The Truth About the Freshman Swole

Freshmen can gain weight in college for several different reasons.  Mainly it's a matter of accessibility. Now a days college campuses can easily resemble all inclusive vacation resorts.  Campuses boas of on site laundry, state of the art exercise facilities, contemporary interior/design and decor and 'round the clock eateries. The food is not only is available at all hours of the day and night,  but it’s almost as if it’s free.  You can walk around campus with lint all up and through you pockets and with one swipe of your ID card you've got chicken fingers and fries for you and your homies.  I'm talking fast food chains in the student union, desserts and ice cream in the dining hall, and that damn Belgium waffle maker at Brunch on the weekends. With amenities like these, it is very easy to get carried away. You could be well on your way to Fashions by Clareece Precious Jones by or before Christmas Break.  Don't let it happen to you.  

Today we’ll tackle the responsibility and restraint to be exercised when it comes to food.  My aim is to make you aware of the dangers  of cafeteria/campus dining better known as the Freshman 15, ( or even 20 or 30, YIKES.)  

WERQQQQ! 

The best way to combat the Freshman 15 is to realize that it can (and will) happen to you.  There are no tricks or special strategies, it’s really just common sense.  Think about everything that you’re eating (and drinking) and how your diet interacts with the rest of your life.  If you eat a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake and then go to your room and take nap EVERYDAY then the chances of your booty meat swelling are increased exponentially.  I'm not telling you not to enjoy yourself. By all means take advantage of the amenites available to you.  I'm just urging you to be cognizant of your actions and the consequences thereof.  You're body is changing and so is your schedule.  Dorm life is totally different animal and frankly makes matters worst.  Think about it, when your bed is literally across campus  you nap more. Additionally,  you have a lot more free time, sit , chill, lay up, SNACK, etc.  These changes often lead to weight gain.  Keep these things in mind and be thoughtful in what you choose to eat and drink.  

Additionally,  think about your eating habits prior to coming to college and try your best not to stray from what you're accustomed to. Your body may respond negatively to a radical change in your eating habits.   I’ll use myself as an example.  I didn’t grow up in a Kool-aid house.  You may have gotten a cup of OJ with your breakfast, but for the most part we drank water with our meals.  On Friday, Grandma would buy a soda to have with dinner but that’s it. When I got to college, the fountains drink machines, and the empty calories therein, did me in.  Drinking juice with every meal would’ve pushed me straight into Ashley Stewart's fabulous fashions had I not been paying attention. Around the end of the first semester of my freshmen year, I noticed that my hips were spreading and my sweat pants were TIGHT!  I took inventory of what I eating and drinking and realized that the two glasses of passion fruit juice that I was having with every meal were the cause of my weight gain. I begin to limit my fruit juice  and was back in my "GETTUM" jeans by the summer time. 

Again, I’m not saying that you can’t eat what you want to eat, I'm just encouraging to do so in moderation. I’ve  seen one too  many cases of the Freshman Swole set in on girl's who never thought it could happen to them.  I'm telling you,  you'll be chubby faced and unimpressed before you really even realize it. I just wanted to post this to help us all remain concious of our choices when it comes to food.  And just in case I'm too late and some of you have already out grown your clothers and are in denial about it. You are so much better than camel toe and I want you know that.  

 Dear Ms. Hunny, tell the truth and shame the devil.  Accept the fact that you’re now giving stuffed sausage, liberate yourself of your smedium clotes, buy your size and be fabulous.  Love Keia.  PS Your heels are leaning. Do. Better.   

Anyway,  I hope this helps and the next time you feel yourself getting carried away in the dining hall remember, the food will be here tomorrow, so you don’t have to eat it all today.  I  too must remind myself, every day.  Take care guys. 

Comments

[MissChris]

My name is Chris and I fully cosign on the sentiments of this post! I, *dramatic pause* ate my way up 30 pounds from my pre-college 5'10, size 14 frame in two semesters and lived to tell about it. Tykeia, you're spot on with why, how, and what causes the gain. The scary part of it all, is that is happens so quickly and unassumingly! Late nights, greasy burgers, frapps, and naps are all too common in a college diet and will absolutely become obvious when Momma'nem lovingly poke at that extra roll around the midsection during Christmas break.
I will say this, while you have the opportunity, take advantage of on campus fitness centers, 13-story dorms (skip the elevators) and take the scenic route to class! Typically, young folks can eat a little less rigidly and maintain a healthy weight when balanced with frequent exercise, so do it! Get you a good 'ol athlete to spot ya, put on your cute thangs and WORK IT OUT!

Oh, and by the way - now at three years out of college, Miss 14 is no more - 50 pounds down and never lookin' back. Owww! *two snaps*