We’ve all heard of the freshman 15. Heck, most of us have lived it. But the “freshman 15″ doesn’t just make an appearance in our freshman year of college. What about the “9-5 desk job 15″ or the “new boyfriend 15″ or the “it’s winter and I like comfort food 15″. Don’t judge me, you’ve been there.
While only freshman year gets its own “trendy” title, we tend to gain weight when we shift into a new position or situation. Here are some easy and effective tips to avoid weight gain during any shift or change in your life!
Drink lots of water. I know this seems like an obvious one, and one that you are probably sick of hearing, but getting enough water is vital to your health. Not to mention drinking water cuts out extra calories (who wants to drink them? Lets save them up for something yummy!), and will help you identify when you are really hungry because sometimes thirst actually causes us to reach for an unneeded snack!
Eat every 3 hours. Oh, and try to make it healthy! 
But eating every 3 hours will help keep you full, keep your energy going throughout the day, and help you avoid unplanned snacking.
Think before you bite. No seriously though, before you put it in you mouth stop and think “would I normally eat this?”
Plan. And then plan some more. I actually write in my planner what I will be making for dinner (along with my workout schedule, my daily tasks, what I will wear.. just kidding, I don’t write down what I am going to wear. Although that is not a terrible idea..). Planning what you will be eating will help you stay on track and avoid unplanned binges.
Buddy up.Find someone else in the same boat, buddy up, and help each other reach your goals! Maybe you exchange recipes, send supportive emails, go for a walk, or hit the gym together.
What are your best tips for avoiding situational weight gain?
Jennifer is a 27 year old personal trainer living in Connecticut. She is "Coach Jen" at 
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
So true – there are so many possible ways weight can sneak up on you when you’re not paying attention. I try to keep myself aware of what and how much I’m eating by jotting it all down in my online food tracker. I can track trends, avoid overdoing it, and use it to make modifications as needed.
Thetreadmilldiaries´s last [type] ..Thanksgiving Feaster Five K Race
Like you I always have a plan ahead of time. When I know I’m getting into a new job, taking a class, entering into a new relationship or whatever I make sure that I adapt my current plan so it all fits or help the people involved realize I have a plan and how they fit into it making sure to set the right expectations!
In addition to planning ahead (which is HUGE), I like to pack snacks, make extra food to ensure left overs, and not go crazy being super strict.
You can see more here! http://healthybalance-healthylife.com/5-tips-for-a-healthy-lifestyle-made-easy/
The thing that works best for me is the planning part… Schedule my workouts in my planner just like any other appointment. Just like I wouldn’t skip work, I won’t skip my working out either. You have to make it a priority!
Christal Espelage´s last [type] ..New Drink
Twitter: healthymamma
November 27, 2010 at 4:34 pm
You forgot the ” I’ve recently become obsessed with food blogs 15″!
Thanks for this reminder, especially right now during the holidays!
Hmmmm, my ‘trick’ would be drinking lots of water like you mentioned and getting outside doing things you love. Also, NOT buying junk food/processed foods in the first place. When I’m at work, I brush my teeth after lunch so I won’t want all the treats that are put out!
Gwen~healthymamma´s last [type] ..Fight the Holiday Fat Delicious Snacks and Light Meals! All about Beets
Twitter: lisaeirene
November 27, 2010 at 8:05 pm
My tip is to continue exercising. I know myself and I know I’ll eat things I “shouldn’t” on occasion but if I maintain my exercise program it helps me from gaining.
Just to keep moving!! Even little things, like tidying the house and such can help. Of course, keeping the treats out of the house in the first place helps as well.
Twitter: nicoleculver
November 28, 2010 at 9:27 am
I’ve defintly falling into many of those “15s”. Its so easy too. These are great tips, what really helped me was getting back into working out.
Nicole @ Making Good Choices´s last [type] ..Thanksgiving- Food- Black Friday and RICE
I love how you explain the post Freshman 15. I’ve definitely had a few of them. And the tips are great too. I just struggle with the every 3 hours eating, my schedule is so sporadic that I can never get it synched up.
Twitter: monique_m07
November 29, 2010 at 12:49 am
Walk! Even if you can’t exercise or don’t have the time, take walks and exercise to make up for overeating
I always take walks, no matter how cold it is out there haha.
Monique´s last [type] ..FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like this – Think before you bite. No seriously though, before you put it in you mouth stop and think “would I normally eat this?”
It’s basic math, burn off more than you put in. I just try to keep moving as much as possible.
Jennifer, I know this all too well. Not only did I gain the freshman 15…I gained the freshman 50, haha. Then…as you know…lost it like a bad habit. I think that all of these tips are great, and it’s things we usually don’t think of in the midst of a holiday get together or going out with friends. Water has become my BFF within the last 3 years.
Awesome tips! I really struggled for awhile my freshman year, trying to avoid to freshman 15 but thank goodness my dorm was right across from the rec center! Talk about motivation to work out!
More like Work 9-5 40! LOL I GAINED FORTY POUNDS AT THIS JOB …….. and water, I love water. It’s all I drink. I need to eat more.. I mean eat more often and eat less AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Anndrea´s last [type] ..18-30 Day Meme – I swear I did this already
Twitter: thescenefromme
December 1, 2010 at 9:16 pm
I always pack healthy snacks when I am traveling by plane or car. That way I don’t have to eat food court stuff, gas station food or fast food.
I always take oatmeal in a baggie and when I get to the airport, ask for a cup of hot water.
Amy at TheSceneFromMe´s last [type] ..Cornbread Tamale Pie