Combating the Freshman Fifteen

The myth of the “freshman fifteen” hovers in the minds of many teenagers before they head off to their first year of college. Being on their own for the first time with the temptations of junk food and the stress of university can mean the fear of weight gain becomes a reality. Students generally only gain an average of five pounds, but the idea that such gain is inevitable can make the myth a self fulfilling prophesy.

To help avoid the skipped meals, stress eating and junk binges that can characterize a teenagers first foray into freedom, check out Dr. Susan Albers list of summer reads for college kids on Huffington Post. Faced with a new environment, it is especially important that students leave for college armed with information about how to eat healthy balanced meals. Help your kids start the year off right and teach them how to make smart choices after they leave the nest.  

Photo by Goins of Flickr.