2008 Woodie Awards
Doctor gives tips to avoid weight gain
Hickory Hendrickson
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: News
Experts agree, Mom was right. According to Dr. Carol Forman Helerstein, a clinical nutritionist for Chefs Diet meal delivery service, getting enough sleep and drinking alcohol only in moderation are two great ways to avoid the dreaded "Freshman 15."
"I sent two kids off to college and have one more who will hopefully go when he graduates," said Jenny Mulkey, a stay-at-home mom with four children. "I always tell them to get plenty of sleep and eat breakfast every day."
According to Helerstein, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
"Breakfast will let your brain and body know it's time to wake up, and you will also be less likely to snack during the day," said Helerstein in a list of tips for college students released by her public relations department.
Helerstein suggests using water as a weapon in combating the weight gain common during the first few months of college.
"Carry a water bottle with you around campus and during classes," Helerstein said.
"Instead of drinking soda or other sugary beverages, fill up your water bottle at dining halls or water fountains. Not only will you save money, but you will also stay healthier."
Late-night munchies are a leading contributer to weight gain, according to Helerstein, and should be avoided if at all possible.
If late-night snacks cannot be avoided, Helerstein suggests keeping a supply of pretzels, low-fat popcorn or fruits and vegetables on hand to make midnight snacks less fattening.
Another important part of Helerstein's plan is making sure to eat three meals and two snacks each day.
"A college student's schedule can be hectic, but make sure to fit in time for three meals and two snacks," Helerstein said.
"If you don't have time to sit and eat a whole meal, at least bring something with you or pack a healthy snack to eat in class."
According to Helerstein, things to bypass include vending machines, caffeine and seconds in the dining hall.
Kay Detrixhe, a licensed dietician, agreed with Helerstein's advice.
"By just drinking water instead of sodas, you can keep off lots of extra weight," she said.
Detrixhe said she thinks fast food is a big contributer to the "Freshman 15."
She said college students commonly gain weight during their freshman year "because they eat junk like fast-food cheeseburgers and deep-fried burritos for every meal."
"I sent two kids off to college and have one more who will hopefully go when he graduates," said Jenny Mulkey, a stay-at-home mom with four children. "I always tell them to get plenty of sleep and eat breakfast every day."
According to Helerstein, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
"Breakfast will let your brain and body know it's time to wake up, and you will also be less likely to snack during the day," said Helerstein in a list of tips for college students released by her public relations department.
Helerstein suggests using water as a weapon in combating the weight gain common during the first few months of college.
"Carry a water bottle with you around campus and during classes," Helerstein said.
"Instead of drinking soda or other sugary beverages, fill up your water bottle at dining halls or water fountains. Not only will you save money, but you will also stay healthier."
Late-night munchies are a leading contributer to weight gain, according to Helerstein, and should be avoided if at all possible.
If late-night snacks cannot be avoided, Helerstein suggests keeping a supply of pretzels, low-fat popcorn or fruits and vegetables on hand to make midnight snacks less fattening.
Another important part of Helerstein's plan is making sure to eat three meals and two snacks each day.
"A college student's schedule can be hectic, but make sure to fit in time for three meals and two snacks," Helerstein said.
"If you don't have time to sit and eat a whole meal, at least bring something with you or pack a healthy snack to eat in class."
According to Helerstein, things to bypass include vending machines, caffeine and seconds in the dining hall.
Kay Detrixhe, a licensed dietician, agreed with Helerstein's advice.
"By just drinking water instead of sodas, you can keep off lots of extra weight," she said.
Detrixhe said she thinks fast food is a big contributer to the "Freshman 15."
She said college students commonly gain weight during their freshman year "because they eat junk like fast-food cheeseburgers and deep-fried burritos for every meal."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
lesa dipomazio
posted 1/28/08 @ 1:13 PM CST
Great story, i enjoy reading Hickory's articles
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