Chase Bannister is the founder, senior vice president and chief strategy & clinical integrity officer for Veritas Collaborative, a specialty hospital system for the treatment of eating disorders in a gender-diverse and inclusive environment. He is credentialed as a certified eating disorder specialist by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and is a licensed clinical social worker. Chase combines clinical and executive expertise to nurture a spirit of meaningful collaboration and carries a zeal for advancing public awareness on eating disorders.
Is the 'Freshman 15' a myth? How can I eat healthy in college without depriving myself?
Thank you so much for asking this insightful question. Developing coping strategies for future challenges often makes transitions easier and less stressful. Whether you are in recovery from an eating disorder or someone simply entering college for the first time, the first year of university life can be a scary and stressful experience for anyone.
Experiencing a change in body weight is not uncommon as individuals embark on their journey toward obtaining a college education. As individuals begin their college career, they experience many changes in their routines and lifestyles. Many students leave the structure and comfort of home and find that they are now responsible for managing their food and activity choices, work and study time, social interactions, sleep schedule and more. You may feel compelled to pull an all-nighter, spend all your time studying or stray from your balanced eating routine.
Changes in habits and routines may lead to weight gain in some and weight loss or no change in others. With so much change at hand, it is important to take care of yourself to prevent adverse effects on your physical and mental health. Here are some ways you can do that:
Manage your stress
Change is stressful. When paired with the added responsibilities presented to first year college students, you may feel overwhelmed. It is important to establish good time management practices, maintain regular sleep habits, eat a varied diet including all of the major food groups, engage in physical activity and limit the use of alcohol and drugs to reduce stress.
Get enough sleep
Sleep deprivation can lead to negative mental health consequences like depression, anxiety and decreased ability to cope with life stressors. Additionally, not getting enough sleep can impair your ability to concentrate and succeed in academics. Maintaining healthy sleep habits is essential to help your brain and your body rejuvenate each night. A good night’s rest will help you combat stress and be your best self.
Make time for fun
The added responsibilities of starting college may feel burdensome at times. It is important to make time for socializing and fun activities with friends. All work and no play can lead to feelings of deprivation, increased stress and decreased mental well-being. With effective time management, you can make time for fun and establish balance between your academic and social lives.
Proper self-care is instrumental in staving off burnout, stress and other negative mental and physical consequences. It’s important to recognize that this is a period of transition – your life and routine in college will be different than what you and your body are used to. Remember to treat yourself with kindness and compassion, take care of your body and enjoy the adventure you have begun.
