Healthy food choices in a college cafeteria?

Dear Anon--

Here's the good news: Just the same amount of students who gain 15 pounds on their first year of college, lose 15lbs! So you've got a 50/50 chance of getting to your goal.

Like you I was determined to, at the very least, not gain 15lbs or more on my first year of college. For the most part, I tried to carry my lunch with me. A turkey sandwich with a side of grapes (or carrots) and either juice or water is a sample of something I would eat. If there were days when I couldn't take lunch with me I opted for a healthier alternative in the food atrium-- a salad, chicken, veggie salad, etc.

In college, it's hard not to fall into the pizza, burgers and fries habit because everyone around you is eating it. But I think if you are determined you can do it. Especially for you who loves fruits and veggies which make a great snack-- and I highly, highly recommend it. By the time you get to lunch you won't feel that same famished feeling as you would if you had no breakfast or mid morning snack.

One last pointer-- if you have friends that are taking some of the same classes as you, make it a group effort and you'll be 10 times more successful. Don't forget to take advantage of your school's gym and work out after class !