Yep, you read that title right.
I’ve gained weight within the past 19 days of being here. I don’t use a scale, but I can feel it from the way my thighs feel in shorts and how my tummy looks a little bit fuller in the shower. I can feel it when I walk up the stairs and am just a tinsy bit more winded than I was a few weeks ago. It may not be 15 pounds yet, but at least a good 3 to 5.
And honestly, I’m unbothered. Here’s why:
My Weight Background
I have never considered myself fat or thin, always in the middle, slightly closer to the curvy side. In middle school, I struggled with never having abs or a thigh gap, and in high school, I was always the girl who lifted the other girls on the dance team.
I would go on diets and make workout plans that would last about a month. I would avoid dating boys who had a thinner build than me. I’ve counted calories, created “fitspo” Pinterest boards, and, regrettably, even edited out a double chin for an Instagram post.
My insecurities weren’t paralyzing, but they were definitely there and still are there, to some degree.
Summer 2020
This summer changed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t any of the miracle diets or fitness apps that did it for me. It was that I was working two part-time jobs, constantly. Between the two jobs, I was averaging about 45 hours a week and had at least one 10+ hour shift a week. I was exhausted.
As sad as I was watching a beautiful summer golden hour go by through the windows as others got their ice cream (Ice Cream Job) or picked up beer for a night with friends (Grocery Store Job), my wallet got fatter while I thinned out.
I felt better about myself, but for the wrong reasons.
Moving to College
I’ve been in South Carolina for about 3 weeks. And let me tell you, damn the food is good here. Shout out Liberty Dining Hall.
I digress. Anyway, I have gone through a major lifestyle change. I am no longer working long hours on my feet, along with working out. I do school work at a desk and go to the gym 3-4 times a week.
I’m no longer getting something quick to eat, like a peach in the store or drive-thru on the way home. I’m eating at least two full nutritious meals a day.
I’m ultimately no longer “Skinnier Charlotte.” And that’s ok.
Even if the crop top doesn’t look as good or the jeans are a little tighter, I’m healthier. I am sleeping enough. Enjoying the food I eat instead of wolfing down God knows what because I’m starving. I’m not working myself to my breaking point.
What I’m trying to say here is that who cares if gossips from Suburb, State notice you’ve gained a few when you’re back in town. We are adopting new lifestyles, and sometimes, in my case, a more sustainable, happier one. Happy Charlotte = Charlotte eating cookies and sleeping enough.
So take care of yourself. Flaunt the thick thighs (they do save lives). And eat the damn dining hall cookie. The Freshman 15 is not a big deal.