The “freshman 15” & fresh apple pie
The summer before my freshman year of college, I was worried about a few things:
“What if I don’t get along with my roommate?”
“What if I end up hating the school?”
“What if I don’t like my classes?”
“What if I don’t make any friends?”
“What if I gain the ‘freshman 15?’”
Wait—one of these is not like the others. While I was contemplating the uncertainty of my social, academic and professional future, I was also worrying about… gaining weight? There is something very disconcerting about that. Amongst a group of very valid—albeit dramatic—concerns, I was terrified of possibly going up a pant size or two. Why?
I wanted to explore this subject further, and I wanted to do so while making one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: apple pie. This may just be me, but I prefer unpacking difficult, painful, personal topics with a side of fresh-out-of-the-oven baked goodness. I will be including pictures from the baking process throughout this article, and the full recipe for my apple pie can be found at the bottom of the page.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place premade pie crust in a 9” ungreased pie pan and set aside.
Where does this idea of the “freshman 15” come from?
In an article for The Atlantic, author Olga Khazan notes that “the freshman 15” —excessive, fast weight gain during the first semester of college— was originally called “the freshman 10” in a New York Times advice column from 1981. The “freshman 15” came eight years later, on the cover of Seventeen magazine. The “freshman 10” and 15 emerging in the 80s makes sense; 80s America was obsessed with fitness, weight loss and “toning” one’s body.
Cut and peel six apples. Slice apples thinly.
In actuality, studies have shown that students gain, on average, three pounds during their freshman year of college. I’ve never been great at math, but even I know three is much less than 15. Additionally, medical experts say this weight gain is a natural part of growing older, with students only gaining one-half pound more than those who forego the university experience.
Place sliced apples in a large bowl.
Add flour, sugar, lemon juice, spices and salt.
Mix thoroughly.
If it’s natural, why are we so afraid of gaining weight?
In her video “recreating “outfits for when I’m skinny” Pinterest boards on a size 16,” youtuber Maddie Dragsbaek discusses how society has made us believe certain bodies are “not allowed” to participate in certain fashion trends, activities and genres of clothing (i.e. bikinis, crop tops, etc.), and how we limit ourselves and our actions based on those beliefs.* These societal norms are especially oppressive for female-identifying plus-sized people.
Now, I have never been considered “plus-size” by any stretch of the word, but even I have felt the diet industry and body-obsessed media’s negative influence.
I remember sitting in my dorm room freshman year thinking that “if I could only lose five pounds, I would feel confident” in my outfit for the frat parties that night. I thought losing on the scale would equate to a gain in confidence. Make it make sense.
Add filling to pie pan.
Top with second crust.
Fold crusts together and pinch.
Simply put, we live in a fatphobic, body-negative society. We are taught from a young age that to be thin is to be desirable is to be “good.”
There are many problems with this. Equating one’s worth to weight is unproductive and will leave you perpetually unsatisfied. Additionally, if we wait until we are “skinny enough” to pursue the things or the people we desire, we will be waiting forever.
Coat with egg wash.
Cut three slits in top crust.
In conclusion…
I could go on for days, but I will spare you the rambling. Mainly, I want everyone reading this to know that weight gain is a natural part of growing up. You do not need to be afraid or ashamed of gaining weight during difficult transitional periods, like your freshman year of college, and you do not need to forfeit fun in the pursuit of “looking hot” — being hot is a mindset, after all (a better topic for a different article...).
If nothing else, your successful navigation of these major life changes means you should eat that piece of pie. You deserve it.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbling.
Cool, then enjoy immediately (preferably with vanilla ice cream).
Easy Apple Pie
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30-45 minutes
Cool: 1 hour
Servings: 6-10 depending on slice size ;)
Author: Cecelia Kersten
Ingredients:
6 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp cold water
Optional, but highly recommended: vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place one sheet of chilled prepared pie crust onto a 9-inch pie pan. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, spices and salt. Transfer the filling into the pie pan. Cover the filling with the other chilled prepared pie crust.
Fold over the edges of the pie crust and pinch with a knife and your finger (see reference photo in article above). Cut three slits in the top pie crust so steam can vent while the pie is baking.
Whisk together the egg and cold water. Brush the top of pie generously with egg wash.
Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bubbling. Recommended to check after 30 minutes.
Cool and serve with vanilla ice cream!
Click on the apple pie to watch a Tiktok about this blog post!
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