Saturday, October 22, 2011

Weight Loss College Students

Weight Loss For College Students

Here's how you can lose weight.

Weight loss for college students can be tough. If you're a busy student but you want to shed a few pounds rather than gaining the "freshman 15" that most of your peers will, here are some tips to get you on the right track.

1. Tailor your weight loss to your schedule.

Succeeding with weight loss in college is highly dependent on how well you make your diet plan fit your schedule. Since successful weight loss requires exercise as well, you'll need to factor gym visits into your plan.

Make sure that your diet is not too strenuous to make you suffer with classes. If you're struggling to get your studies done, and add in gym workouts on top of that, it's going to be really hard to stick to your weight loss goals.

Instead make your weight loss work for your schedule. Start small: 1-2 days per week of going to the gym, or if you prefer, going to the trail to work out.

2. Don't try to lose weight by starvation.

Starving yourself in college is not a good idea. You're going to be under the strain of simply getting your schoolwork done, doing well in all your classes, and of course the pressures of college like friends, relationships, fun, etc.

This all requires energy - and food is energy! Don't try to starve yourself on 500 calories per day. Eat at least 1200-1500 for a small woman (between 5'2 and 5'5) or more if you're taller.

If you have a doctor, check in with him or her to ask how your best weight loss plan would be met.

3. Increase exercise before changing your diet.

Weight loss for college students is best done by increasing exercise before trying to cut back on all your favorite foods. Exercise is actually kind of a magic pill for weight loss (only, of course, it's tough work!). It curbs your appetite as long as you don't do too much cardio every day of the week.

Try to start a cardio training plan that is balanced by strength training and "fun" workout days. If you play a sport or have a specific athletic interest, try getting involved in a local campus group to make friends and stick to your weight loss goals. Having others to motivate you is a surefire way to increase odds of success at losing weight while in college.

Ultimately, losing weight as a college student is a great goal to have. Try to avoid parties and binge-drinking nights where you'll be tempted to fall off the wagon, and limit the time you spend with friends who don't support your weight loss. Hang out with healthy people who are also fit and strong and encouraging of your goals.

This will actually help you in all facets of your life.

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