Going off to college for the first time is an exciting event. You're making new friends, learning about yourself in many ways, and making decisions for your future. Lots of college freshman gain in other ways, too, ways that aren't so beneficial. Those freshman 15 pounds are understandable, yet once they're on, they can be very hard to lose. The best way to keep them off is not to put them on in the first place.

To keep those extra pounds off, bear in mind the following:

Avoid drinking too much soda. Soda contains extremely high amounts of sugar. Sugar degrades your teeth, lowers your immune system and leaves you open to diseases, colds and flu. Sugar also makes you fat.

Don't skip breakfast. A high quality, low fat breakfast will fill you up until lunch. You won't be tempted to snack on junk food. Eating a nutritional breakfast helps regulate your metabolism, keeps your skin clear and glowing, and

Don't get dehydrated. Drink eight full glasses of water per day, at least. Drink a couple glasses early in the day, two or more at lunch, and two in the early evening, about three hours before bedtime. Sip the rest, all day long. Carry a water bottle with you, and make it a point to set it on your desk next to your books. This is a must for super models, whose water drinking habit helps them keep those full, sensuous lips. Drinking enough water also helps keep your brain operating at its best.

Exercise! You may already be an exercise hound, and you can skip this reminder. But it's amazing how many smart people who should know better avoid regular exercise. Start walking, jogging or running with a buddy. The buddy system works because you'll motivate each other, you'll be safer together, and it's simply more fun. Regular and routine exercise is a habit that you'll form for life.

Nutritional awareness may not be your school's strong point, even if you are a pre-med student. Many people don't realize how little conventionally-educated doctors are in diet and nutrition. Therefore, your family doctor won't necessarily tell you what to eat or which foods to avoid, so that your body can function at its best during this fun yet stressful time. You need to start thinking and researching for yourself.