The Dorm Room Diet

What it is: A diet designed by Dr. Daphne Oz (daughter of renowned surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz – a familiar face to Oprah fans) for college students to balance healthy eating and exercise and avoid the “Freshman 15.”

How it works: The Dorm Room Diet teaches students how to find the healthiest foods on campus. By focuses dieters on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, the diet will help students stay healthy and avoid those 2 a.m. pizza runs. There is also a heavy emphasis on exercise.

What you do: The diet does not specifically restrict any foods, but encourages dieters to consume less processed foods and more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy and good fats. Dr. Oz stresses the five principles of healthy eating, which she considers to be the following:

1. Always eat breakfast.
    
2. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day, including one glass before every meal.
    
3. Eat at least every three hours, including three meals and two fruit and veggie snacks.
    
4. Count to your age before you “cheat.” Dr. Oz encourages dieters to think about what they are eating before they eat it. If you count in your head up to your age, you will have the time to consider whether or not you actually want to consume an unhealthy food. She says if you still feel like having a bite after you count, go for it.
    
5. Avoid eating within two hours of sleeping.

Because most colleges and universities have free gym memberships for students, Dr. Oz recommends dieters to hit the gym at least three days per week. Dieters are required to combine cardio and strength training and are encouraged to enroll in yoga or Pilates classes as well.

Benefits: The dorm room diet is well suited for a college student’s lifestyle. It promotes a healthy lifestyle that students will be able to carry on through their lives.

The Down Side: It can be difficult for college students to remain on a steady diet when they are often at the mercy of the food available in the cafeteria.