So, I was going to the gym the other day by means of the 114 bus. Now, I know what you are thinking, what kind of oxymoron is this? I’m going to a place where one gets physically fit but I’m going there by sitting on my butt for a few minutes instead of casually walking for 15 minutes. I used to walk, really I did! To and from! But now I’d rather not brave the elements, especially when there are 68mph winds.
As I was saying, I was on the 114 with maybe 6 other people. But this bus ride was different. I sit down and make myself comfortable only to be interrupted by the driver over the intercom.

“Goooood Afternoon! You are riding the 114 with service to and from Fairhaaaaven! Today’s WTA trivia game is brought to you by (insert random company and slogan here).”

Now, I’m thinking, did I get on the wrong bus and/or should I get off at the next stop. I look out of the corner of my eye to the other passengers to possibly read their reactions to this announcement. Same as mine, embarrassed to be riding and curious as to what the heck was going on.

The driver continues his charade with the cheesy voice, announcing that I could win a new Chevy and he even bothers to talk fast as if reading the fine print of the rules. The question was simple, and I so could’ve answered it. “What is the name of the shop located next to Moe’s tavern on the Simpsons?” Two boys across from me laughed and tried their hardest to guess, but they ultimately let the Chevy slip out of their hands. Oh, and while waiting for their answer, the driver even sung the Jeopardy song. Impressive.

But my main topic here is getting used to eating right and taking care of myself in college. I go to the rec center every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And I usually stay for about 45 minutes to an hour working on cardio and weight training. When I eat, I try my best to get something well-balanced rather than burgers and fries. I’d say I eat better here than I did at home. I find myself eating 2 salads everyday along with lots of fruit in the morning. I’m doing pretty well with fighting back that dreaded Freshman 15.

Yet, as I sit down at the dining hall to eat, I’m amazed at people around me. They consume massive quantities of cookies, pizza, rice crispy treats, and chocolate milk. How can they do that?!! If I ate like that I would gain all the weight I worked so hard at to loose. And now, oh boy, they serve waffles…ALL DAY LONG. Way to go nutrition specialists. Talk about concern for the health of students. Then again, what we choose to eat is of our own free will, but there should be some common sense better than a giant Belgian waffle filled with 3 scoops of strawberry ice cream.

Take my advice; use the rec center to your advantage because it’s quite the amazing place and we are spoiled to have it. You might think the dining hall’s food is equivalent to a prison’s but it’s WAY better than high school gruel and you should just stop being a picky eater. Go ahead and eat desserts, just give it some moderation. One piece of cookie dough pie a week is enough. Stay active and you’ll feel better for class, sleep better, and not gain that Freshman 15.