How to beat the ‘freshman 15’ and look good doing it

Freshman year of college is the start of a new beginning for students that come with late nights, more stress, and often times, the “freshman 15.”

After an all-nighter to finish the research paper you should’ve done a week ago, and one too many taps of the snooze button to compensate for your late night, there’s no doubt you’ll be reaching for the closest pair of pants that has spandex or polyester written in the label. While these comfortable materials may be your best friend now, come fall break you’ll be wishing you had went for the skinny jeans instead.

In order to give yourself an incentive to stay away from wearing yoga pants three times a week, head to the mall to pick up a new pair of jeans in your favorite figure-flattering silhouette, or take advantage of the back-to-school deals and try something new. Try a pair of American Eagle skinny jeans on for size in any of the seven washes available, and you’ll have heads turning as you walk across campus. The retailer is currently offering all of their jeans which range in size from 00 to size 18, at a discounted rate of $30.

The Kick Boot Jean comes in six washes from pale to storm dark, and is slightly distressed, which gives the denim a bit of an edge that will make transitioning it from the classroom to dinner with friends a breeze. Simply put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots or a trendy pair of black ankle boots to make even a T-shirt look dressy, no matter where you’re headed on or off campus.

Now that you’ve added a figure-flattering pair of jeans to your wardrobe, don’t forget to head to the gym to stay in shape. One of the major purchases when doing back-to-school shopping is the perfect pair of athletic shoes that will enable you to go from spin class to the pavement for a run across campus.

When choosing a pair of athletic shoes, make sure that it fits your needs for the activity in which you will be participating most, and has been made with quality in mind so that you don’t wear them out after a few strenuous training sessions. Ultra-popular retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods is currently in the midst of a week-long sale that offers select pairs of footwear over $69.99 for $15 off their original retail price.

The Nike Women’s Dual Fusion Run 3 Running Shoe, which retails for $79.99, offers the maximum support that runners need, and their mesh body will keep your feet cool throughout your workout. These shoes come in a charcoal grey and bright pink color combination and run from size 6 to size 11, with half sizes in between.

Other standout shoes from Dick’s Sporting Goods’ sale are the New Balance Women’s 00 Training Shoe in gunmetal grey and Mizuno Women’s Wave Sayonara Running Shoe in white and lime for $84.99 and $79.99, respectively. Shipping is also free during this week’s sale, so be sure to take advantage of these deals while they’re available.

Unfortunately, developing acne can be a side effect of the “freshman 15” because your eating habits change once you move away from home, and often times you aren’t eating the same types of food, or as healthily as you once were. Stress and lack of sleep can also contribute to its development, so being mindful of what you’re eating can help fight acne from showing up.

Neutrogena is known for producing quality skincare products that are dermatologist recommended, so it’s no surprise that they have a number of acne product lines available to suit different skin concerns. The All-in-1 Acne Control Scrub promises to fight current acne, prevent future breakouts, and reduce the appearance of past acne marks. Should you develop acne during your first few weeks at school, this inexpensive scrub which retails for $8, will help you start your journey to clear skin.

Clean and Clear’s Advantage Oil Absorbing Cream Cleanser and Clearasil’s Ultra Acne + Marks Daily Scrub, which both retail for around $6 will help prevent skin from becoming oily and have vitamins that will help scars fade away fast.

Avoiding the “freshman 15” is manageable as long as you make an effort to stay away from spandex a few times a week, hit the gym for a walk or group fitness class, and try to eat as healthily as possible. Adjusting to life in college is hard, but making the choice to stay active and healthy is one of the easiest decisions you’ll make all year.