College is quite an interesting time of your life. You're on your own but your parents still help you with bills and pester you about if you're eating enough or getting good grades. You are only in class a couple hours everyday, and exams make up a majority of your final grades. Some weeks all you eat is frozen meals for dinner, and survive the weekend on a strict alcohol diet. With so much going on constantly, it is easy to get caught up in the moment. The now of college. So how you spend your time away from studying, reading, and burning microwave dinners is important.

Before this semester, I didn't take my health very seriously. I ate whatever I wanted, barely exercised, and drank copious amounts of alcohol. I didn't feel too hot about my appearance, and the other aspects of my life were not up to par. So, I made a choice to change my lifestyle. I began working out religiously, and cut down my drinking to maybe once on a weekend.

Like anything in life, you must do what you have never done to become who you never have become.

There have been times where all i have wanted to do is sleep instead of going to the gym. Other times when I wanted to go out with friends for a night to drink a couple beers. However, I made a promise to myself to stick with healthy habits. A month later, I cannot thank my will-power and determination enough.

I currently work out six days a week consisting of various cardio, weight training, and interval routines. I allow myself about one night a week to go out with friends and drink alcohol. I remain on a strict diet of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. I feel absolutely great when I look in the mirror, and feel healthy within as well. The best part of my decision to minimize drinking and increase working out is that the benefits have extended far beyond my health. I am a much friendlier and energetic person now. I am involved in as much as possible while still maintaining excellence in my academics. Who knew that someone with 18 credit hours could have so much time to themselves? My workout regimens have allowed me to manage my time at a ridiculous efficiency. Although not much has changed in my life, I feel like a completely different person. So, to all of those college students that prioritize raising their B.A.C. over their G.P.A.

Put down your beer and pickup a dumbbell. Who knows where it will take you!