College 101

Well, as I said in my last post, I am starting to think about taking my fist progress photo soon. I was looking through some photos of myself to find the best “before” photo, and came across my college graduation. I think I was physically my worst at that point. Which is fitting. I came into college pretty healthy and ready to take on the world, and left college tired and chubby. I did get a degree and started a fine career though, but still, college was physically brutal on me. Just look at this comparison of me from about 6 months into college versus me on my graduation day:

(don’t be confused by this picture. It’s a reverse “before” and “after” to help illustrate my story)

There is no denying the outer affect the free pizza, limited physical movement and stress had on me at that time, and it’s something I am still paying the price for today.

I don’t want to make this a debbie downer post but more or less a post to let people who are currently or have gone through this know that I understand. Some people gain the Freshman 15, and some people gain the Freshman 80. It’s a difficult time. Many times you are no longer as active as you once were, and it’s hard to find time to be active with all the homework and tests and projects. Eating well is not only not a priority, but a lot of times, we don’t even understand HOW to do it!

All I want to say, is that I get it. I spent countless hours searching for someone that I could relate to in the weight loss world. I would go on sparkpeople or women’s health magazine and all the “success stories” were usually about people who had gained weight due to child birth, or because of an injury or a non-working thyroid. I would become embarrassed because, what was my excuse? I had never had children or needed surgery on a major limb. I wasn’t old, I was incredible young. This shouldn’t be an issue for someone like me. I desperately needed to find someone that understood.

So, to all the young men and women out there that are battling weight because of college or work, I am here for you. I get it. And I can promise you, it CAN get better. :)