college student weight loss

Question
Hi, I'm sure you've heard the phrase "freshman 15" where new college students gain weight when they leave home, and i have fell victim to this. Since coming to school Ive gained about 20lbs, and I feel really disgusted with myself. Unfortunately, I dont have alot of time for heavy exercise due to school and work, but I do try to do pilates every day, though i'm not sure how many calories I am actually burning. I've been reading up on weight loss alot online and many sites have said that ideally a person of my age/sex/weight/height should intake about 1200-1300 calories a day to lose weight, but the problem is that I dont even think I intake that many calories now daily. I definitely am not anorexic or bulimic, but I ususally only have time for one regular meal a day and a couple of snacks in between. Yet, i am still gaining weight. Could it be that my metabolism has slowed down alot? If so, what van I do to bring it back up so I can lose this weight? Thanks, I really appreciate your help.

Ash

Answer
Ash,
It is hard to say why you are gaining without knowing exactly what you are eating, calories, etc...  By what you have told me I could guess that you are not eating enough!  That can definitely slow your metabolism.  If your body doesn't get what it needs, it will slow itself down to meet the level you are feeding it, if that makes sense!  I would try fitting in at least 3 healthy meals a day.  You HAVE to find time.  Eating more well-balanced meals can help with concentration, thinking, energy, etc...  The pilates is good but you may need something more aerobic to add to it.  Walking is a great addition!  Walk the long way to classes and go at a good clip to get some exercise in that way.
You need to really pay attention to WHAT you are eating and HOW much!  Only eating one meal a day can lead to grabbing snacks that are not so healthy and that can lead to extra weight very quickly, so that too can be the culprit!  Just taking some guesses here.
So work on finding the time to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and bring healthy snacks like fruit with you to classes.  Drink lots of water and watch that you are not grabbing soft drinks or high calorie beverages between classes.  Most college students gain the weight because they begin to eat unhealthy and for many drink alcohol and it really adds up quick!
This is a really good book if you are interested in doing some more reading:
http://www.amazon.com/College-Students-Guide-Eating-Campus/dp/0970013906/sr=8-5/...
The Book is by Ann Litt (a dietitian), called, "Eating Well on Campus".
Also, this is a good web site to get you started on the right track:  www.mypyramid.gov.
My guess is you don't even have to count your calories.  Just get three meals in a day with healthy snacks, watch portion sizes, drink water and find a way to fit more aerobic exercise in!
Good luck with school!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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