Fighting the Freshman 15

Fighting the 15FRESHMAN

Students combat weight gain by being active and eating healthy.

Photos & Story | Sarah Newberry Page Design | Rachel Wilson Harley Goetz, Kingman

Freshman 15 - impending doom or something students can combat?

The dreaded Freshman 15, a lot of stigma follows that phrase. It’s been heard in movies, TV shows, from friends and family, and many other sources. Why is the Freshman 15 feared so much? How come some people have never heard of it? The Freshman 15 is defined by weight gain when attending college. It comes with the freedom students have to eat whatever they want. Some parents try to get their kids to eat healthy, but when students go off to college it’s a different story. Also, according to some, college cafeteria food is way better than high school food.

“When I think of the Freshman 15, I think of weight gain,” said Kayleigh Smalley, Wellington.

It’s a widely used expression by many, although some don’t know what it is.

“The Freshman 15 is the expression people use that refers to the average amount of weight college students could possibly gain during the first year of college,” Smalley said.

Weight gain is something many students dread.

“I’m afraid I’m going to gain 15 pounds,” said Harley Goetz, Kingman.

Why is the Freshman 15 so common? Is it really that easy to gain weight? There are many things that the Freshman 15 boils down to.

“The unlimited cafeteria food, eating late at night, easy access to vending machines, and being too tired to go workout,” said Smalley.

When students are tired and worn out from a long day of classes, it can be hard to find motivation to do things. Students often focus their time and efforts on homework, and not much else. Most times when students stay up late at night studying, they get hungry at odd times and sometimes might crave sweets or junk food. What’s available to eat at those times comes down to convenience. Whether it’s from the vending machines, fast food establishments, or just easy to make, it’s all about how quick it is. Sometimes, eating unhealthy foods comes down to how much a student can afford.

“You don’t have enough money so you buy things like ramen noodles,” said Goetz.

Being a broke college student can be rough and making or buying healthy foods can be hard. Limited resources to cook healthy foods can contribute as well. With the exception of airfryers, the dorms doesn’t allow cooking devices like microwaves. This may be another obstable for student when trying to eat healthy and be cost effective. Even though eating healthy can be difficult, there are some healthy foods students enjoy.

“My favorite healthy foods are

strawberries, bananas, watermelon, apples with peanut butter, trail mix and popcorn,” Smalley said.

“I love steamed broccoli or cauliflower, salads, most fruits or vegetables really,” said Goetz.

Keeping a balanced and healthy lifestyle is another way to combat the Freshman 1, working out helps to prevent gaining weight. Another way is to avoid eating out, especially greasy fast foods.

“To prevent the freshman 15 I try to stay active. For example, I walk as much as possible if I have to go somewhere on campus. I choose not to eat a lot of fast food,” said Smalley.

“My favorite ways to stay active and keep it fun are working out with my friends and jamming to some music,” said Smalley.

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Photo | Sarah Newberry Kayleigh Smalley, Wellington, works out at Planet Fitness. She liked to work out with her friends and tried to get to the gym two to three times each week.

Photo | Sarah Newberry Harley Goetz, Kingman, works out two to three times a week. She prefers to use the elliptical and works out in her fire science class as well.