As we approach the long awaited Arts Fest weekend, some of you may find yourselves not quite at the aggressive weight loss goal you set for this mid-summer meet up with all your State College friends. For me, the up-scale climb occurred in Europe where I spent last semester studying abroad. I could feel the literal jiggle of my newest chin. I was on my way home from spending four amazing months abroad when it hit me – I had gained some serious weight, and I had to do something about it. Was I expected not to bask in traditional Moroccan food? I mean it would have been straight blasphemy not to have had chocolate croissants for breakfast, pizza for lunch, pasta for dinner and gelato between all three while in Italy. How simply rude it would’ve been to deny my home-stay mom’s offer for seconds (or thirds) of her authentic Spanish meals. Wine was cheaper than water, and that’s not a joke – it’s like the real life miracle of Jesus. Spending three roundtrip-Ryanair-tickets-worth of Euro on a gym membership would have been a sin, I mean c’mon.
What can I say? Europe got the best of me. Now here I am, six weeks later and life back in the States hasn’t proved much more weight loss friendly. And so to motivate myself, and you, I have compiled a list of reasons why, before sylly week, we can all achieve some progress. The time has come, the time is now.
- At home you are significantly less tempted to casually stroll into Panera, Chipotle, etc. on your walk home.
- The excuse that you don’t want to smell in class post-gym has ceased to exist, ladies.
- The chances of running into some guy you made out with whose name you don’t know in the weight room is slim to none. Fumble around on that machine you don’t know how to work, no one is watching.
- There is no website that gives you access to cheesy, cheap carbs from all local establishments at your fingertips…OrderUp what power you have to make us suffer and enjoy it.
- Sure you may have an internship or a part-time job, but you probably don’t have to cram study into the wee hours of the night or work on group projects; use that time.
- Think about the transformation, or transformation Tuesday for those bold Instagram-ers out there, and the shock with which your friends will greet you upon your return.
So, whether you have gone abroad or simply packed the pounds while surrounded by the glorious food options in State College (we are all victimized by the psueeeats Instagram account – you are not alone), weight gain seems to be a part of college lifestyle. And it’s okay. But I challenge you to join me this summer in getting back in shape, feeling better about your body and living healthier and happier.
Good luck ladies. I’ll see you in the fall!
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