I didn't know anything about health or fitness up until the summer going into my sophomore year of college.

The Freshman 15 had finally caught up to me and I was beyond unhappy with not only how I looked, but how I felt. I wanted to change my lifestyle but had no idea where to even begin.

Ever since I could remember, I could typically eat just about anything that I wanted, and all of the sports that I participated in throughout the years were the only form of exercise I had ever known.

Discouraged and unhappy, I began the summer constantly researching health and fitness and started my journey to a much "better" way of life.

Come midsummer, I was in a strict routine and was often terrified to break it. I used an app to track every single thing that I put in my body and made sure that I never exceeded my calorie limit. I went to the gym almost everyday and if I missed a day, I'd usually feel guilty and go twice as hard when I returned.

I started seeing the results that I wanted and this made me even more addicted to the new lifestyle that I picked up. I was truly proud of all that I had accomplished and was determined to stick to this routine long-term–especially since the beginning of my sophomore year was right around the corner.

When classes started up again, I was still pretty good at sticking to a healthy diet. Yet, as the months went on, I got more and more lenient with tracking my food and going to the gym. I was nowhere near as strict as I was over the summer months.

I specifically remember looking back at pictures from when I was in the midst of my health craze and thinking to myself, "Ugh, I looked so much better back then," feeling as if so much had changed.

More and more time went by, and I never fully stopped the healthy habits I began that summer. I went to the gym frequently, but never stuck to a strict schedule, nor did I beat myself up if I couldn't fit a gym session into my busy week. My eating was healthy, but there were times where I let go and enjoyed myself.

Now, almost two and a half years later, I am no longer longing for the determination to go back to the super strict lifestyle that I once knew so well. I am honestly much happier with the way I am living my life today. My life of balance keeps me grounded and I have found a way to make it work.

When I look back on the pictures of when I was in the middle of my fitness craze, I no longer wish to be back in the same shape I was then. I truthfully see a stronger and more fit body type in myself now than I ever did back then.

This goes to show just how important balance is when it comes to your health and fitness goals. Your body even shows you through its appearance that it is healthier to give yourself just a little leeway.

It is so important to not only focus on making your body healthier and happier, but it is just as important to make sure your mind is in the same place. Going crazy over calories and strict gym habits isn't good for your body or your mind. Balance is the true key to long-term health and fitness success and it is so important to endlessly embrace it.