6 Things I Learned From Not Eating In College

1. Orange Chicken Tuesdays are always an exception

Even though I was mostly only eating one meal a day (which was a large portion of eggs, potatoes, and sausage and a side of chocolate soy milk) I made the exception of lunch on Tuesdays for orange chicken. My diet was unhealthy, but I craved that delicious chicken every time it was served. I realized quickly it was important to have a cheat day.

2. Working out is equally important.

Although clearly my diet wasn’t nourishing, I thought that eating less would make me look more like my girlfriends. They could all rock the crop top and miniskirt to a party, whereas I felt I had to dress in a loose fitting t-shirt and skinny jeans. But making changes to your diet is not the only way to lose weight. Cardio is necessary.

3. Smoothies are not filling.

I was substituting meals for smoothies with green tea powder in them, assuming that it was equivalent to a fruit salad. After I finished my smoothie, which was definitely loaded with sugar and way too many empty calories, I’d still feel hungry. I needed fiber and protein and actual food, not just blended up juices and powders.

4. It makes drinking difficult.

There is nothing worse than drinking on an empty stomach. The hangovers are nasty, it’s terrible for your body, and everyone is wondering when you became such a lightweight. Playing beer pong with the cute guy down the hall is much better when you can actually drink more than one beer without totally losing it and drunkenly begging for bread.

5. No one actually cares about the weight.

It was evident that I was gaining weight, (probably from the drinking) but no one stopped hanging out with me because of it, no one looked at me in disgust, no one questioned my jean size. I was literally the only person who looked at myself and wanted to change, even if it felt like all eyes were on me when I entered a room.

6. It doesn’t make you skinnier.

When I was skipping meals, I found myself binge eating entire cartons of ice cream because I was so hungry. I promised myself only a bite, but my body needed something. Having body peace is important in anyone’s life, but not everyone has it. If you’re not happy with the way you look, cutting meals is not the way to go. Instead you should focus on cutting out bread and sweets and adding more greens. But more importantly, make sure you’re doing it for yourself.