We've all heard about it... and most of us have experienced it. The infamous Freshman 15. Here's what they don't tell you about how you got there and how to get out of it.
1. The Freshman 15 is real.
Your mother warned you about it for a reason. It happens. It is not a myth. And sometimes it's more than 15 pounds.
2. So is the Sophomore 15, Junior 15, and Senior 15.
Unless you're changing your habits, chances are you're about to gain another "Freshman 15" every year until you figure your life out.
3. The alcohol you're consuming has more calories than most meals you'll consume.
This is an important one. The average can of beer and your average glass of wine have about 150 calories in them. And don't get me started on those fruity concoctions we all insist on ordering and mixing up. Every gram of alcohol has 7 calories in it, but carbohydrates (sugar) only have 4 calories per gram. Keep that in mind the next time you're "dieting" and down 6 beers, a bottle of wine, or 4 screwdrivers.
4. Food on college campuses is specially made to contain more calories to attempt to keep you fuller.
If you've ever read the fine print on the menu at your dining hall or red the nutrition facts they post next to the serving dishes, you've probably noticed some pretty high fat and carb contents. This is because the school adds in extra oils, sauces, and sugars to make the foods more calorie dense. Calorie dense meals take longer for your body to process and this is your school's way of making sure you don't go hungry. So, my advice? You can eat the school food, but watch portion size and meal frequency for the day.
5. You're not as active as you used to be and that will catch up to you.
I'm one of the few people that actually got more active in college and it honestly saved me from turning into the Michelin Man. But a lot of my friends went from playing sports at least one season every year to doing nothing but watching Netflix and going to class. And here's a pro tip: you can watch Netflix on your phone while doing your cardio.
6. Water is your absolute best friend.
Bloated? Drink more water. Trying to suppress your appetite? Drink water. Trying to lose weight? Drink water. Hungover? Drink water. You get the point.
7. Going out to eat is going to become a staple in your weekly routine so prepare accordingly.
Everything you order is going to have some crazy sauce that probably has over 10 grams of fat. Ask for it on the side. And literally everything comes with fries because that is the cheapest product for restaurants to serve on the side while keeping their profits high. Skip the aforementioned fruity concoction, that probably costs $12 but only has about $2 of alcohol in it, and order a side salad instead. Grilled over fried foods. Skip the cheese that you love so much.
8. Everything seems to be served on bread or with bread or is bread.
I can't be the only one who has noticed this. Everything comes on bread or with bread these days. I just don't understand it. Luckily, lettuce wraps are a thing and food tastes just as lovely when you take the bread away. I know it's going to be like saying goodbye to your dog when you leave for college, but you'll thank me later.
9. You're not going to realize you gained weight until it's summer again and your shorts have turned into denim underwear.
We have all been there. It's the first day of warm weather, you've shaved your legs for the first time in 3 months, and you decide to put your favorite shorts on. And the scene is reminiscent of trying to stuff a sausage.
10. Gaining weight happens, but it isn't a death sentence.
Here's the good news: you can lose the weight. Start working out, even if it's just for half an hour every day. Cut the junk food and alcohol. Increase the water and vegetables. You can do it.
