Why I Really Gained The 'Freshman 15'

The other day, I met with an 18-year-old woman. Her mom sent her to me, hoping to instill some healthy habits before she heads off to college in the fall. At first, I was reluctant, because I usually work with busy, stressed adults who come to me of their own volition and are self-motivated to make life changes. I was skeptical, but since I too have a daughter heading to college, I clearly understood the issues and decided to try it. My new client was adorable and friendly, and I instantly became enthusiastic about helping her navigate the unchartered and unhealthy waters of college life. We started by discussing the food piece. She set goals around avoiding too many late-night Domino's pizza-fests with friends and finding ways to add in some vegetables other than french fries. We talked about alcohol and the temptation to party every night, and how that would affect just about everything, including her much-needed sleep. We talked about exercise and stress. We even practiced some one-minute breathing techniques that she could start using immediately to stay calm and focused. She said she was afraid of gaining the infamous "Freshman 15." I assured her that being mindful of all the things we talked about would set her up for success. I gave her a hug and sent her off with a list of goals and healthy snacks. After the session, I started thinking about my own freshman year and my own "Freshman 15," which was actually 20 lbs. and was gained entirely within the first two ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news