…and all other college students that are taking control of you health and weight. I am so envious of you. I wish I got a better grip on my health in college. I’ve been working professionally in a university setting for 3+ years and the start of a new school year is just as exciting as ever. I’d like to use my sage wisdom to impart some advice (feel free to take or leave as much of it as you would like):
- You have nothing to prove in terms of drinking if that is your choice – but if you don’t want to funnel beer don’t, if you don’t want 5 shots don’t take 5.
- I’m not telling you not to drink (because I sure as hell did), but realize how it can easily derail you – not only the empty calories.
- Beware of the food you’ll eat after you’ve been drinking or the next morning.
- Avoid take out – I NEVER eat take out anymore and I don’t remember the last time I got food delivered, but I did it ALL THE TIME in college.
- There are good options in the cafeteria and if there are not, demand healthier options (approach the director of dining or other administrators or get student government behind you). When I was in college they added tons of vegetarian options because people wanted them. ASK and you shall receive – students hold the most power on a college campus TRUST ME.
- Use the campus fitness center and take the classes. Don’t let school work get in the way. Clearing your head at the gym will make you more focused to do work.
- Sleep – it’s important or learn the art of napping (I’m not a napper now, but I was in college).
- Try not to obsess about the bodies of your roommates and friends. When living in close quarters you generally get to see how truly fit and toned people may be.
- Don’t overly reassure skinny girls that they are skinny, they are just looking for attention. I had a roommate that always referred to herself as a "cow" and would even mooo. She was freakin BEAUTIFUL and had an amazing body – she just wanted people to fuss over her. When you are around skinny/fit people with negative attitudes it can make you feel even worse about yourself. Avoid negativity at all cost.
- Be fearless and have fun because college should be some of the best years of your life.
I love college. It has the potential to be the most exciting time in your life. The people, the events, the knowledge, the fun. I love getting to relive college through my students. I look back at things I could have changed. The middle of my soph year and through the summer before junior year I was in the best shape of my life because I GOT CONTROL and did those things I mentioned above. However I got lazy and lax and before I knew it I was worse of than when I started. Also beware of 21st birthdays – be it yours or your friends. I don’t think I ever drank more in my life than from when my first good friend turned 21 until the summer after college. That was a solid year and a half of drinking ALL THE TIME. Now I wouldn’t change my college experience for the world because I am who I am because of it, but don’t lose fact that “every passing minute is a chance to learn it all around.”
Stay focus. Stay commited. You deserve it and I believe in you!
