My mother used to always say "You are what you eat."  At University, my meals consisted of 3 huge meals a day at the food hall with 4 or 5 snacks (a whole bag of pretzels, couple candy bars, etc.) interspersed throughout the day.  Was my mother right?  No!  I did not turn into a candy bar, but I was sick, lacked energy, and got fat!  

Now that you have finally escaped the ball and chain of living at home, you are free to chow down on what ever looks and tastes good.  You will quickly find out why your parents cared about what you ate.  You will be known as the pimple faced blimp boy (no reference intended).  Now, we are not saying you should become a fruitarian or some other psycho health boy.  However, if you follow some of these helpful tips, you find that you have heaps more energy to study as well as sleeping better and feeling better about yourself. 

1. Drink Water - since you are 85% water and your body requires water to keep the organs hydrated and functioning properly, satisfy your body.  Try to drink 5-8 large glasses of water a day.  Drink slowly and enjoy it. >>
2. Eat more meals - Eating six small meals a day (a bowl full) will help keep the metabolism high as well as giving you your daily requirements.
3. Avoid Sugar, Fats and Sodium - moderation is the key.  A little is good, too much will, in a sense, poison your system wreaking havoc on your body's systems. 
4. Exercise - Again, moderation is the key.  If you think a 5-miler for your first day will be a good warm up, think again.  You will hurt yourself, get discouraged and won't run for another week.  Try to start with 20 minutes, 3 days a week and then build up to 1 hour, 3 days a week.  The oxygen will do your body a lot of good.
5. Raw Foods - Gnawing on a cabbage is not what this means.  Try to start the day off with some fruit, and then have hearty salads for lunch.  Find some ideas in our quick and easy Recipe index .  Your body will hate you for a couple of days as it removes toxins, but you will get used to it and feel much better.
6. Fiber keeps you regular -  Take a look in your grandparents cupboard, and you will find loads of fiber related products.  Why?  It helps purge your system and keep things flowing well and make you feel better.
7. Avoid Fats - There are three types of fat, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated and Saturated.  Mono and Poly are good for you as it aids in digestion and metabolism.  Try to avoid the Saturated fats as they pump up that spare tire on your side.
8. Empty Calories - Beer, candy, pizza, soft drinks, and the such are empty calories.  It simply means your body get nothing but calories and fat.  In other words, you get hungrier despite gaining weight... stay away from them.
9. Weight Loss - Avoid those commercials that claim you can lose 500lbs in 2 weeks.  These products contain chemicals that destroy your body.  If you are anorexic or bulimic, stop!  Your body will shut down in a decade and you will be crippled the rest of your life. 

   Report people who struggle from such problems!
   You will be doing them a favor.

Your body is 85% water, thus, you need water!  It can be a pain trying to always remain hydrated.  Do you have wrinkles, dry skin, etc.?  I once asked a lady in a hospital who was over 100 years old what the secret to staying young was.  Her answer, "Drink loads of water, everyday!"  She was in the hospital for a regular check up.

You do not have to only get water from a large glass of clear stuff.  Fresh fruits and vegetables provide 60-90% water content.  Try to make some smoothies or fresh fruit juice to provide a separate means of consumption.  

Soda and beer do not hydrate.