Lifestyles

The Scale Must be Broken…Right?!

October 25, 2007

By Jessica Bledsoe

No one ever tells the truth about their first year of college. Half way through their freshman year, students realize they have gained the dreaded “Freshman 15.”

Most students do not deny the existence of the first-year weight gain. However, they may disagree on the exact amount. Millicent Parsons, MBU sophomore, believes that the typical weight gain is a little less than 15 pounds while Elizabeth Forbes, MBU freshman, believes the number to be much greater.

Forbes, like most freshmen, has fallen prey to the idea that this weight gain is something she cannot avoid: “You pretty much have to deal with it and buy bigger pants, unless you want to be eating salad for the rest of your school career.”

However, many students discovered ways to fight the weight gain that many experience in their first year of college.

Pat Anderson, MBU senior, managed to avoid the “Freshman 15” all four years by staying active in sports and maintaining a consistent workout program. In fact, he gained 10 pounds of muscle by participating in MBU’s cross country and track teams.

For students who are neither athletic nor have the desire to play a sport, Parsons suggests finding something fun and active to do, and doing it: “If you like to dance to rap music and you’re white, do it in the comfort of the dorms where no one can see you.”

The first year of college is an exciting time that does not need to be overshadowed by doubts and insecurities of weight gain. Students can learn how to keep the weight off by staying active through exercise and sports, keeping snacking to a minimum, cutting a portion of soda from their diet and eating three healthy meals a day.

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