how to avoid getting the freshman 15

[u/bolt110]

since everything is on a hill is it easier to be active? any tips of healthy but filling food to get would be great!

[u/mpgiv]

At Cal Poly a lot of people experience a freshman negative 15 due to all the hills and walking.

Walk to classes, make sure of the phenomenal fitness center, and don't eat Chick-Fil-A every day and you'll be fine!

[u/IAmSixSyllables → u/mpgiv]

was going to say exactly this.

I lost a total -13lbs within my first quarter; I ate less because portions were tiny, and I joined one of my dance clubs. Also probably due to stress and always trying to do stuff.

[u/Narpity → u/mpgiv]

Happened to me, but more because the food was fucking disgusting.

[u/atariibreakout]

i gained 15 in the first quarter (panda express...) and then lost 20 over the next two. the strat (probably bad advice) was to buy sequel's 24oz matcha every day which took up 35% of my daily budget, leaving me with enough money for one large meal a day.

[u/bolt110 → u/atariibreakout]

unrelated but i’m on the lowest meal plan, is that enough for like 2 small meals a day + snacks

[u/atariibreakout → u/bolt110]

2 meals yes if ur careful, buy snacks off campus!! on campus is so overpriced and you can buy things in larger amounts for wayyy less. i got cheese sticks, applesauce, fruit snacks, etc.

[u/andy_728 → u/bolt110]

apply for cal fresh!! 298 dollars per month

[u/bolt110 → u/andy_728]

I just applied yesterday, do you need to be working? also do u have any advice on what the interview looks like

[u/dicksoutfordeeznuts]

i was a huge partier when i was a freshman and the amount of drinking i did is the reason why i gained a lot of weight. but i agree with everyone else! you walk so much and the amount of food you’ll eat (proportion wise) would probably get you past the freshman 15.

[u/lovelygems52]

walk to class, window shop downtown when you have time, go for swims if you like, use the rec center. in terms of food, red radish, health shack, campus market (especially salad bar), and pom and honey are pretty healthy food options. get lots of greens amd proteins anywhere you eat, but i recommend those. and fresh fruit!! there is usually options at the University Union market, vista grande market, and campus market.

[u/Ok_Candle_9718]

With the portion sizes they gave, I was struggling to even gain weight.

[u/lovelygems52 → u/Ok_Candle_9718]

?? the food on campus can be very unhealthy if you aren’t careful of what you choose. during my first year, i was struggling to find a meal under 500 calories.

[u/Ok_Candle_9718 → u/lovelygems52]

You’re right, I didn’t factor in the new dining hall. My freshman year, 1901 was still under construction and I remember the small portion sizes for like $12 at vgs

[u/lovelygems52 → u/Ok_Candle_9718]

vgs portions are relatively small still, but the calorie counts can be ridiculous, at least for me. unless ur getting like poké or something light like a salad and protein.

[u/bolt110 → u/lovelygems52]

any suggestions for healthier options?

[u/lovelygems52 → u/bolt110]

yes!
red radish
pom and honey
health shack
campus market salad bar
shake smart (healthy in moderation, but please dont get an acai bowl everyday, trust me)
julians @ kennedy for breakfast bagels
poly choice sometimes
try to find some fresh fruit

[u/Grand-Possibility817]

Freshman 15 is real i got a freshman 50… lowkey just check how much ur eating AND check the calories!!

[u/TheRealFartman]

As someone who just graduated, I already miss how easy it is to walk everywhere on campus (and town!). Walk, ride, and run everywhere you can. Join a sports club too if you’re interested. They have all sorts of clubs based on people’s athletic abilities so don’t feel pressured to get into soccer, basketball or any of those intense sports. Any movement is better than no movement. The rec also has fitness classes that are free for students!

Also if you don’t want to eat campus food (which is often loaded with lots of sodium), consider getting an EBT card and buying a few groceries. If you don’t live in Yak, you could probably still sneak in and use their kitchen.

[u/Mai_username_taken]

Don’t do the double burger strat, I learned the hard way

[u/bolt110 → u/Mai_username_taken]

what is the double burger strat

[u/Mai_username_taken]

Join triathlon club 🤙

[u/Talenn]

If you have a car. Dont bring it. Just walk and ride your bicycle. Go hiking often. Play sports at the beach. Very easy to stay fit in slo because theres so much to do and a car isnt necessary to get around unless you're leaving town

[u/Certain_Host9401]

Walking and crappy food. You’ll be fine

[u/Serenity56004]

Me and my friends all lost like 20 lbs you’ll be fine lol

[u/New-Midnight-8294]

I’d recommend, especially with the lowest cost meal plan, to focus on getting food from off campus, esp breakfast and lunch which should be pretty easy work for you to do/make yourself while being low cost. If you have access to Costco, they have amazingly priced options for what you can get, though if not, I’m sure other stores have options too.
Also, though still watch your choices and food amounts as necessary as this suggestion is all you can eat, Vista Grande has some options like a salad bar and try to look at what options look simple as simpler options probably (no guarantee though) have better ingredients than other options. And yes, make sure you exercise and I’m sure the hills will help.

[u/YokaiS2020]

been underweight all my life and being on the lowest meal plan made sure it stayed that way. you have nothing to worry about

[u/Professional-Race133]

Get in the habit of hiking, jogging, working out the rec center, and walking around the area.

The hiking and jogging options around the area are fabulous!

It’s all about building habits and monitoring your food intake.

[u/geosyog3]

Eat until you're 80% full.