cooking in the residence halls and having everyone bring a few ingredients is a good way to keep costs down, she said. Shop for items such as fresh vegetables with friends and share them to reduce costs and avoid eating the same food for a month, Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
Have things such as yogurt and string cheese that can be picked up and thrown in a bag without being squished. Keeping a stash of healthier snacks can prevent a trip to Wendy's or Taco Bell to fix the midnight munchies, Fitch-Hilgenberg said.
When making the trip to RZ's Coffee House or Arasaga's, order a coffee or tea, because both drinks have virtually no calories before adding milk, sugar or cream, she said. When ordering a mocha or latte, opt for using low-fat milk to take in some protein without as many calories or fat.
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