The first 21 years of my life, I was basically a sloth. Whenever I could, I would sleep until the afternoon, get up to eat something (that was usually unhealthy, like pizza) for "breakfast," and then go back to bed to take a nap. I was constantly lazy, moody and unmotivated.
Towards the end of my undergrad, I decided that something had to be done. I couldn't wake up for class (not even my 11 AM ones), I couldn't get through a simple assignment without a nap, and I was barely scraping by in school. At the time, I didn't really believe the idea that exercising and eating healthily would actually make you feel better. My thoughts were more like: I love pizza, so eating pizza will make me feel better! Or: eating a bunch of leaves will never fill me up, but a big bowl of pasta will! In terms of exercise, I never understood how physically exerting yourself could give someone MORE energy...wouldn't that just make you more tired? However, I thought that a slight lifestyle change could be worth a shot. Nothing too crazy, just a bit of cardio a couple times a week.
Before I knew it, my attitude, outlook, and life (not to sound dramatic) started to transform. There was some sort of response in my body: when I started to exercise, my body started to crave healthy foods. And when I ate healthy foods, my body wanted to use it as fuel for a workout. Within just 4 months of adopting these new habits, I felt astronomically different, both physically and mentally. Not only had I lost 25 pounds, but I also felt more clear-minded and motivated than ever. Within the year, my average in school went up over 20%.
I'm writing this because if you knew me at 21, you would have laughed out loud if I told you I'd be advocating today for exercise and healthy eating. I was an absolute couch potato. But, people can change. Outlooks can change, grow and inspire. Just because you, or others, have a certain idea about who you are doesn't mean that it can't change. Nowadays, my friends come to me for workout advice, or if they want a workout buddy for the gym. How times have changed. If you are feeling like I was, basically a walking zombie, please please please consider incorporating ANY type of physical activity into your weekly routine. I promise you that before you know it, you will start seeing all sorts of results. And just to be clear, I am NOT saying that you can't enjoy pizza, pasta or chocolate here and there. Those are some of my favorite foods, and if you're not eating what you love, what's the point? My goals are more in terms of eating 80%-90% healthy, with 10-20% less healthy foods I enjoy or sugary treats. Goals like this can keep you on track and constantly improving, but not limiting yourself too much.
I want to include a link of a book that I read that was super informative as well. It's all about how eating, sleeping, and exercising well lead to a better way of thinking and living:
http://drgregwells.com/the-ripple-effect/
I also love looking on Instagram for healthy meal prep and recipe ideas, and all different sorts of workouts.
My hope in writing this is to inspire just ONE person to become any more physically active or healthy than they are today. I promise you won't regret it. ☺
Towards the end of my undergrad, I decided that something had to be done. I couldn't wake up for class (not even my 11 AM ones), I couldn't get through a simple assignment without a nap, and I was barely scraping by in school. At the time, I didn't really believe the idea that exercising and eating healthily would actually make you feel better. My thoughts were more like: I love pizza, so eating pizza will make me feel better! Or: eating a bunch of leaves will never fill me up, but a big bowl of pasta will! In terms of exercise, I never understood how physically exerting yourself could give someone MORE energy...wouldn't that just make you more tired? However, I thought that a slight lifestyle change could be worth a shot. Nothing too crazy, just a bit of cardio a couple times a week.
Before I knew it, my attitude, outlook, and life (not to sound dramatic) started to transform. There was some sort of response in my body: when I started to exercise, my body started to crave healthy foods. And when I ate healthy foods, my body wanted to use it as fuel for a workout. Within just 4 months of adopting these new habits, I felt astronomically different, both physically and mentally. Not only had I lost 25 pounds, but I also felt more clear-minded and motivated than ever. Within the year, my average in school went up over 20%.
I'm writing this because if you knew me at 21, you would have laughed out loud if I told you I'd be advocating today for exercise and healthy eating. I was an absolute couch potato. But, people can change. Outlooks can change, grow and inspire. Just because you, or others, have a certain idea about who you are doesn't mean that it can't change. Nowadays, my friends come to me for workout advice, or if they want a workout buddy for the gym. How times have changed. If you are feeling like I was, basically a walking zombie, please please please consider incorporating ANY type of physical activity into your weekly routine. I promise you that before you know it, you will start seeing all sorts of results. And just to be clear, I am NOT saying that you can't enjoy pizza, pasta or chocolate here and there. Those are some of my favorite foods, and if you're not eating what you love, what's the point? My goals are more in terms of eating 80%-90% healthy, with 10-20% less healthy foods I enjoy or sugary treats. Goals like this can keep you on track and constantly improving, but not limiting yourself too much.
I want to include a link of a book that I read that was super informative as well. It's all about how eating, sleeping, and exercising well lead to a better way of thinking and living:
http://drgregwells.com/the-ripple-effect/
I also love looking on Instagram for healthy meal prep and recipe ideas, and all different sorts of workouts.
My hope in writing this is to inspire just ONE person to become any more physically active or healthy than they are today. I promise you won't regret it. ☺
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