Fight the Freshman By Traci A. Watkins
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 How to avoid the first-year fat attack? Here, advice from a pro: Traci Watkins, now a sophomore at Westminster College, in Pennsylvania, who survived freshman year without putting on a pound
Attention all incoming college freshmen - this is your first test: You 've just finished a history paper that you 've been slaving over for the last five hours. Your eyes ache and you never want to see a typewriter again.
What do you do next?
A Turn on the TV or radio and relax.
B Go to the gym and take your frustrations out on the racquetball court.
C Order a jumbo pizza and dive in.
Anyone who answered C (or even thought it, but was too embarrassed to circle it) is a potential victim of the "freshman fifteen" syndrome, where students gain about fifteen pounds during their first year of college. But don't worry -there are ways to prevent this from happening to you.
EAT THREE MEALS A DAY
Eating three times a day (without snacking in between) is one of the best ways to monitor your diet.
Don't think you'll lose weight if you skip a meal -you'Il just end up snacking on junk food in your room. Eating three square meals wiII also give you the energy to make it through a day of classes.
SKIP DESSERTS
You'll find a tempting row of cakes, cookies, ice cream, and other high-calorie confections in the cafeteria.
It's okay to indulge once in a while (like after you've aced an exam), but try to stick with fruit. You'll be proud of your willpower.
KEEP JUNK FOOD OUT OF YOUR ROOM
When you're studying in the dorm, you'Il often feel like having a snack -usually whatever's in your room. Skip the Twinkies (they'll keep for a long time-like into the next century) and have some healthy treats, like carrot sticks, apples, celery stalks, or crackers.
FIND A HOBBY
While studying takes up a lot of your time, it doesn't take up all of it.
You'll occasionally find time on your hands with nothing to do. Some of us with weaker wilIs take that opportunity to eat.
Don't do it. Instead, read a book, write some letters, even paint your nails.
EXERCISE
Regular workouts do wonders for your body. They bum off calories, fat, and stress -and can be a lot of fun, too!
Exercise doesn't have to be just push-ups and sit-ups. You can play volleybaIl, racquetball, or baseball or do aerobics. Swimming is the best choice since it makes you put on a bathing suit- and if that doesn't force you to exercise, nothing will!
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Mom and Dad are no longer around to say, "No more Cheetos -you'll spoil your dinner." Now it's up to you. And if staying in shape and keeping your weight at a healthy level are important to you, then it's your responsibility to do something about it.
WHY IT'S WORTH IT
If you take care of yourself, you'Il look as good as you do now when you go home for vacation. Think how great you'II feel when you find you can stilI fit into last year's bikini.
NOW HERE'S YOUR FINAL EXAM
You've just finished a history paper that you've been slaving over for the last five hours. Your eyes ache and you never want to see a library or a typewriter again.
What do you do next?
Source: Seventeen Magazine
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