Although gaining weight is not the worst thing that can happen to you throughout your college career, it definitely is not fun and can eventually lead to health risks. Therefore, I have constructed five easy tips to help you stay on track.

1) Water is your best friend. Drink a full glass or a half of a bottle of water when you wake up in the morning. According to newhealthguide.org, drinking water in the morning helps to keep you hydrated throughout the day while speeding up your metabolism.

Stay away from sugary drinks such as soda, Gatorade, sweetened iced tea, lemonade and even diet drinks! According to nyc.gov, sugar sweetened beverages add calories to your diet without making you full or providing any nutrients. Don’t drink your calories!

2) Take the stairs! I know it can be dreadful to walk up flights of stairs, but every little bit helps.

3) Brown rice over white, grilled chicken over crispy and wheat bread over white. Learn it, live it, love it.

4) Eating a salad is always a healthier choice; that is not always the case. Salads with cheese and cream based dressing such as bleu cheese, ranch, Caesar, and honey mustard are actually terrible for you!

According to panerabread.com , a classic chicken Caesar salad at Panera has 60 more calories than their cheese danish!

5) Finally, do not stress yourself out too much. I know stress is a given in college, but stress has risk factors attached to it. Stress can lead to depression, insomnia and, even worse, health problems down the road! Keep stress free and eat an apple.

Those are this weeks tips! Look out for more of my Health and Fitness tips throughout the semester.