Worrying about weight gain means we are giving in to diet culture, Previte explained. "The worry about weight gain is an external thought that is triggered by diet culture telling us that smaller bodies are better bodies, which we know is just not true."
Instead of worrying about weight gain, Previte said, what if we shifted our focus internally to ask, "How do I feel when I eat this?" or "How do I feel when I engage in this movement?" or, "Am I honouring what my body wants and needs?" She said that the more we build introspective awareness, the less we will be worrying about external thoughts and fears that don't honour our body.
Plus, there are so many other wonderful things to think about and experience. So many firsts in this newfound freedom of living on your own in a new place, having independence, and making new friends. There's plenty that will already be stressful or make you feel anxious regarding schoolwork and being away from your family — you don't need worrying about weight gain to add to that!