As students enter their freshman year of college, they are expected to adapt to new study habits, living quarters and the idea of independence. However, students often forget one of the most important changes that come with college—changing bodies. Everyone knows about the “Freshman 15” but few know how to combat it, the other body changes and the stresses that come with it once they enter college. Additionally, it can be hard to remember to make those dermatologist appointments or schedule that gym workout without mom and dad there to keep students in check.

Goddard nutritionist and OU Health Services dietician Dr. Patti Landers says that it is especially important for students to make good choices about what they eat and drink if they want to avoid the “Freshman 15” and keep the rest of their bodies in check.

“Students need to consider portion sizes and select meals that are low in fat and contain adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products,” Landers says. “Our bodies are like a checkbook. We must balance the amount we eat (deposits) with what we spend (energy for exercise and daily living).”

Like Landers, Heather Hoffhines, a nutrition adjunct professor at OU and a dietician at OU Health Sciences Center, says that fruit and vegetables are a must as they help control hunger and keep unwise convenient options at bay. Hoffhines says that college students also need to avoid consuming too much alcohol if they want to avoid excess weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Instead, she says to drink a lot of water.

“Staying hydrated is one of the most important things for your skin,” she says. “But students can’t forget that they must eat right and stay healthy beyond their college years as well.”

Students must also remember that nutrition is only one part of staying healthy.

As the assistant director for recreational services at Huston Huffman Center, Malinda Williams knows that students must incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

“Research shows that exercise has many benefits in addition to the physical,” Williams says. “It is great for stress reduction, improving self-esteem, reducing symptoms of depression and helping students stay focused when studying.”

Luckily, the Huff (Huston Huffman Center) offers a wide range of exercise activities for students to participate in, such as: weight and cardio rooms, a rock wall, a track and numerous sports courts. These activities are available to all students and are included in tuition fees.

Williams says that for an additional price, students can take group fitness classes, receive massage therapy and participate in other services.

Both nutrition and exercise are important components of staying healthy, however students must also remember to take care of their bodies and to schedule and attend yearly check-ups with their physicians, bi-yearly check-ups with dentists and other appointments as needed to keep their bodies in good shape.