Amy FriendMay 26, 2016

Knowing my deep passion for nutrition and fitness, people have asked me to write a blog about “the freshman 15”. These requests are coming from friends who will be sending their children off to college this fall. It is with anxious anticipation that they wonder if their children will lose all sense of eating healthy meals and succumb to the temptation of junk food, pizza, vending machines and alcohol. Will they fall victim to “the Freshman 15” and put on weight?

I’m not really sure how the subject came up with those who requested that I write such an article, but they were certain that I had the answers. I said nothing about being a victim myself of this exact problem. It is not something that I have ever talked about with anyone…….. until now. My freshman college year, miles away from home, was probably the worst time of my life. Knowing that it was supposed to be the best time of my life just added to the stress. I let an out-of-control addiction to sugar take hold of my life. I gained weight, my clothes didn’t fit, and I hated the way I looked. I avoided every social situation that arose and this “great” time of my life was passing me by. I felt powerless to do anything about it. My mind was always planning and plotting on how to find any and all kinds of junk food — full of sugar, fat and salt. I was a closet eater. I could not let anyone know. I was always seeking to get change (coins) so that I could visit the vending machines late at night. I would go out at night crossing the campus to find vending machines where no one was around to see me filling my backpack with candy. What made it even worse was that I was at college on a gymnastic scholarship! How could I even hide what was happening to my body? I felt each day would be the last and tomorrow I would be able to take control. That “tomorrow” never came. The stresses of college life took hold of me – late nights cramming for exams, too cold outside to make the trek to the cafeteria, and, what I understand now more than ever, the sugar addiction!

I have researched and written so much on the subject of sugar (see “The Truth about Sugar“), but I have never come out to say that I have truly lived this experience. While it is comforting to know that I was not alone in “the freshman 15” story, it is now my mission to share what I can to prevent others from having to go through what I did.

3 tips for college freshmen:

• Be prepared! Just knowing what can happen with out-of-control eating can help prevent slipping into that trap.
• Do not skip meals and sign up for a meal plan that will ensure that you make it to a cafeteria that has healthy choices.
• Get plenty of sleep and exercise on a regular schedule.

3 tips for parents:

• Send care packages filled with healthy treats.
• Suggest that your child take a nutrition class for an elective.
• And, most importantly, be compassionate and supportive no matter what happens. It’s temporary!

All of that said, sometimes, there is nothing you can do as a parent. Your child has to be the one who has to educate themselves, and they have to be the ones who take pro-active steps to not let themselves fall into that trap.  However, if they do, just be there to offer support and encouragement, and don’t make a big deal of it. I remember not wanting to go home for the holiday break as I couldn’t face my family. How could I even let them look at my face?! It’s a little different now with Facebook, Face time and pictures all over the place. That is a good thing! This keeps you connected with them. And if you notice an unhealthy weight gain, be loving in your words and comments. What they need most is a safe place to open up instead of withdrawing.

As a parent who wants the best for their child, remember this is their time. And it’s also their personal journey with food. Be a great partner to them by following the tips above. Your support, compassion and unconditional love is what will carry them through. And just maybe they will turn into a nutrition guru like myself!

Amy