Like most people, I have struggled with my weight and body image throughout my teenage years. I always told myself I would lose weight...eventually. Every time I decided to go on a diet it would last for a few days or weeks. I would end up slipping up and having chicken tenders or ice cream, and fall back into my old ways.

Finally, at the start of this year, I decided to go through a complete lifestyle change. I began eating healthier and going to the gym five days a week. I also let myself have a little bit of freedom in my diet. If I wanted to have a small bowl of ice cream, I would. I just had to make sure this didn’t become a regular thing. Throughout my lifestyle change, I have realized things I never realized before.

1. Sugar is addicting.

On the weekends, I would allow myself to have a brownie or some ice cream. I didn’t feel guilty because I knew I was working my butt off during the week. However, when the weekend was over, I found myself craving sugar. Before I started eating healthy, I never realized how truly addicted I was to sugar.

2. I have ten times more energy.

Since I am putting nutritious and valuable foods in my body, my body works better and more efficiently. I no longer feel lazy and tired. Instead, I feel energized and ready to take on the world (most days anyway).

3. The gym isn't so bad.

I have never been one of those people who loved going to the gym. When I started going it felt like such a chore, and I’ll admit, it was very challenging for me. Now that I am used to going almost every day, I find myself looking forward to it and planning out my workouts ahead of time. The gym now acts as a “happy place” for me.

4. Your body will start to change.

In the past, I would work out and eat healthy for a week or so and expect immediate results. This time, I didn’t let myself get discouraged if there was a lack of results. After about a month I started realizing small changes and began to feel better about myself. After a few months, I truly began to notice changes and the scale were starting to tip in my favor. Now I am getting compliments from my family and friends who have seen the changes!

All in all, I feel much happier now that I am leading a healthy life. There are days when I want to give up, but I try to keep in mind my end goal. Even when I fall off of the wagon sometimes, I always hop right back on.