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So, you definitely don't want to make that Freshmen 15 myth a reality, right? Here's the scene: You're off to college, and suddenly the temptations turn on -- this on-your-own living stuff has you picking up Happy Meals whenever you want 'em, participating in 2 a.m. study break munch-fests, and loading up on those mayonnaise-rich salads in the all-you-can-eat campus salad bar.

And then, since you're so busy figuring out geometry proofs, researching Term Papers, and trying to land a date for the campus mixer, you've totally been avoiding the gym. Hey -- any free time you do have, you veg' out surfin' the Net, watching Heroes, or shooting a few hoops with your pals, right?

Don't do it! Think expanding inches, extra pounds, and your favorite jeans tightening around your waist. Sure, you're getting comfortable in that oversized college sweatshirt (and it's oh-so-warm), but what about your concern for good health? You don't want to go home over holiday break and have your high school pals calling you "The Coed Chubster," do you?

Stopping The Scale...

Instead of grabbing for all the fattening foods in the dorm mess hall, opt instead for salads with low-cal dressing, and healthy, protein-rich foods like grilled chicken, fish, and veggie burgers. For quick picking, stack your dorm room shelves with rice cakes, low-fat peanut butter (for energy), and granola bars. Cereals score more than breakfast points-they're always good munchin' options (if you stay away from the "sugar box" ones, most are low in fat). As for fruits and veggies, it's hard to keep 'em alive in your dorm room, but canned fruit cocktail can be fun (add some low-fat Cool Whip!); bananas last quite awhile, too.

Once you've got your menu in order, get ready to take it a step further -- literally! Set your mind to not only control your cravings but exercise your body, too! You don't necessarily have to do the traditional "Jane-Fonda-leg-warmer-aerobic-tape work-outs," or be a star quarterback on the football team to get and stay in shape. Get active in a sport you enjoy -- be it bowling, track, crew, even rollerblading. Pumping up your heart rate for at least 20 consecutive minutes a day, four days a week, can have optimal effects on your exercise escape from extra poundage.

Burn the Bulge...

• Take the stairs to your classroom on the seventh floor. Why cram into a packed elevator when you can squeeze in some exercise instead?




• Your head is filled with French verb conjugations, worries of that 10-page paper you haven't done yet, and you miss your high school flame. Can't concentrate? If it's a beautiful day, take a stroll around the campus quad. You'll clear your head, stretch your legs, and burn off lunch, too.




• Join a team. Need a new way to make some friends? Even if you weren't a top-notch athlete in high school, there's tons more opportunities at college to become sporty. Choose from softball, gymnastics, diving, basketball, soccer, hockey, and more!




• Hang with kids. Looking to rack up some community service points? Get involved with children's after-school programs and sports camps. You can serve your college 'hood as a coach and score yourself some getting-in-shape points, too.

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Gina LaGuardia is the Editor-in-Chief of The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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