Maintaining proper health is a challenge for college freshmen. Making poor choices or overeating at the cafeteria, late-night binges, poor sleep habits and alcohol consumption all contribute to weight gain. To help your kid avoid the Freshman 15, advise her to plan for healthy foods between classes, eat breakfast, drink a lot of water, practice portion control, keep a food diary and get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Plan for healthy foods in between classes. Snack on fruits and vegetables. Keep a good supply of fruit and cut veggies for quick and healthy snacks throughout the day.

Always eat breakfast. If you eat at the cafeteria, be careful of the hot breakfasts. Many universities still don't serve the healthiest options, but there should be some whole-grain cereals and fruit. If you eat breakfast in your dorm room, go for oatmeal (not the instant kind), whole-grain cereals or a piece of whole-grain toast with peanut butter.

Purchase a refillable water bottle and keep it with you at all times. Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do.

Plate your portions. When filling your plate at the cafeteria, use half of your plate for vegetables and fruit, one quarter for grains (preferably whole grains) and one quarter with lean protein.

Keep a food diary to help you monitor your eating habits. It's easier to cut calories when you see how many you actually consume.

Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Even the best of eating habits are hard to maintain at college. Burn off those extra calories by walking, biking to class or hitting the gym.