Dorm Room Diet

8/25/2006

It's what all new college students dread, gaining the infamous "freshman 15" pounds that almost all students are destined to put on when they go to college for the first time. According to the new Dorm Room Diet book though, weight gain doesn't have to coincide with higher education

Princeton University student Daphne Oz didn't just lose weight her first year of college, she wrote a book about it. The Cliffside Park resident's work -- "The Dorm Room Diet: The Eight-Step Program for Creating a Healthy Lifestyle Plan That Really Works" is now out. That's just in time for the new crop of students heading into the pizza-munching, beer-swilling world of higher education.

Published by Newmarket Press, it tells how Oz shed ten pounds her first year at Princeton, instead of gaining the classic "freshman 15." Of course, it helped that she was able to get advice from her dad -- a cardiac surgeon and best-selling health author who's written the foreword to her book.

Daughter of bestselling cardiologist Mehmet Oz (You: The Owner's Manual), the young Oz struggled with weight as a teen. Now a Princeton sophomore, she offers a range of advice for college girls hoping to sidestep the "Freshman 15." Those late-night study binges, tailgating and sports events, parties, TV watching and heavy talks can lead even clever Ivy Leaguers down the road to weight gain.

No doubt inspired by her dad (who penned the introduction), Oz offers an eight-step program that advocates sensible, healthful eating, exercise and vitamin use. While warning against the pitfalls of high-calorie foods like alcohol, full-fat cheese and simple carbs, she okays coffee in moderation, bread dipped in olive oil, and chocolate.

Balance is crucial, Oz notes, pointing out that one night of partying won't spoil everything if it's followed by healthy eating the next day. Punctuating her text with practical tips (stock up on wholesome snacks such as almonds and veggies before snuggling in for a study marathon, the author addresses her female peers in a breezy, conversational style. This is a great book to pack between the extra-long twin sheets and study lamp.

This book is a great gift for any kid going off to college this fall. You can save over 30% when you buy it here by clicking the link below.