You want to eat healthy, but what does healthy really mean, anyway? If you're worried about gaining the freshman fifteen, it's wise to evaluate what you're putting into your body. The bottom line is that any increase or decrease in your weight is a direct result of the number of calories you consume versus the number of calories you burn.If you take in the same amount of calories that you use as fuel, there won't be any leftover to store as fat, and your current weight will hold steady. Take in more calories than you burn, however, and you'll end up gaining weight. Because there are 3,500 calories in a pound, it might seem like it would take a long time to gain any weight. But consuming just 100 extra calories a day-say in the form of an additional soda-could add up to a ten pound weight gain in just one year. To avoid eating too much, know that most men looking to maintain a stable weight need about 2,500 calories each day, while women require 2,000 calories. This number does vary according to your specific body type, age, and activity levels, so talk to your college nutritionist about the right caloric intake for you. After you determine how much you should be eating, it is vital to decide what types of food you should consume. The United States has recently revised its food guide pyramid, a chart that details the types and amounts of food both genders should consume. For example, according to the food pyramid, women should consume six ounces of grains each day, while men should consume eight ounces of grains each day.Remember that an ounce of grain is equal to one slice of bread, one cup of cereal, or half a cup of cooked rice or pasta. For both genders, at least half of those servings should be made up of whole grains, like whole wheat flour, brown rice, and oatmeal. The rest of the grain allowance can include the less healthy refined grains, like white bread and sugary cereal, but it's best to stick to whole grains for both health and waistline reasons! Vegetables are next on the pyramid, and women need two and a half cups daily, while men should have three. For fruits, it's important that both genders consume about two cups each day. A cup of fruit is equal to a small apple or a large banana or orange. Proteins are also an important component of a balanced diet, and can be gotten by eating nuts, eggs, beans, fish and meat. Men should consume 6 ounces of protein a day, while women should consume 5 _ ounces-and to give you a sense of what an ounce of protein is-one ounce of protein can be found in one egg, in one tablespoon of peanut butter, or in a handful of nuts or seeds.According to the USDA, men and women also need three cups from the dairy group each daily. A cup of dairy is equivalent to three slices of cheese or one and a half cups of yogurt. After you consume your daily dose of recommended foods, you are usually left with 100 to 300 discretionary calories. These calories can be used to enjoy unhealthy junk food, like chips or candy, or for alcohol. Although it may be tough at first, following these guidelines will help you maintain a healthy weight through college and your life.