By Jessica Berget, Editor-in-Chief
The freshman 15 may be a myth, but the fear of gaining weight over the holiday season is a reality for many students. Whether it be because of all the holiday sweets, creamy hot drinks, or because you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as per our feature this week, you are most likely going to gain a few pounds over the next month or so.
This is a fact that may terrify some people, but it shouldn’t. Weight gain isn’t something to be worried about. In fact, there are a lot of things to appreciate about putting on some pounds. As an awkward, chubby teenager, I not-so-fondly remember my arms being pinched to show me how chubby I was. And for a while, I hated my extra cushioning. Now that I am an adult who eats whatever, I have also gained a bit of weight recently and it’s given me a new perspective on body positivity.
Gaining weight is generally looked down on because it is seen as unhealthy, but people shouldn’t be so negative about it. Firstly, it can actually be a health necessity for underweight people to gain weight. Many underweight people are complimented on their “perfect” weight, yet there are actually sick—it is very bad for their health to be so skinny. Also, many people look beautiful with an extra bit of weight. The additional weight fills out faces and other parts of the body, making people look curvier and more circular—and it can be very cute. Take Rihanna as an example, she has gained some weight recently and she looks undoubtedly just as gorgeous, if not more so. It adds a roundness and softness to a person’s features, which I think makes people look beautiful.
It’s hard to avoid any sweet or comforting foods during the darkest and coldest of months—it’s a comfort. So, don’t avoid them. Not being afraid of putting on some pounds can give you a new appreciation and respect of food, so don’t worry about over-indulging this holiday—or at all in general really. Eat what you want, when you want, and enjoy your life.
Don’t stress about gaining pounds (at a healthy rate of course) during the holidays, and always. Weight constantly fluctuates depending on what you eat and the amount of physical activity you do. As long as you’re healthy, just enjoy yourself and don’t stress about putting on a few pounds.
