In Egypt, if you’re considered to be from the middle and upper class you usually go to a private school in Cairo and live there as. While in college most people still live at home. So, the evil that is the “freshman 15” is virtually non-existent. Early on in my first semester here I was almost sure the “freshman 15” was a myth. I was actually losing weight. But I soon became comfortable with my schedule, the dorms and cafeterias, and I found myself prancing across the street to Holmes Hall to grab a late-night meal. That was the beginning of the downward spiral to gaining an almost permanent 15 pounds.

In comparison to what I was used to at home in Cairo, I was shocked at myself. There, I never used to have dinner. If I got hungry past sunset I would eat fruit, yogurt, salad or anything that was light and healthy. The idea of me eating a meal at night past 7 p.m. would have never crossed my mind before coming here. Now, I always need dinner. Breakfast, the most important meal of my day, has now been substituted by dinner.

After gaining a fabulous 15 pounds, I didn’t really realize it when my clothes didn’t fit me. It was in the moments after I’d returned home and found people asking me questions like, “Have you gained weight?” Why would someone even ask me such a question if it’s so obvious that I’ve gained weight? Just for me to endorse their impeccable observation?

First I was somewhat annoyed, but then I brushed it off and decided to think of the matter in a more positive way. After winter break, I made the decision to stop eating late at night. I can’t say that my efforts have now made me a new person, but I lost a few pounds and that made me feel better.

Unfortunately, my lovely system was shattered when I started working. For the most part I would be so busy during the day that I wouldn’t eat. Then, like the old days, I’d find myself eating late at night. This time I tried hard to make sure I at least ate something healthy and nutritious.

This past summer I had a semi-epiphany. While I was in a hotel in India I decided I wanted to know how much I weighed. The number I saw gave me another shock. I was a little disappointed for a second, but came to realize that the number doesn’t really bother me. I sometimes mention it dramatically in a conversation about diets and food, but it’s only jokingly.

I accepted that the issue is not how much I weigh, it’s the quality of food and, moreover, the quality of life I lead.

One of my friends recently made a very interesting observation while we were eating brunch. She realized that most of the time, when you see people playing basketball or volleyball outside, the group is mostly men. She realized that their ways to relax are active, as opposed to women, who often prefer to stay in and watch a movie. This is by no means a general rule, but it examines some behaviors around us, including our own.

Good health is not defined by weight. Weight, like age, is only a number. Just make sure to lead a healthy lifestyle, and in the long run it will pay off.

Nolly Dakroury is a State News reporter. Reach her at opinion@statenews.com