That's Fit

When I was in college, procrastination was a good friend of mine and it came in the form of three-course meals. Whenever I just didn't feel like hitting the books, I'd hit the kitchen instead. An hour or so later after I had prepared, cooked, and eaten my steak glazed with mango chutney, stuffed baked potato and steamed broccoli I'd plop onto the couch for a short nap. Afterwards I'd toss back a few of those tasty rugala pastry treats. Those were my wonder years and today I sit wondering how I somehow managed not to tack on 35 pounds at the rate I ate (or, should I say, procrastinated)?

My freshman 15 were a healthy 15 and evened much of my body out. Some girls in their first year of college won't have this kind of luck. Surely, most freshman students will be overwhelmed and will probably groan at the mention of another text or book, but ladies hear me out. The St. Paul Pioneer Press has a piece on a new book called "The Dorm Room Diet: The 8-step Program for Creating a Healthy Lifestyle Plan That Really Works," by Daphne Oz, who shares her compelling story and hopes to inspire other young women to get healthy in college.

Daphne, who is entering her junior year at Princeton University, has done the research to write a book that works for you. Her father and grandfather, both cardiac surgeons, and her grandmother, a nutritional advisor, were all consulted and provided her with the direction needed to make a healthy lifestyle plan. According to the article, her book looks to ground readers with solid information about how many calories they should consume and some "tricks" to feel satisfied while keeping calories in tow. That's just a start. For more info, you can read the article by clicking here or head to Amazon.com where the book can be purchased for $11.53.

Though they'll probably never steer clear of Top Ramen and beer, what's your advice to college students to avoid the freshman 15 or just maintain healthy eating habits?