Rigors of a heavy academic load, a new social life — and a meal plan full of healthy and not-so-healthy foods — confront the hundreds of freshmen headed for the University of Oregon this fall.
Mix that with the adjustment to new surroundings and new pressures, and it’s easy to see why gaining weight for first-year students is so common.
Maintaining a healthy weight, however, is possible, if you know what to look for when choosing foods and if you take advantage of the University and city of Eugene’s recreation opportunities.
The causes of the so-called “freshman 15” are simple: lack of exercise, eating late at night, eating unhealthy cafeteria food and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Most college students have very busy schedules, which makes avoiding these unhealthy tendencies difficult. Managing weight involves planning meals and exercising regularly.
While in the school cafeterias, choose foods wisely. Foods that are low in fat and high in fiber are best for a healthy diet.
A chicken wrap from the Grab ‘N’ Go Marketplace, for example, is a great example of a meal that is both filling and beneficial to your body. When at other dormitory food venues, such as Dux Bistro, Barnhart Dining and Carson Dining, which have a large variety of cuisine to choose from, try to base your diet on lean proteins such as chicken breast and beans, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and limit soda, candy and desserts.
Additionally, stock your dorm room with healthy snacks, such as fruit, string cheese, yogurt and lots of water to give your body a nourishing boost in between meals.
Outside of campus, avoid eating fast food (yes — even pizza). Eugene has an abundance of organic and natural health food restaurants and grocery stores.
Sweet Basil Express, a Thai restaurant two blocks from campus, uses fresh ingredients such as turmeric and galangal that have immune-boosting power and can be used in nonfattening dishes that are delicious.
If you prefer to make your own healthy meals, Market of Choice is only a five-minute walk from the dorms and has a variety of health-conscious products at affordable prices.
In addition to eating properly, exercise is a crucial part of any weightmaintenance program. And fortunately, both the University and the city of Eugene provide activities and provisions to help make maintaining a realistic weight easier.
Each year, the University curriculum contains more than 180 physical education courses that can help make exercise cultivating and entertaining.
Furthermore, each student enrolled in school courses has access to the on-campus Student Recreation and Fitness Center, which has excellent facilities, including three basketball courts, a track, a weight room and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
For those who enjoy exercising through competition, intramural sports are a great way to stay fit while having fun.
As a League of American Bicyclists gold-level bicycle-friendly community and being recognized nationally as “Track Town USA,” Eugene is noted for its recreational opportunities.
One can cycle along rivers and hills on paved paths or mountain bike trails stretching from campus to the city scenery. If you’re up for the challenge, hike the Spencer Butte Trail, which offers a majestic view of Eugene and the Willamette River. In between class, take a run on Pre’s Trail, a four-mile-long running and walking trail named after heralded track star Steve Prefontaine.
Eugene always has an outdoor activity to offer, so take advantage of its exercise-friendly amenities and facilities.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, don’t let your emotions control your eating habits.
The first semester of college is a transitional period for college freshmen, where they break apart from the rules and regulations of their parents to define themselves as young adults. This process usually involves an array of emotional activity.
Food isn’t the answer to stress, loneliness, boredom or fatigue. Find a non-food way to solve these issues, such as calling a friend to talk when you’re lonely, exercising during your boredom-prone time of day or taking a nap when you’re tired.
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