Have you ever heard anyone say, after their first year of university, that it looks like the “freshman 15” got them?
Are you going into your first year of law school and worried about gaining 15 pounds from sitting in class all day, and additionally, reading for hours in the library?
Well, look no further than my top ten tips to get you through your freshman year of law school without the extra 15 pounds!
1. Take breaks during your studying to visit CitySport, City’s on-campus sports and fitness centre. A bit of time out for exercise will also help you focus more and relieve any stress. You could also go for a walk or a run along the river and take in the sites of London.
2. Skip the unhealthy snacks when studying – as tempting as it may be to head straight for the chocolate (you may love it, but it does not feel the same way about you ….time to move on and pick up a new love named “carrot”!)
3. As a student, it can be hard to find the time to cook a proper meal. However, ordering a take-away every night is a bad idea! Yes, it might be the quick alternative (especially if you’re busy preparing for a big exam or assignment) but, try to plan ahead. Make all of your meals at the beginning of the week and then put them in the freezer.
4. Try to alternate when you eat carbohydrates, so that you are not eating them everyday. Yes, pasta every night is a great “broke student” diet, but not a great idea unless you are participating in regular exercise!
5. Do not eat too quickly, even if you have limited time in between classes. Yes you might be hungry, but eat slowly and enjoy your food.
6. Make time throughout the day to regularly eat. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism working faster in comparison to eating just three large meals a day.
7. Avoid late-night snacking. You should be sleeping anyways, as a lack of sleep can also play a role in contributing to your future 15-pound friend. Time management with schoolwork is key to ensuring a healthy sleep schedule.
8. Skip the sugary drinks, or at least drink them less often!
9. Join clubs to get you out of the house. It is a great way to meet new people. Even if it is a non-sport related club, it is still getting you off the couch and forcing you to take more steps and move around more than you would have if you did not join.
10. Above all else, don’t stress too much about the ‘freshman 15’. You’re only at university for a short amount of time, and it is supposed to be fun and exciting. If you are happy, healthy and enjoying yourself, does it really matter what number the scale says?
