<p>limabeans-- fiance has put on probably 15lbs per year since freshman year. My male cousins also both put on weight, and there are plenty of men in college life talking about the freshman 15, too. From what I have read it sounds like, generally speaking, women have a harder time with weight than men, but the freshman 15 is definitely not just a girls issue.</p>
<p>I remember for me the freshman 15 came from drinking the milk/(and juice)! They used whole milk not 2%. When I went back after first semester I switched to skim milk and cut out juice and lost weight. Then added more exercise</p>
<p>It’s not the soda - perhaps the type of soda, but not soda in general.</p>
<p>By junior year of high school, I was 5’7 and 175 with no muscle and was a fatty. By the end of senior year, I was 6’0 148 with a little muscle and now I’m 6’2 142 with a good amount of muscle. Oh and I drink at least 60 oz of diet soda per day.</p>
<p>I learned NOT to eat dessert in the dorms nor eat all the starchy things that were constantly presented. After finding out that it wasn’t the dryer that was making my clothes tighter but rather my eating habits, I adjusted & things worked out OK for me.</p>
<p>Neither of my kids have had any weight gain issues–both have remained about their HS weight. Both have found activities they enjoy–rock climbing, fencing, casual pick up soccer & ultimate frisbee, etc. I think the key is food/beverage selection as well as timing. I am trying to break them of the habit of eating late at night but am not sure I will until they notice any ill effects from it (like weight they don’t want to put on). They are blessed with good genetics, but we still don’t want them consuming a lot of calories shortly before retiring. Told D it can sometimes cause bad dreams (has for me) & that gave her pause.</p>
<p>Agree with the tips on how to avoid being pressed to drink beverages at a party if you’re not so inclined–holding a glass that contains a beverage & having plans shortly after the party starts that you’re looking forward to seems like a good balance. Alcohol, juice and other beverages can sneak in a lot more calories than folks realize. Creamy salad dressings also have a ton of calories & can easily be replaced with lower calorie options like italian.</p>
<p>Longprime – your son sounds like a cutie. I liked the “no debt” comment - how CC! 
I’d recommend him but that seems to be the kiss of death with my D. (I’ve learned it is okay to say a dress is cute once she owns it, but if I say so while she’s initially considering it, back on the rack it goes. The same seems to be true with boys.)</p>
<p>My D has an “unusual” problem. She is a dancer, She has always been very slim and fit. But she called about 6 weeks ago complaining that none of her skinny jeans fit. I cautiously asked if she had gained weight. She said “no” but she has been dancing so much and working out so much that her calf muscles have bulked up and her pants are too tight! She was forced to wear sweats and dance pants every day. So, as soon as she got home for Christmas we went and found “non-skinny” jeans. BUT, she also needs new bras which she cannot attribute to too much dancing!!</p>
<p>I’m a college freshman and I lost about 30 pounds this semester (went from 178 to 150). I do Army ROTC and we have intense PT workouts 3 times a week. I’ve been home almost a week and everybody’s telling me how great I look. It’s an awesome feeling.</p>
<p>Doing Craigslist, “Woman seeking men”.
Its not promising for a 25yo. WHP</p>
<p>I’m just calculating our odds.</p>
<p>I gained 20 pounds my freshman year. Drinking & eating junk were the culprits. I lost all of it & more by drinking scotch & soda (yes, I liked to drink - and s&s kept my drinking to a minimum! :)), running, hitting the weight machines, and making an effort to eat properly. I kept it off after that. I felt so much better!</p>
<p>I gained some weight last semester because I’m trying to get bigger in the gym. My tip is if you still want to have fun at a party do shots instead of guzzling down multiple beers.</p>
<p>I went into college at 6’1" 140 pounds, and came out at 6’3" 185 pounds, with very little body fat either before or after (wish I could say the same today!). I ate ridiculous amounts of food, too. I was still growing and had a rocket metabolism.</p>
<p>S on the other hand, has gained some weight freshman year. He doesn’t work out.</p>
<p>This year has been better. The trick seems to be 1) no sugary beverages and 2) 1 plate of food at the dining hall - no 2nds, 3rds, etc.</p>
<p>
You may be avoiding the calories, but there is evidence that people who drink diet drinks wind up eating more to make up the “missing” calories. And IMO you are poisoning yourself, artificial sweeteners are not healthy. Why not just drink water?</p>