We've all been there. You started the year off a cute skinny baby bulldog. You ended the year still a cute baby bulldog, but with a little extra chub.
What happened? The freshman 15 happened.
What is the Freshman 15?
If you're anything like me, you didn't know the answer to this question until right before you started your freshman year of college. Shoot, I didn't even know that it existed until people were telling me to watch out for it.
The Freshman 15 as defined by Dictionary.com is "the average amount of weight gained by students during their first year of college."
The Freshman 15 as defined by me: evil.
I thought it was just a myth. I thought it would be easy to not gain weight. I thought I was immune.
I, as well as many of my friends, have suffered from The Freshman 15. It is a real thing, and it will get you. You think it won't. You think you're immune, but you're not. (You're really not.)
The thing about college is you either gain some weight or lose some weight and there's really no in between. I haven't met a single person who hasn't gained or lost weight their first year of college.
It's a really hard time for some people. Life is hard, food is good. Finals week? Forget about it.You have a meal plan, why not use it? You mean I shouldn't eat Panda every night? You walk to class. Isn't that enough exercise? (Answer: No.)
Future freshmen, hear my warning. The Freshman 15 is not a myth. You can and will (if you're not careful) suffer from it yourself. Get your crap together while you still have a chance. Have your workout schedule printed and ready to go. Prepare yourself for the battle that is your first year of college.
As far as this year's freshmen, here are some things you can do if you find yourself suffering from The Freshman 15:
1. Admit that it's real.
This isn't some awful dream. This is real life. You gained weight (but that's okay.)
2. Realize it's not the end of the world.
As Queen Latifa said in Hairspray, "I'm big, blonde, and beautiful."
Your body will change. That's a fact of life. People gain and lose weight all the time. Your weight gain/loss journey isn't something to be ashamed of.
3. Be healthy.
People come in all different shapes and sizes. That's what makes us unique. As long as you are happy and healthy, it doesn't matter what anyone else says. #Hatersgonnahate
4. Learn from this.
If gaining weight isn't your thing, make a change. Have a plan going into next year. Change your eating habits. Make a routine. Set goals and stick to them. You can do this!
5. Believe in yourself.
You're awesome! You're cool! You rock! You can do anything you set your mind to! The power of positive thinking is unreal.
Don't worry, be happy!
