The Sandspur

Issue date: 9/11/06 Section: Life & Times

Media Credit: Nicholas Horton DINING OUT: The new Cornell Cafe has a great selection of sandwiches, wraps, and healthy salads.

Remember that scene in the college comedy "Animal House" in 1978, where John Belushi stacks up his cafeteria tray insanely high and manages to stuff an entire sandwich in his mouth in one single bite? This is classic example of how many fall for the temptations of eating more than usual, simply because it is already cooked, prepared and ready for our consumption at almost any given moment in the day and late hours into the night.

Between the Grille, C-Store, Dianne's Café, Skillman Marketplace, numerous Park Avenue restaurants and Domino's just a phone call away, it is no wonder the Freshman 15 can often become the Freshman 30 on our college campus. Incoming freshman, do not freak out yet because I am here to help you and as for all of you that have already reached the freshman 15 and then some, it is not too late for you.

I have five simple steps for all of you to follow in order to remain healthy, slender, and keeping off that extra college weight.


1. Do not skip breakfast. College students are notorious for hitting the snooze button before class and failing to start the day with a healthy breakfast. In doing so, most eat far too much during lunch and are more likely to have food cravings and late night snacking during the day.

2. Do not forget to exercise. Rollins college has a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, lake/boathouse and plenty of safe places to have a brisk walk or jog right on campus. Our campus has a wide array of varsity sports, intramural, along with fitness classes. To check out what Rollins has to offer go to http://www.rollins.edu/athletics/.

3. Try to avoid the pizza cravings. In college many become so busy that having the option of a hot meal at one's doorstep can seem very appealing. There is nothing wrong with having the occasional slices of pizza, but when you are beginning to notice that Domino's is on your speed-dial and the delivery guy knows you by first name - then it is time to kick the habit and limit how often you order it.

4. Alcohol...need I say more? College is a time for not only temptation with cuisine, but the many nightly gatherings, parties and social events that may include many alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic and alcoholic beverages contain many hidden calories (80-150 per drink) that tend to be stored as pure body fat. Just limit your intake, be safe when doing so, and remember that every time you drink another beer you are only adding to the keg that is growing around your stomach.

5. Avoid late night snacking while studying. Vending machines, sodas, and greasy fries and burgers served late at night the Grille are just a few of the many dangers that the typical Rollins student can get trapped into eating. If you know you are going to be up later studying try to pick up some healthier options over at the C-Store or off campus grocery stores (such as Whole Foods which is right off Aloma). Try getting veggies, fruits or low fat pop corn to help fill you up when your feeling a study snack craving coming on and avoid dialing Domino's for a late night pizza at all costs!


Avoiding the freshman 15 is as simple as those five easy steps and the sooner you make it a way of life, the easier it will be to keep off the extra college pounds. Good luck and Bon Appetit!

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools