College itself is quite an adjustment, and so is living on one’s own. One of those adjustments is in eating habits. Your mom, dad, or other legal guardian is no longer there to tell you what to eat and what not to eat.

It is no wonder that some college students right now are gaining on average of about a pound per week. Of course, the opposite can be true as well-you can be influenced to better eating habits while in college.

Whether your parents or guardians taught you well or not, the following checklist will further guide you in your efforts to remain fit and trim:

• Stop eating so late at night. This is the worst time to be stuffing your face, despite the popularity of the so-called “midnight snack.” In fact, your hugest meal should ideally be in the middle of the day when you typically eat lunch) rather than at the end of the day (when you go to bed).
• Eat more meals throughout the day and smaller food amounts. This will help keep your metabolism going all day long.
• Eat breakfast in the morning. If you only knew what this does to your body health-wise you would not ever skip this very important meal. This it the time of the day when your digestive system is restarting after remaining a bit dormant during sleep-time. Your metabolism rate will be much higher if you continue to eat a morning meal.
• Find creative ways to cut down on your carbs. One easy suggestion is to eat all your sandwiches open-faced. This cuts you down to one slice of bread instead of two at lunch. Furthermore, if you must eat bread and pasta seek out the lower-fat and higher-fiber varieties. Noodles and bread made of whole grains are best.
• One of the fastest ways to gain weight as a college student is to load up on cappuccinos or Frappuccinos on a daily basis. If you must, try varieties made with reduced fat cream or milk or just seek alternative if you are bored with a simple coffee with Half & Half or skim milk.
• Find natural ways to sweeten your hot drinks. You would be surprised, for instance, at how well honey and/or cinnamon tastes in either a cup of coffee, hot cider, or tea.
• Increase your load of daily fruits and vegetables. This will work wonders for your diet in no time. It also is one way to keep your digestive system clean-especially the fruits and vegetables eaten with the skin.
• Nuts and seeds are another source of fiber to consider for weight loss. These are more easily digestible sources of protein than meats.