As an avid sports fanatic, I like to borrow from the professional sports lexicon and say I’m just a little over my playing weight. The straight truth, of course, is I’ve got a burgeoning beer belly where my abs could and probably should be.
I don’t get too much harassment from my family, friends or peers, so it would be over-dramatic if I were to say I’m struggling with body image issues. However, it does feel like I’m on the path to becoming one of the “Super Fans” from the infamous SNL skits. I realize that the present — while I’m still in my mid-20s — will be the easiest and most beneficial time for some self-improvement.
With that in mind, to start the New Year I have started trying to change my more lazy habits and shed my “spare tire.”
This has been tough, as through most of my time as an adult I’ve lulled myself into a sedentary lifestyle devoid of much high-intensity exercise. My current daily routine consists of a lot more time spent sitting in front of a screen — iPhone, television or laptop — than I’d care to admit. I’ve also tried to improve my eating habits by increasing my intake of fresh fruits and veggies while cutting down on fatty foods.
Suffice to say: it’s been a tough start.
One of my first goals was to avoid eating fast food. As a university student, big greasy hamburgers with fries and slices of pizza have become staples on those days when I don’t have time to pack a lunch at home. Over the years, this eating habit has gone from once-in-a-while thing to daily occurrence.
To curb this, I’ve tried to buy the veggie packs sold throughout the university — in University Centre and other cafés around campus — while avoiding the urge to indulge in the salty fried snacks I crave.
Getting active has proven to be much more challenging. I would love to sign up for a recreational soccer team, or play dodge ball or any other intramural sport offered at the Bison recreation facilities. But balancing school, my part-time jobs and my social life is already tricky. I’ve tried to keep up regular exercise — sadly I’m set in my ways.
I would be surprised if this general description didn’t ring true for others. There might be a lot of people — both male and female — who struggle with shedding the extra weight put on during university. The “freshman fifteen” has managed to remain well past my freshman year.
I’m comfortable with my body. That doesn’t mean I can’t recognize that some lifestyle changes would be beneficial for my health and subsequently my appearance. I think getting into shape for the right reasons will ultimately help me maintain a healthier lifestyle, one that will last after I’ve finished my education and found my career.
