It’s been two years since freshman year. You think you’ve learned from your indulgent ways and beaten the “Freshman 15.” WRONG. I’ve learned the hard way this semester that you can gain 15 lbs. pretty much anytime and anywhere as long as the food is delicious enough. And in the Middle East, food is not only delicious, but cheap. Since I have come to this horrid realization that my jeans are snugger than I would like (after spring break especially), I recently bought a gym membership close to my apartment. Even though it was 45 JD for a month, it has definitely been worth it. Results, like any weight loss attempts, are slow but I’m definitely not giving up! So, this short article will be about steps you can take to prevent undesired weight gain (almost) completely while studying abroad!
1. The food is very delicious, but eat small portions, slowly. Especially in Middle Eastern cultures, hosts pile food on their guests and are offended if guests do not go back for several helpings. I suggest taking small portions at first, and then going back for seconds. This will keep your host happy, and by eating slowly your mind can register and judge how full you really are. Also, many Middle Eastern dishes are packed with carbs. These fill you up quickly, so again it is best to start off small and add more depending on your hunger. Otherwise, you realize (too late) you stuff yourself for each meal.
2. Walk to your location! Unless an area of the city is unsafe or too far, try to walk as much as possible to get where you need. Taxis in many Middle Eastern cities are often the only mode of transportation and fares can add up quickly. Also, there is the hassle of learning country- or area-specific taxi etiquette and the possibility of getting ripped off if you don’t know your area very well. Walking helps to burn those extra calories, save money, and lets you get to know your surroundings better.
3. Cook at home (if possible) and find shopping deals. While many of my friends live with home- stay families and cannot always cook for themselves, it is best to try to if you’re in an apartment. Even in the US, grocery shopping and cooking for yourself saves a lot of money and is generally healthier. When you’re abroad, shop around at the local grocery stores or markets and ask vendors about any deals. Not only do you get some language practice in, but you can discover great ways to save money buying healthy food! For example, I found out that the Safeway across from my apartment has half-off produce days on Tuesday and Wednesday and half-off chicken and meat on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. My roommate and I often cook for ourselves – it’s a stress reliever and it is often guiltless calorie-wise.
4. Stay away from sweets! In the Middle East, pretty much everything is made with real cane sugar instead of that high fructose corn syrup crap in the US. The result? Soda, chocolate, juice, candies – EVERYTHING TASTES BETTER. It can easily become addicting. In Egypt, I had to have a Miranda (like an Orange Slice soda) with every meal; I had to force myself to stop after evacuation. Like any bad addiction, good advice is to never start to avoid cravings and occasional relapses.
5. Worst case scenario – find where to work out! If you’ve already gained some weight, it can be difficult to simply adjust your diet to shed those extra pounds. In the Middle East, it is also a faux pas to work out (i.e. running) in public, unless you’re at a special location. For example, in Amman is a section of the city called “Sports City.” It is a giant public park where anyone (as long as work-out clothes are appropriate) can go run and enjoy some fresh air. Or, you can ask around in order to find a cheap, convenient gym to get a membership.