New Lawmakers Battle Freshman 15

Being a freshman is tough: Making friends, figuring out where the bathroom is, partying without packing on the pounds. Such are the trials and tribulations of the newest crop of lawmakers, who report that weight gain—thanks in part to frequent cocktail parties—is no joke. “At every event, they put out these very enticing sweets, cookies, cakes. It’s so hard when you go all day and haven’t had breakfast or lunch,” says freshman Rep. Michael Grimm, who came to DC armed with one blender, and is thinking of buying another, so he can make protein shakes in his office.

Lawmakers blame the pounds on those parties, plus lunch meetings, late hours, and the fact that some sleep in their office ... which doesn't exactly have a gourmet kitchen. Quips Politico, "A few nights a week of pizza for dinner, plus a Cinnabon at Reagan National Airport once a month, will do in anyone." Some frosh are trying to nip the weight gain in the bud by meeting for 6:30am P90X extreme workouts in the House gym. (More freshman 15 stories.)