Freshman 15? I think not

Have you heard of the “freshman 15”? It’s the idea that when a student goes to college, they gain 15 lbs from their new eating habits.

I went to Penn State and I thought I was lucky. While friends around me gained weight, I managed to NOT gain the dreaded 15 lbs. The cafeteria at my branch campus was pretty good. I was making healthy eating choices and working out. I thought I was in the clear. Until I moved to the main Penn State campus, University Park, my junior year. There were so many new and exciting food choices – restaurants, sub shops, many cafeteria’s and the infamous Penn State Creamery (the world’s BEST ice cream). Before you knew it, I surpassed the 15 and put on 20!

After my first semester at University Park, I realized that something needed to change. Eating out all the time had to stop. Not only was it expensive, but it obviously wasn’t good for my figure. I made several changes in my lifestyle.

First, I made an agreement with myself. I decided to “reward” myself with a meal out with friends, anywhere I wanted, if I ate at home the other 6.5 days a week. This way I’d save money for a more expensive place if I wanted, as WELL as the calories.

Second, even though we had a gym in the apartment complex, I went and joined the gym. I figured it was a good way to meet other people…not people in my class, on the bus, or in my development, etc. I made some good friends there!

Third, I joined an association, to get more active. I didn’t want to be sitting around between some of my classes, hanging out at the HUB watching food walk by, or going to the bar. I joined the Penn State Marketing Association. They had different committees and many different activities. It kept me busy and helped me meet MORE people.

Before you knew it, I had changed my “fat track”. I got off the junk food, surrounded myself with good influences and learned how to “treat” myself properly. It was so refreshing to learn that it’s OK to enjoy yourself, just as long as you do it in moderation. That learning experience was the start of my fitness transformation. You can do it too!

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