Growing up, I was always a little bigger. My mom, who I lovingly call an “almond mom,” was always looking out for me. She would constantly put me on diets, monitoring everything from portion sizes to “bad” snacks. But honestly? I didn’t really care. I didn’t see food as something to stress over—it was just food.
When I moved away to college, though, everything changed. Without my mom around to keep tabs on what I ate, I started binge eating. Late-night snacks, fast food, and desserts became my comfort zone. For the first time in my life, there was no one telling me “no,” and I went all in.
At first, I didn’t think much of it. College is stressful, and food became my way of coping. But as the months passed, I started to notice how much weight I was gaining—not just physically, but mentally, too. I felt tired, sluggish, and unhappy with myself. I was stuck in a cycle that I didn’t know how to break.
Everything changed for me in April 2024. I remember waking up one morning and realizing I was done feeling like this. I was tired of the way I felt when I looked in the mirror, tired of the lack of energy, and tired of feeling out of control. That day, I made the decision to change my life completely. I didn’t just want to lose weight—I wanted to feel good again. I wanted to be proud of my body and take care of it the way it deserved. So, I started going to the gym every single day and eating extremely healthy.
At first, it was tough. I wasn’t used to waking up early to hit the gym or choosing salads over fries. But as the weeks went by, I started to notice the smallest changes. My energy levels improved, my sleep got better, and I started feeling stronger—not just physically, but mentally, too. Eating healthy wasn’t just about cutting out junk food. It was about fueling my body with the right things. I learned to enjoy vegetables, lean proteins, and whole foods in a way I never thought I would. It wasn’t about depriving myself anymore; it was about nourishing myself. And the gym? It became my therapy. Whether it was lifting weights, running on the treadmill, or trying out new classes, I found a space where I could push myself and grow stronger every day.
Now, I can’t imagine going back to the way I used to live. Choosing to prioritize my health has completely changed my life. It’s not just about weight loss—it’s about how I feel in my body and mind. This journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been worth it. I’ve learned that taking care of yourself is one of the most important forms of self-love. And while I’ll always have a soft spot for my mom’s almond-mom ways, this time, I’m doing it for me.