Students fight back against gaining “Freshman 15”
Julio Rodriguez
Junior Creative Editor
“Freshman 15” has officially commenced with the start of the new academic year.
“Freshman 15” is the belief that new students gain 15 pounds during their first year of college. College students are constantly rushing between classes, trying to meet deadlines and find time to eat in between all of the chaos.
Supplementing a well-balanced diet into that routine may not be a priority for most. Human services student Juwaynea Ford said, “I don’t have a steady diet. I eat whatever I can find at my house.”
Ford believes that students can avoid gaining weight by eating a packed lunch from home. Ford also believes that walking on campus can curve the impending possibility of putting on weight.
Emmalyn Knapp, a liberal arts student, exercises throughout her day without intending to do so. “I do a lot of walking. I probably do an average of 15 flights of stairs a day on campus,” said Knapp.
The temptations for student to drown their sorrows into comfort food is all over campus. Mazzone catering in the Campus Center has a collection of comfort food options for students to choose from.
Besides what is offered on campus, there are a number of fast food restaurants available to students within walking distance of the college, such as Wendy’s and Taco Bell.
Ford believes that many students gain weight during their freshman year because they are drawn to eat the comfort food provided by dining services. “If you’re trying to avoid gaining weight, you should leave your money at home,” said Ford.
“Stay out of the cafeteria. Stay away from the cafeteria food and the cheap food in the bookstore. Go to the library, lock yourself away and do your work,” said Knapp.
There are students who are not as concerned with gaining weight as others. Judy Fuentes, a second-year human services student, was not affected by the “Freshman 15” during her first year as a student.
“Surprisingly, I was not affected. I lost weight that year. I did cheer last year, and that was part of my exercise routine,” said Fuentes. Fuentes also believes that she has a diet that is in the middle of healthy and unhealthy.
The Wellness Center sponsors various events to assist students with their physical well being. The center also provides support to students who need assistance in maintaining their physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health through health care, education and referrals.
There are also resources available to students who are looking for more hands-on methods to avoid packing on some extra pounds. McDonough’s fitness room and racquetball courts are available for student use.
The facilities have a mandatory registration procedure that must be completed prior to use. Registration can be done in the fitness room on Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.