Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

A topic that is often discussed when kids begin college is the “Freshman 15”. This term is used to describe to the sudden gain in weight that many students experience when they first enter college. Beginning college is an exciting, but also somewhat stressful time in a teenager’s life. Students have to deal with adjusting to a whole new lifestyle while also remembering to take care of themselves. Many college freshman struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, and this, along with a lack of exercise, is the cause for the dreaded Freshman 15. So, what causes the Freshman 15, and why does it occur when kids start college?

One study, conducted by researchers at Oregon State University, examined the eating habits of 582 students in college. The overwhelming majority of these students were freshman. The results of the study showed that most college students are not including enough fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. The study also compared the average intake of fruits and vegetables of males versus females. The study found that males, on average, eat about one more serving of fruit each week than females. An interesting observation noted by the researchers discussed the possibilities for the drop in the intake of fruits and vegetables. It was found that students are more likely to skip meals in college than they were before, while still living at home. Students in college are much less likely to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The researchers were able to conclude that skipping meals is likely to contribute to students eating less fruits and veggies, since students are eating a smaller number of meals overall.

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However, skipping out on fruit and vegetables is not the only cause of the weight gain that many students experience when the go off to college. The study conducted also found that students were getting far more than 30% of their calories from fat. The American Dietetic Association recommends that no more than 30% of daily calories are from fat. In college, students are likely to eat whatever is convenient for them. It is usually more convenient to run to the dining hall for a slice of pizza than it is to prepare a meal with the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. So for college kids, a combination of not enough fruit and too much junk food leads to substantial weight gain in a short period of time.

Furthermore, a study done by researchers at the Manheim Institute of Public Health found that there is a significant decrease in students’ exercise habits from the time that they finish high school to the time when they begin. The largest decrease in exercise is likely to occur during a the first through third semesters of college, as opposed to the later semesters of college. The first semester of college is the time when a student is experiencing lots of adjustment, and he or she is likely not to make exercise a top priority.
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Now, like all hypotheses, it it true that this could all just be due to chance. But time and time again, college freshman have experienced a significant weight gain after their first few months in college. Speaking from personal experience, I can relate to the struggles that students face when adjusting to college. It is often difficult to balance schoolwork, a social life, exercise, and healthy eating all at once, especially since it is my first time living away from home. However, it’s important to take care of yourself first, and then worry about everything else. Eating properly and getting enough exercise are important factors of becoming a successful college student.

 

3 thoughts on “Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

  1. Jackson Grey Hope

    In my past, I have never been a fruit and veggies guy. I was not even regularly eating them at home, let alone at college where they are even more scarce then they were back home. I have always been asked by my doctors and parents how often I am eating my fruits and veggies and I usually make up a lie telling them I eat them everyday. After reading this article I realize that I have to change my habits. From now on, I am going to start trying to include fruits with my breakfast and veggies with dinner. Adjusting to the college diet has been tough, and as you said, it is easier to go grab something fast, which is dangerous. There are also confounding variables to this study. For example, someone who exercises regularly may not have to eat as many fruits and vegetables. Also, it has also been found that fruits can sometimes be harmful as well due to the natural sweeteners they contain. However, fruits and veggies ultimately are important to have in your diet. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber and vitamins that are crucial to a stronger healthier body. Here is an article implementing the necessities of having fruits and vegetables in your diet.
    http://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/All-Star-Foods/Fruits.aspx

  2. John Carney

    Whats up Madeline. I found this blog interesting and perfect for me because my healthy habits have slipped severely in college trying to balance all those things you mentioned including: school work, healthy habits, exercising, pledging and sleep. I rarely eat fruits or vegetables anymore like i used to at home. I used to make protein smoothies with fruit and vegetables everyday and would also always eat fruits and vegetables for dinner in which my mother would prepare. Here at Penn State the food options for the most part are pretty unhealthy and i end up skipping breakfast and getting as much sleep as i can in the morning to catch up on the sleep i lost from the night before. My habits have been destroyed but I’m looking forward to getting back on track after being initiating and having a lot more time to workout and get back to my normal eating routine. Overall, very interesting and entertaining blog.

  3. Alexis Paige

    In your article you mentioned that the study conducted was mostly comprised of freshman students. Wouldn’t it be a reach to apply the information from just college freshman to college students as a whole? As you were saying, there are different experience that each grade goes through with freshman year being the most stressful.

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