College Undergrad problem

Hey guys,

       &nb sp;           I am new to CC, and I am already in love with it :) . Anyways, I looked at all different types of diets in this forum. I am a under graduate student, I live in a hostel, and the college has a compulsory mess rule. So its difficult for me to change my diet :(, and usually the food is a bit oily and spicy ( which i like :P ). Keeping in mind that i cannot change my diet, what should be my focus as a beginner to loose weight ?

Portion control, healthy snacks, and exercise.

I agree with cosmographer. Try to eat reasonable portions at dinner, exercise more and when you're responsible for your own food (ie snacks, desserts, weekends) choose wisely:) I'm also an undergrad right now, and sometimes I bring my own veggies to dinner (weird, but possible) or steam/boil veggies back in my room.

I'm also a college student with a required meal plan so I understand your predicament. Much like the other two have suggested, its much a balancing act between portion control/eating as healthily as possible and excercise. I don't know if you have a salad bar or deli meat available besides the hot line, but if you do- its your best bet for cutting calories. Avoid sauces or the typical college french fries/pizza line. Avoiding the dessert line entirely also helps. I found a cup of hot chocolate or tea is an excellent way to curb a cookie craving. Hope this helps and good luck! :)

I totally agree with what cosmographer says. 

Also, try keeping some healthy snacks in your room so that you're not famished when you go for dinner.  Fruit like apples and oranges keep decently well even if you don't have a fridge in your room.  (Just make sure you don't forget about them!  :-))  Granola bars are a decent option (if a little sugary); look for ones that are higher in protein and fibre.  And whole grain cereals make for great snacks too.  Nuts and dried fruits are also good options as long as you keep the portions small.  If you have a kettle, that opens up the possibility of instant oatmeal or soups.

Oh.  And try to cut down on how many calories you drink - no more than 1 serving of fruit juice a day and try to cut out the "fruit drinks" and/or soft drinks.

I would start with something as simple and approachable as including more water in your day. Carry around a water bottle, refill it at the water fountains, keep a glass by your desk/in front of the tv. See what that does to help with the portions you find yourself eating at your delicious meals. You deserve to enjoy the food! Once you start seeing results, I think you may gain the motivation to take even more small steps toward healthier living and thus lose more weight!

Thanks a lot for the replies guys !

I agree with what everyone said to.  I would start with focusing on water.  I know there are studies now that show that the original study that said to drink 64oz of water a day was misinterpreted, but I know for me on the days that I drink water and lots of it, I eat less.  So start with water.

Second I'd increase activity.  Since you can't totally control your food, you can eat more calories by doing more exercise.  Not enough, and not a ton, but it's a good start and it'll give you some buffer room.

Third like everyone else, portion control.  If you are drinking water you probably won't be as hungry.  Yay!  So eat a lot less.

I would ask at the mess hall too if they have any healthier options.  If you are going to college and paying for this stuff, well...you are the customer.  You have a right to ask for healthier options or at least get some info on what is in the food you are eating.  If you are polite about it you might find that people are willing to help you out, maybe offering steamed veggies and rice as side dishes for you or having a low fat salad dressing.  If you get chicken, take the skin off.  If there is raw fruit or veggies, take some with you for the road.  If not, ask for it.

Good luck, eating well in college can be hard but it can be done!