The idea of the 'freshman 15' is believed to have overall negative consequences for college eating behaviors leading to anxiety over body image, with the college eating environment of buffet-style cafeterias and increased snacking around final exams making healthy decision-making more difficult (Wansink et al. 2013).
There are, however, food preparation alternatives. A recent series of articles from The Kitchn provides some back-to-school advice for preparing meals in a dorm room and making choices in the dining hall:
- 11 Things We Wish We Had Known About Cooking in College
- 5 Ways to Spice Up Cafeteria Food
- 20 Easy, Inexpensive Recipes You Can Cook in Your Dorm