I have a confession. I’m slightly jealous of the rising freshmen heading off to college about now. Slightly. I don’t miss the academic part of being in school, the late nights studying and hours spent researching for papers.
But sometimes I do miss the lack of much adult responsibility that comes with that phase of life. No bills to pay. No boss to report to. And then the best parts of my college experience I miss a lot … the friends I made and the strengthening of my relationship with God. It was such a sweet time in my life!
Then there’s also the freedom of becoming independent, something I’d looked forward to for some time. That freedom can and often does lead many to make some choices with consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life.
When I went off to college, I felt pretty secure in who I thought I was. I had no need to “find myself” or “discover my identity” during this phase of my life. My goals were more about getting the degree I wanted, establishing and enjoying my independence and making new friends.
There were also things I knew I did not want to happen or to do, one being gaining the Freshman 15. I felt like I could lose 5-10 pounds, which is exactly what happened.
High School Graduate 
It was really during my college years that I began to think differently about diet and health.
I would not call myself a health nut, per se, but I’m definitely health conscious. However, this was not how I was raised. My mom has said that there was never the focus there is now on healthy living when she was raising me and my sisters. I’m thankful that has changed and there is much more conversation as well as resources helpful for those who value lasting health!
A fellow blogger friend, who shares this passion for healthy living, and I decided to publish on Amazon Kindle a resource for college freshmen that we had made available during our Blog Talk Radio program last year on this topic. It is available for free right now on Amazon.
Don’t let the title fool you!
The information in this guide is great not only for college freshmen, but for anyone wanting to make choices day-to-day that are necessary for lifelong health.
Download your copy here to pass along to the college student in your life … or perhaps for yourself if you enjoy healthy living tips and recipes. And if you know anyone else who would enjoy reading it, please let them know about the free promotion!
What about you … did you gain the Freshman 15 in college?
About the Author
Adopted at age 2, grew up in the Charlotte, NC area. Obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Loves being a Mom of two and taste-testing Chef John's culinary creations and sharing them with readers.
I wish I had this when I went to college! I made so many mistakes!
krystalskitsch recently posted…Favorite Florida Beaches
No I never gained that. Of course I never went to college so LOL
Toni recently posted…Big Kahuna’s Water Park Review *2 Ticket FLASH Giveaway*
Yea, I do miss those days where I didn’t have to worry about bills and reporting to a boss. This was a great read!
Fabulous Perks recently posted…Puff Sleeved Blazer + Prints
My oldest is starting kindergarten next month. This might be a little over her head- but I will pass it on to a few friends!
Carly from The Puzzled Palate recently posted…Guest post from… me?!?
Definitely, Carly. lol Thanks for passing along!
College was when my kids started thinking about that too. Neither of them gained the Freshman 15, so that’s a good thing. This sounds like an interesting read though.
Liz Mays recently posted…Big Fish Cascade – Say Goodbye to Crushing Candies!
My daughter is starting her first year in college and we’ve already had the talk. I know she’ll be responsible and I won’t have to worry (much) about her. She may need to read this.
Amanda Love recently posted…Get Vintage with Little Duchess Designs
Awesome, Amanda …. pass it on to her while it’s free! I hope she has a great first year. 😀
I didn’t gain the Freshmen 15. I gained the Junior 15, lol. Luckily I lost it in my senior year but some how found it plus more after several pregnancies. This looks like it is something that every one should review and could get some benefit from.
I never really experienced the Freshman 15 since I didn’t move out of my home. I don’t mind though, haha!
Annie recently posted…YEE: Yelp South Bay’s Tee Party
I actually lost weight in college. I was actually starving because I didn’t have any money. I am so grateful that those days are over. Lol
Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive Mom recently posted…How To Write Non-Fiction Book Back Cover Copy That Sells
Oh goodness Elayna … yes college can be a tough time financially. Glad they are over for you too!
We will be touching on the college budgeting topic in our private membership expert chats for anyone interested in that topic: http://www.beyondthefreshman15.com
A lot of folks lived tat way in college. I’ll try to make sure my kids don’t
Veronica recently posted…There’s An App For That!
I was lucky I never gained the freshman 15 because I spent my money on other things lol. But that’s another story al together. But Second year I gained a little weight as I got all the crazies out first year.
Tiffany Steadman-Collins recently posted…Say Good Bye To Ugly Nursing Covers and Hello to Fashion with @CoverMyHeart713 #Review
More like the freshmen 30, I think! They fed us the worst stuff in the dorms.
Heather recently posted…Tiggly Shapes Review
Yes, I think it ends up being more than 15 for many, Heather … maybe most!
I don’t know how much I gained as a college freshman, but I know I gained it! Then I got sick and dropped 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Yeah. Really sick. LOL
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…My Discouraging Dining Dilemma…SOLVED!
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. Not a fun way to lose it for sure!
Its funny when your a kid you want to grow up but when you are grown you wanna be a kid again well in my case lol.Going off to college is a big step.
Kay Adeola recently posted…Lazy Days & TV!
I had to work to put myself through college, working two jobs while supporting a child will make you never want to go back to that time as it was nothing but responsibility. I would not change it though as I set a good example for my son.
That looks like an amazing book if you have an older child.
Lady Lilith recently posted…Rock n’ Roll: Lighting
Thank you Lady Lilith!
I don’t consider myself a health nut, but I am sure others do. I just eat healty so I can live as healthy as possible.
I happen to have a Granddaughter in college, 2 of them in fact. One is very responsible and knows what she wants in life. The other… well, lets just say she is a party girl.
Terry recently posted…I Will Be Doing Dr Clarks Parasite Cleanse Plus Trying Candida Quest For Yeast Fungus Problems ~ Your Health By Design
I think kids going off to college for the first time generally don’t know what they want. That wanting t make changes comes with maturity - maturity that an 18 year old just doesn’t ;t have.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…7 Tips for Beating the Summer Heat
I had a boss to report too when I was in high school and while I was in college. I also had bills to pay. I started out living on my own at a younger age then most. I would not be a good fit for college life I enjoy my sleep and having my own family.