College is supposed to be a time where you learn a lot about yourself. If I have learned anything, it’s that I am weak. 

Not physically —  although I have never been able to do a pushup — but mentally. I am mentally weak when it comes to the dining hall. 

It’s hard for me to admit my problems, but I figured if I write it and send it out for the world to read (because I know everyone who is anyone reads my blog) that it would hold me accountable for my actions.

In an attempt to spend as little money as possible this week, I have eaten every lunch and dinner at the dining hall. However, I learned that although that may be financially a smarter choice, it’s definitely not a healthier choice in the long run. 

As much as I would like to place the blame on the dining halls themselves for providing constant dessert and fun cereals that my mom never bought me as a child, I know that it’s a me issue. 

Like my kind, caring, supportive sister said, “Obtain self control. You are almost 20 years old. Get a grip.” I love her so much. 

Growing up, buffets were something of special value. Every New Year’s Day and Mother’s Day my family goes to a buffet-style meal where I evidently go ham. Minus the ham - I hate ham. My point is that before coming to college, buffets were meant for celebratory occasions. 

Now it’s just an everyday thing. Congrats, Megan! You went to class today! Here’s an unlimited supply of pizza, bread pudding, stir fry, sticky rice, maybe some salad, coco puffs and waffles for you to enjoy! 

Another thing I have learned since coming to school, and this is actually educational, is that addiction is all about exposure. I learned that from my Drugs and Security class. 

Let’s take today for example. I walked into the dining hall with the set plan of eating peanut butter and banana on toast. A clean, delicious, simple plate. Tastes like home. Naturally, I had to do a drive-by by the dessert table. I wasn’t planning on stopping. But then I saw it. 

The bread pudding. 

If my school does anything right, it’s the communication program and the bread pudding. 

How was I supposed to just keep going, knowing all too well that there probably wouldn’t be any bread pudding like this for a few days, maybe even a week? 

So, I got a side of bread to go with my toast. I was feeling full and definitely content by the time I finished, but then my friend said she wanted to get some. I couldn’t resist. 

THIS IS MY PROBLEM PEOPLE. I could’ve “just said no” like Nancy Reagan advised us teens to do back in the late 80s when she made the D.A.R.E program.

But we aren’t talking marijuana. We are talking carbohydrates. A substance equally as addicting, if not more.

I’m sharing my story with you all in hopes that some of you will be able to relate. You are not alone in this. No matter how comforting that bread pudding may seem, you don’t need it. 

Here’s tonight’s plan: 

1. Walk into dining hall

2. Close eyes while walking past dessert so you don’t see if there is bread pudding

3. Go straight to salad bar

4. Sit and eat salad

5. Walk out the door that is not by dessert

6. Have a lovely, less bloated, evening