Shopping Savings: Slimming World for Students

Heading off to college for the first time is always an exciting new chapter in life, but it’s not without its drawbacks. One of those, of course, is the dreaded Freshman 15 – the tendency to gain several pounds that first year away at school. Among the reasons why so many students gain around 15 pounds so quickly:

-          Lack of exercise

-          Eating late at night

-          Keeping unhealthy snacks on hand at all hours
-          Eating unhealthy cafeteria food
-          Drinking alcohol in excess
-          Lack of regular home-cooked meals and scheduled dinners

But with a little homework and prepping, the trap of the Freshman 15 can be easily avoided.  Slimming World, which originated in the U.K. more than 40 years ago and is now available online across America, is offering a special discount for anyone who is starting college and wants to stay healthy (or shed pounds this year): From now until Sept. 15, freshmen can join the online program at for just $15.

Members eat everyday foods cooked in low-fat, healthier ways, and there’s no calorie counting so they never feel deprived. Nothing is banned outright; indulgences such as a piece of chocolate – or alcohol -- are simply monitored. The exercise component is also based on common sense and moderation.

Slimming World member Terri McKeown knows first-hand how easy it can be to veer off the healthy track during the first year of college: “When I started as a freshman, I was so happy! I got very involved in the ‘student lifestyle’ – getting up in the afternoon, eating fast food or cafeteria meals. But by the end of my first year, I’d put on about 21 pounds and I missed my mom’s home cooking and balanced meals. “When I went home for the summer, I decided to join Slimming World. And 18 months later, I’d lost 42 pounds and completely changed my life. I’m not on a diet; I’m just smart about what I eat. And just because I’m Food Optimising doesn’t mean I still can’t have a student lifestyle!”