As I face my first semester as a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I have one big fear. Most people would imagine this would be making new friends, going to new classes, or maybe even walking up Bascom Hill. However, my biggest fear is the infamous and dreadful freshman 15. Although these are just words, and perhaps even a myth, I face this fear daily and do all I can in my power to fight it off.
The transition from home life to college life has proven to be easier than I had assumed it would be. The independence, the people and the experiences are all so exciting and new, but that does not mean there aren’t any consequences. Home-cooked meals turn into unhealthy (and often inedible) cafeteria food, and the food shopping trips with mom turn into chaotic trips with the roommate to snag every last junk food item off the shelf. Although this seems like a dream to many, the way students begin to look at themselves in the mirror the next few days is hardly a satisfying feeling.
Throughout the summer I made efforts to keep up with a strict workout routine. This included going to the gym daily and working with a personal trainer, but let’s be honest, who has the time to do that and balance schoolwork simultaneously? Keeping up with this regimen in college is nearly impossible. As a new student with a tight schedule, I am learning different ways to exercise that are not as time-consuming. Taking advantage of the walks I take to class is one of the easiest, because we all know that walk up Bascom Hill does not make your legs burn for no reason. Although the walking (or running) to class seems simple and maybe even unproductive, it is a workout nonetheless. There are other ways to be active as well. The downtime most college students spend with their friends, laying in bed, or watching TV is the most precious time of the week, but it can be used more productively than that. Three sets of 15 to 20 crunches in front of the television is not an inconvenience, and will help a self-conscious freshman feel better about their snacking.
Speaking of snacking, the advice of any college student would be to do as little of it as possible. UW-Madison offers unique food opportunities to its students through the multitude of different restaurants in town, a variety of foods in its cafeterias and of course the weekly farmers market. So, take advantage of these things! Spend downtime in ways that will make your day feel more active, and choose fun and fresh foods that will not put a downer on your mood. It is possible to avoid the freshman 15, and I am learning new ways to do it everyday. As for the rest of my college years, I’ll figure that out when I get there.
