The au pair experience
A message from our Program Counselor
Many of us are familiar with the infamous “freshman fifteen.” This is the typical weight gain for American freshmen away at college. One of the main concerns reported by au pairs in the first few months of coming to the States is the weight changes that occur.
Like a young person away at college without the benefit of a parent preparing meals and encouraging healthy eating habits, au pairs are in a new country for the first time and eager to experience everything it has to offer. When au pairs arrive to the USA they are often surprised by the grocery stores. Au pairs are excited to try all of the rich goodies and drive through delicacies offered. Eating habits often change toward the American palette and au pairs find they are driving more and walking less. These changes are likely to result in weight gain.
Remember that getting used to a new schedule can cause a change in your eating habits. When taking care of children you might begin eating more of what they eat, when they eat it. This might mean eating a breakfast of bagels and cereal at 6 or 7am, macaroni and cheese for lunch a few hours later, sharing chicken nuggets in the evening and perhaps having another meal for a late dinner at the end of your day.