Everyone has warned you about gaining weight in college. Nevertheless, you arrive hopeful and determined to keep a trim figure and a fit lifestyle, but in the end, it isn't quite as easy as you thought it would be.
But luckily, you are not alone. There is an entire community full of members that understand your struggle. One such member? Andy Bernard.
Phase 1: Arrival
Confidence is high. There is absolutely no way that you are gaining the freshman 15 this year.
Phase 2: The Downward Spiral
There is good food here... What is exercise? Who said cheese fries? Did he really just ask if I want whip cream in my latte? Uhm yes. Gosh, I love college.
Phase 3: Realization
Near the end of your first semester, while casually stalking yourself on Facebook (we all do it, no shame), you notice a bit more fluff in your cheeks, and a little more meat on your bones. So you stare at your old pictures and long for your slim limbs.
Phase 4: The Return
"Well at least I'm not alone in this!" You return home for the winter vacation, ready to discuss weight-loss strategies with your high school besties. But as it turns out, you arrive to your mini reunion only to find that all of your friends have managed to stay the exact same weight as when you left them, and not an ounce more.
Phase 5: Round 2
After winter break, you go back to school determined to lose your freshman flab by summertime. You round up your roommate and a few pals and make a diet pact. But you and your accountability partners have a harder time staying on track with your new diet plan than you expected...
Phase 6: Unorthodox Ideas
You read an interesting article in Cosmo about a new celebrity diet! You decide to try this "Fab 10 Day Diet" despite its questionable contents.
Phase 7: The Fall
And after 4 long hours on this venture you finally crack, and you and your friends go get pizza.
Phase 8: Depression
After your third slice, you remember your original goals. So, you punish yourself by watching promos for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Phase 9: Coming to Terms
You wipe your tears away, and realize that what you are doing is completely and utterly ridiculous. A few extra pounds isn't the end of the world at all. So, you calmly resolve the issue by deciding to go to the gym more often, and by cutting chocolate milk out of your diet regime.
... Lol, just kidding about the chocolate milk.
Phase 10: Gettin' Real
You set realistic goals for yourself like going to the gym at least 3 times a week and limiting your self to eating french fries once a week instead of every day. And by the end of the year, you're back to your normal confident self and ready to tackle your sophomore year!
