When You Serve as Your Own Reality Check

Someone texted me a pic of myself taken when I was 18. I examined it closely. Yes, that is me, and yes, I was lean AF. Peep the fashion though… If I remember clearly, at that age, the extent of my workouts was simply walking: no gym, no weights, no abdominal exercises. Yet, I had no “visible” stomach, although I wasn’t much of a healthy eater back then. 

Eons later, things have changed a whole lot. My ups and downs with dieting and exercising is a joke at this point. I’m usually pumped around the eve of a new year, where you cannot find a more committed person than me. These moments turn out to be ephemeral. A few months in, and all the enthusiasm is gone. I’m back to eating ridiculous portions of not-so healthy foods. Foods that I know aren’t the best for my waistline, but in which my taste buds would revel and find pleasure. 

Now, as I sit here and reflect on my past dietary habits of what feels like a lifetime ago when I was 18, I think I have uncovered the secret to achieving the weight and physique that I desire. It is called portion sizes. Employing a completely restrictive diet may not work in my case, as it only forces me to yearn for the foods I’m missing. However, what if I could still eat the things that I like, without having to compromise my health or appearance (read: waistline)?

That is essentially my new approach, which I know will be challenging, but I have to keep the prize in mind. Sometimes you don’t have to look too far for motivation or inspiration. This photo of the old me has taught me that I can be my own source of inspiration. Not only from a dietary standpoint, but more importantly, being awakened when you feel stagnant and being able to reclaim some of the vigor and strength that you once exuded. 

That is exactly what I have done in various aspects of my life. Follow me on this journey of growth and reclamation. There’s a lot in store and I am here for it.