Hey everyone! Welcome back to school. For many of us that means back to “Freedom, Independence and Responsibility,” or for others it may be “My first year of college.” Which ever applies to you we have all heard of the dreaded phrase, “Freshman 15.”

It’s not always a true statement and it can be avoided by knowing a few tricks.

Coming into college means, first of all, freedom. The freedom to do whatever we want, stay up or out as long as we want, eat whatever we want at whatever time.

For starters, an easy way to avoid the dreaded freshman 15, and for an overall healthier lifestyle, is to not eat past a certain time, let’s say 8 p.m.

Now an occasional outing with friends is great at a local fast food restaurant, but that would be where we would fit in a little physical activity.

As college students, we are able to make our own decisions and pay the consequences. For example, that late night outing with friends should remind us that we need to burn the calories – if not that night, maybe make a trip to the gym the next day and do a 30 to 45 minute workout.

We should be sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Make it fun though; bring a few friends, a radio or an iPod with your favorite songs, or do your own thing. Get some friends together and pop in a Tae-Bo, Cajun-way Tae-Beaux, videotape and get moving.

Staying energized for your workout, classes and everyday activities involves the correct nutrition. We shouldn’t forget what’s healthiest for our bodies.

The number one starting factor in healthy eating is breakfast. We have all heard it, it’s repetitive, but breakfast is what kick starts your metabolism.

Ever wondered why when you don’t eat breakfast you’re not that hungry for lunch? It’s because you never started your body that morning.

If you would like to try something fast because you have an early class, settle for something nutritious like a banana and peanut butter, a granola bar, low fat yogurt or any kind of fresh fruit; but remember portion sizes,.

Throughout your school year and life try to remember that, “Five a day keeps the doctor away.” Unless it’s a cute doctor, then we can just go for a yearly checkup.

Keeping our bodies healthy is a must to live a long, strong, happy and healthy life.

So to all, returning and new students, I wish you the best as you enter your new lifestyle that’s sure to be full of freedom, independence and responsibility.