freshmen 15 plus some

[caralinenelson]

I'm a college sophmore and I put on about 20+ lbs.  My freshman year so this year I decided to drink only water, to track what I consume, and to cut snacks that are bagged or boxed and to watch portion sizes. Since I don't typically by my own food and since I really have little time to increase my physical activity does anyone else have any suggestions advice or words of encouragment?

[Barb135]

Be careful what kind of carbs you cut from your diet, because they aren't all created equal.  There are 2 kinds of carbs.

Simple carbs are those made with refined sugar, white flour, white rice, etc.  These carbs break down and enter the blood stream quickly.  They spike the blood sugar, and if not used for energy, within a short time, they quickly become stored as fat.

Complex carbs are the "good" ones.  These are carbs that take longer to break down, so they keep you feeling fuller longer.  These are found in veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and other legumes, etc.

Agree that you should try to get some exercise each day, because even a little bit helps.

[Jwconforti]

I definitely agree with Caryopteris on this one.  Carbs are a huge culprit for weight gain.  Your plan sounds great as well.  Don't kill yourself over your diet though, college is supposed to be a time of fun.  Just keep making good choices, try to make those good choices 80% of the time, keep the portions reasonable, cut out the sodas, and do small things to add a little more exercise without taking up a lot of time.  Walk around a building before entering, take stairs over an elevator, if you take a bus try getting off at an earlier or later stop and walking the extra distance, etc.  May only be 10-15 minutes of activity in your day but it's an EXTRA 10-15 minutes.  

[Caryopteris]

Beer has a lot of calories, so if you drink a lot, you might want to research lower calorie options.  Your plan sounds good.  May I suggest decreasing carbs and increasing protein and vegetables?  Have eggs in the morning and keep diced vegetables, perhaps sauteed ahead also, to add to scrambled eggs so you get protein and vegetables in the morning.  Walk to whatever classes you can.  Go out dancing and actually dance more, drink less.  Consider doing a vegetarian dinner twice a week.  Avoid fast food and fried food.  Just some ideas.