I remember exactly what kind of kid I was before coming to college. Thoughts of parties, beer and women constantly floated through my head in the days leading up to move-in. Picture a young Van Wilder, but paler. Back then, I was a mere 120 lbs of lean, mean partying potential.
When I finally settled in at Witte 8B, everything changed. Not to say all my wildest dreams didn't come true, because they most certainly did—albeit in smaller, lamer doses than I had once imagined. But along with my abundant successes came signs of failure, mainly in the form of excess weight accumulating around the hips and tummy area.
Hungover one Wednesday afternoon, I stumbled out of the shower and realized I was perpetuating a dangerous college stereotype that I had failed to recognize: The freshman fifteen. At first, I felt like a victim. ""It's not your fault,"" I told myself, ""these kinds of things happen to everyone."" But seconds later, after a few profile glances in the mirror and a couple pinches of the belly, I felt sick to my chubby little stomach. It might have been the Karkov Vodka from the night before, or—as I like to think now—it was a moment of clarity.
I resolved right then and there that I was going to change, and it just may have been the best decision of my collegiate career. Over the course of the next few months, I found ways to combat the freshman fifteen, and I think that all incoming freshmen would benefit from learning a thing or two from my past experiences.
It starts early in the morning, right before you skip your first class. I don't care where it is, Pop's Club, Rheta's or even Frank's Place, if you value your body at all it's important to think about the food you eat and at least attempt to maintain some semblance of a healthy diet. It's easy to shovel some fries or cottage cheese on your tray to complement a hamburger, but opting instead for some fruit or a vegetable could save you some trouble in the long run. In terms of beverages, milk and juice are fine, but you'll be taking in enough liquid calories from alcohol, so skip the soda. Also, be weary of the ice cream. It's delicious, but dangerous, and it's served late into the night at every dining hall on campus.
Sticking to a healthy diet can be the difference between 15 pounds and five. But there are other ways to stay in shape during your first year away from home. So many incoming freshmen abandon what once was a healthy source of stability as soon as they set foot on campus: exercise. When the structured world of high school athletics disappears, it's up to you to make an effort to stay in shape. No matter where you are on campus, some athletic facility will be in your immediate vicinity. The Natatorium, the Southeast Recreational Facility or the Shell all provide valuable spaces to run, lift weights, play basketball or even swim. I know you're young, but don't let the social aspect of intramurals scare you, just ask some kids on your floor if they want to sign up for a sport and go for it. Intramurals are a regularly scheduled means of competitive exercise, and it sounds cliché, but they're also a good way to meet people.
If the gym just isn't for you, take advantage of the bike paths in Madison or go for a run. If you're in the southeast section of campus, play volleyball behind Witte. If you're up in Lakeshore, whip out the tennis rackets. If nothing else, walk to class. The buses aren't that much faster than your feet, and mopeds should be reserved for athletes only.
The last cause of the freshman fifteen may be the most threatening of them all: alcohol. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to preach about the dangers of drinking, I'm just offering a word to the wise. I've seen too many friends fall victim to beer belly, and it's not fun for anyone involved. If you're going to drink, do so when the occasion calls for it, and even then be aware of the physical consequences. Drink to pregame football on Saturday morning, fine. But drinking because you can on a Monday night is not quite the same.
So, for all you aspiring Van Wilders out there, take a moment to reflect on the peak physical condition of Ryan Reynolds, and frighten yourself by putting your face on John Bellushi's body. At the very least, be conscious of diet and exercise as you enter your first year on campus. Staying in shape isn't the be-all end-all, but it makes everything else in college a lot easier.
Dan Tollefson is a senior majoring in English. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
