From Sarah, Age 19 - 10/15/09 - IP#: 147.253.158.xxx  Click here to reply  
Ht. 5'7", Start: 212 lb, Today: 212 lb (BMI %tile: 96), Goal: 130 lb - Hey all! I discovered this website recently and thought I would give it a try, I just started college about 2 months ago and that 'freshman 15' thing has turned into the freshman 27 for me! Yes I have gained 27 pounds in two months. We have an unlimited meal plan and I have used it and abused it unfourtunatly. It's just so convinient. And not only do I over do it in the cafeteria, I am constantly eating in my room. It doesn't help that my roommate loves food and is overweight herself, so we are always buying snack and ordering pizza together. I'm not super stressed or anything I have just developed this love for food and I cannot seem to get enough. I eat until I'm satisfied and that seems to be when I'm stuffed to the brim. But I denied for awhile because none of my friends seem to have a problem gaining. Until I went to put on a pair of jeans I hadn't worn in awhile and couldn't button them. So I went to the gym and weighed myself. I was 185 when I came here and now weigh 212. I mean I've always been overweight but when I went past 200 and gained 27 pounds in 2 months I realized I need to do something. But it's gunna be so hard with the new life I have created for myself. Which is filling my tray at mealtimes and then coming back to my room and snacking constantly, then repeating it all over again. Ugh. So any tips on avoiding gaining more while in this college atmosphere?! Thanks!
Reply from Michelle, Age 20 - 10/16/09  - IP#: 67.83.82.xxx
The best thing that I have found works is to find a friend who is adamant about going to the gym and telling them in advance that you will go with them. This not only motivates you to go but also kind of forces you to be active. Once you get into a routine exercising doesn't become so much of a chore and can actually be really enjoyable, especially when you start to notice that you have more energy and see a physical change in yourself. Also, plan out your meals ahead of time if you can. I know at my school you cannot always guarantee what they are going to have, but there are certain foods that are always available (fruits, salads, fresh veggies, etc.), so if you plan to incorporate these into your meals you will feel fuller and hopefully eat less of the bad stuff. Also, for snacking in the room, just don't keep unhealthy snacks in there. Bring back fresh fruit from the cafeteria if you can or stock up on other healthier snacks. I hope this helps! Good luck!		 
Reply from Caragh, Age 17 - 10/16/09  - IP#: 83.70.233.xxx
Maybe tell your roomie that you're trying to lose weight and you'd really appreciate her support? Try getting some exercise, is there a college gym you could use? Try making one change each week, be it to eat a healthy lunch that is a smaller portion, or go for a twenty minute walk two days a week, and then the next weeek make one more small change?