college aged members- or everyone -I want your opinion!

This is a longish post- I apologize!

I'm currently a junior in college and trying to lose the last 10 pounds. I've struggled with my weight and body issues for many years and lost most of the weight before I transferred to a new school in a different city this semester. No one here knows me as ever being overweight because I dont know many people yet. I feel like my weight loss efforts conflict with making new friends! I'm currently trying to get help with my binge eating and emotional eating issues. Because of this I tend to decline invitations to group get togethers etc and although I do love to go out on the town and be a regular college girl, I'm too afraid that it will put me in a situation where I slip up on my diet and health. But now I find myself spending boring weekends at home JUST to avoid binge eating...which is definitely isolationg me. I guess my question is how do I work on establishing friendships when I feel uncomfortable telling people why I dont want to go out?especially people I hardly know yet. College life and dieting are really difficult. I want to have fun, I want to go out to bars and make new friends, and have crazy nights- But getting drunk and going to bed at 4am dont mesh too well with weightloss efforts. Does anyone ever feel this same conflict? How do you deal with it? How do you have a crazy college life and NOT accidentally kick pack calorie packed margharitas? I hope this doesnt sound too stupid...I just feel sort of stuck.

Wed. Oct 31, 1:39am

I feel for you. I was in college and know how you feel. BUT these are the years to remember.. these are the good times! please go out... practice moderation. set limits. if you eat well most of the time, you can afford a couple margaritas, etc. please dont stay in because of that..... I would do anything to relive some of the great college days!

moderation is key.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 8:53 AM

im going thru the same struggle...im becoming pathetic in ways of my social life. i am a transfer too actually in the SAME exact situation. you couldn't have said it better. i have been in a rut this whole year and have gone out once since august. and when i don't go out i eat more because i have nothing to distract or keep me entertained. i just declared my diet this week. and i also just got a fake i.d. so now with this i.d. i have no excuses not to go out and enjoy the college life that i once did last year. i am going to spend one full week of pure detoxing my body with absolutely no unhealthy foods. then i will start going out again like i used to. when you're out tho...feel awesome and feel comfortable with yourself, because i know that going out takes a lot of energy expenditure. you have to walk to the places, and don't be afraid to dance your ass off on the dance floor and get low! and walking in heels is always a change up for your legs; all of these factors burn those cals you drank and then some. we'll be fine we can do this together! it just sucks cause today is halloween and i promised myself i wouldn't go out this week; it would really set me back. but i really think being strict this week is a great start to a healthy balance of fun and health! try it! who knows maybe you need two weeks or three weeks to establish a way you can dispose of calories or go the extra mile thru out the week for alcohol. but its worth it to feel like you're ahead with your body so you can enjoy the rest of the year!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 9:13 AM

My friends and I lost the freshman 15 by drinking vodka with soda water- (not tonic) with a wedge of lime. Try and drink water in b/w each drink. Not having the mixers or high cal beers is helpful- only drink a few and then excerise the next day. There are hotties at the school gym. Also, eat something healthy before you go out. NEVER eat the bar food! It will not make you feel better the next day. If you feel like you need to absorb the alcohol to avoid the hangover the next day- heat up a small sweet potato- it works!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 10:20 AM

I just graduated from college in May and went through the same struggles. I joined weight watchers both my junior and senior year and lost about 12 lbs each time, but could not mantain it either time- as we all know the college lifestlye does not attribute to weight loss. Since graduating in May- I have lost 11 lbs.. 15 more to go- but being young and still on the party scene here are some things that have worked for me-
-Drinking is fattening no matter what way you look at it. I do agree that vodka club soda and similiar low calories drinks can help cute calories, i beleive they are around 70 cals at ooposed to arouynd 100 for a light beer.. when ouit at the bar i try to have at least a couple waters too.
-A lot of my friends went out almost every night- i limited my nights out to thurs-sat, with the occasional special occasion- and saved my drinking calories for those nights.
-You must learn how to pass on the late night pizza and snacks..end of subject.
-Cut out all soda( beware of juice as well) limit the diet cokes ( lots of artificial sweetners)- try your best to drink water all day- it DOES make a difference
-Alot of people order out a lot and go to the dining hall alot- if so try to stick with big salads with low cal dressing- or try to encourage your roomates or yourself to cook- cheaper and usually much healthier- sometimes on sundays i would make stuff for the week ( cook some grilled chicken for salads & sandiwches) etc so i had it ready.
-Lastly, you must make time for the gym and exercise. Walk everywhere you can, and try to hit the gym at least 3 x a week.
You can still mantain/ lose weight and drink and have fun, you just have to try to make healthy choices along with it.
Being out of college I still feel as though I am dealing with some of the same pressure to go out drink/ eat- remember you have to do whats right for YOU
Good Luck!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 11:14 AM

AHHH!
I am too old to be doing this! I drank my vodka last night- had to crash at my friends place downtown. Had a breakfast bagel w/ egg, cheese and SAUSAGE!! And I feel like death at work today. Thank God, I dont have any meetings...

Thursday, November 1, 2007, 9:14 AM

OP -- I totaaally know how you feel! I just graduated in May and that was something that I struggled with for soo long (now kind of too). It seems like you cant win-- either you go out and ditch the diet or stay in and stick to it. BUT, it doesnt have to be that way. This is what I reccommend (some are repeats, but i think everyone has had great suggestions!)
- dont go to extremes (ie: when you do go out, do NOT abandon all discipline)
- DO eat healthy and exercise regularly so you feel good about yourself and know that you deserve to go out and have fun
- do NOT late night eat! The stuff we grab after consuming all of the calories from drinking is (more than likely) not good for you and could add another 500+ cals to your night
- keep the drinking to a minimum (1-2 nights per week)
- stay away from mixed drinks! you will just want more bc they are sweeter and have waaay too many calories
- Stay focused on how good it feels to look good, live healthy, AND have fun -- its totally possible. As long as you dont get too excessive (drinking, eating) and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should not have to sacrifice your college years. You will miss these times in a few years!!

GOODLUCK! :)

Thursday, November 1, 2007, 11:13 AM

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