Avoiding Weight Gain In College

Saturday, March 1, 2008

COLLEGE, LIFE Avoiding Weight Gain In College (NAPSA)—Thefreshman 15— the term used for those extra pounds students tend to pack on during their first year in college—is actually about five to seven pounds, according to the most comprehensive studyofits kind by Brown University Medical School. But the study shows sophomores weighed an average of nine pounds more than whenthey started college. Researchers say possible explanations for the weight gain include more drinking, more socializing that involves eating, high-fat foods in dorm cafeterias and less physical activity. “The freedom associated with kids goingoff to college can bring about bad habits,” says Sunbelt Registered Dietitian, Dr. Joanne V. Lichten, Ph.D., and author of “Dr. Jo’s No Big Deal Diet.” “Moderation, discipline and a balanced lifestyle are the keys to a healthy college career.” Lichten offers the followingtips: Maketimefor exercise. Walk or bike to class—just don’t settle into a sedentarylifestyle. * Don’t skip meals—it leads to overeating at the next meal. It’s easier to keep a healthier weight with more meals, notless. Watch portion sizes—just because the cafeteria is all-you-caneat doesn’t mean you should eatall you can. Get adequate sleep—newresearch shows that sleep deprivation leads to weight gain. Keep healthy grab-and-go snacks on hand, like fresh fruit, Keep healthy grab-and-go snacks on hand, like fresh fruit, peanut butter and crackers, and breakfast and granola bars. peanut butter and crackers, breakfast bars and granola bars. Sunbelt Oats & Honey Chewy Granola Bars are individually wrapped for freshness and portion management and are oneof several Sunbelt products to receive the Whole Grains Council (WGC) basic stamp. Each granola bar has half a serving (eight grams) of whole grains and just 130 calories. The suggested retail price: $1.99 for a box of eight bars. That’s the lowest of the major brands. Why are whole grains important? According to the WGC, the benefits include reduced risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as better weight maintenance. While you receive the greatest health benefit if you eat at least three servings of whole grains daily, some studies show reduced health risks from aslittle as one serving daily. “Every whole grain in yourdiet helps,” says Lichten. For more tips visit Sunbelt Snacks.com.

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