Battling to dodge the ‘Freshman 15’

Get through the first month of college: check. Get through the second month: check. As freshmen we're finally becoming more and more comfortable at college; it seems much less scary than it did way back in August. Classes are getting tougher, but we have our study schedules and feel of the work load to not stress out as much, or try to lessen the stress. We're all fitting in with our different groups of friends, getting closer with teammates or even finding some relationships. Even those 8 am classes aren't causing us much trouble... well except waking up for them.

It seems as though the biggest setback, so far, is trying to eat healthy and do things that will better our bodies. Everyone knows that the number one myth that comes along with the title "freshman in college" is gaining the dreadful "freshman fifteen." No one wants to gain all that noticeable weight but sometimes it comes so unexpectedly one can only try to avoid it (try being the key word).

For many, the on campus gym is their favorite place to go, whether it's at 9 am or 9 pm, they're seen running or lifting everyday; these people are so into the routine of working out that it isn't anything out of the ordinary for them. But for others, the gym is almost like a prison. Having to drag themselves out of bed, or maybe the library, to go to the gym for a half hour or so is never what they want to do, but it's something that should be done. I'm one of those people. I would rather nap or do homework than run on the treadmill, which is why the freshman fifteen continues to linger on my mind.

No one plans on getting fat, but sometimes lying in bed after a full day of classes sounds much more appealing than walking to the gym, working out and then having to walk all the way back. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lazy, I just think there are a dozen better and more interesting things to do than go to the gym and sweat (so gross!).

However, going to the gym to get in shape is only one of the ways one can stay healthy. The other big thing to do is eating healthy. Obviously starving ourselves isn't the healthy way to do it, but laying off the midnight snacks and sweets in the dining hall can prevent gaining any unwanted weight. But who can resist one of those fluffy brownies with frosting and sprinkles? And then just trying to eat healthy with other foods is hard enough. All the magazines say light dressing on salad, no bacon or fatty meats and be light with butter on toast. And temptation number two: the coffee shop. So many delicious fried foods, among other things, dieticians would shudder looking at. So basically, you're supposed to cut out all the good food and eat cardboard with a pinch of salt. It's quite ridiculous that every little thing is dangerous in making us gain weight, and the only way to keep off those extra pounds is to work out at the gym. It's just a big cycle of undesirable things.

As much as I hate to admit it, working out and being healthy is a great to do. Many doctors would recommend thirty minutes of cardio a day to keep a healthy body, heart and mind. And they're so right. Jumping jacks, running, swimming and biking are some good ways to stay physically healthy, as well as mentally and even emotionally. going on a run may not bewhat everyone wants to do when they're stressed or upset, but trust me, it'll help. After endless hours of studying for my Humanities midterm, the gym helped to relieve some stress, and, surprisingly, I was in the mood to go on the eliptical for an hour. Regardless of how tired I was, I felt I needed to find an escape from my dorm or library, so the gym was the next best thing to shoving my face with fries and tenders at the coffee shop. And believe me, I wanted to eat away my stress, but that would not have been a good thing.

It's always a good thing to get a work out plan and diet plan ready before going to college, or with in the first few weeks just so you're in the routine of being healthy. It isn't easy to just randomly jump into an unknown routine or gym time and salad eating. Salads are delicious, but the mashed potatoes and french fries sound much more appetizing.

The freshman fifteen will not happen in my life, I am sure of this. I just need to start working out and make an attempt to eat healthier. It will take some time but I know that I'll be able to do it. The fitness center, along with fruits and vegetables, will be my new best friend s. The foods you decide to eat and the daily routines you choose to have will affect your overall lifestyle and whether or not you have a positive or negative college experience.