Sights set on Perfection

Well, it’s that wonderful time of year again - summer. It’s when the gorgeous young ladies start stripping down to the bare essentials, and the guys that wear tap out shirts start hitting the tanning beds. For many, it’s a favorite time of year. What is there not to like? No school (for those of you with “real jobs” – you’re out of luck in this department), beautiful whether, and excellent vacationing opportunities. I’m personally a big fan of it. Life seems to get easier for these three months out of the year. For me, this year summer is especially anticipated because I will be making my way home from the lovely Iraq. But, while summer is filled with all these terrific aspects, there are also two DREADED words associated with it. There’s “beach”, and there’s “body”. When combined, more panic sets in then in a group of freshman during finals week. I have a guy that eats steroids three meals a day saying “AHH BENCH BENCH GO!” in one hand, and Niecy Nash saying “Big is beautiful” in the other (sorry Niecy, but I’ve ruled your vote out). So what IS the trick to lookin’ hot and that getting that lean physique everyone fights for? I figure might as well start this off with a topic I’m all too familiar with – Weight Loss.

As anyone that knows me already knows, I’ve fought an uphill battle with weight since I was…hmm…well, for a long time now. It’s no fun at all. And, I know I’m far from being the only one. Even some of the most attractive young ladies out there think they could stand to lose a few pounds. Every day, we, as Americans, see advertisements for magic pills or intense workouts that are “Guaranteed to work”. Trick is, anyone who is familiar with these advertisements is also familiar with that convenient phrase that always follows…what is it?…Ah yes - ”Individual experience (/results) may vary”. Amazingly fit people are seen and they give all credit to a certain program. What you don’t see, however, is the ridiculous amount of diet and exercise that they do ON TOP of the promoted product. Nothing in life comes easy – Why do so many think that weight loss would be any different? When I joined the army, I became obsessed with physical fitness and trying to get in the best shape possible. I set out to find that one pill or the perfect diet that would make it all happen for me. I started by listening to what other people said and recommended. Later, I moved to such things as television commercials and magazine ads. There was so much out there to soak up – it made my head spin. I started just diving head first into everything, hoping that “this will be the one that does it”. That was a year a half ago, and I’m still nowhere near the standard human potential. I’ve been on diet pills/supplements (to name a few Xephendrene, N.O. Black, Hydroxycut, NanoVapor, Super Pump 250, Incredibulk) , tried starving myself, tried the “no carbs” diet, and…well, the list goes on and on (and on, and on). My result?, same guy at the end of the day (or months) that I was in the beginning of it. Now, I’m not saying these things don’t work on a temporary basis – sometimes they do. For example - If you don’t eat a single carb for the next 3 months, you’ll slim down. You’ll be tired all the time, cranky/miserable, and will gain weight faster than Ricky Martin would be booed off stage and beaten at a Harley Davidson convention the second you come within 3 feet of bread…But yea, you’ll slim down. Truth is, there are no secrets out there, and I hope that none of you are currently stuck in the process of looking for one (it’s disheartening, to say the least). Right after “Beach Body” on the “Two words that are hated” list lay the words “Diet” and “Exercise”. It’s the only good and lasting solution to Americas’ everlasting weight epidemic. Looking back at what I know now, even at the young age of only 21, I would have done a lot differently in the physical fitness department of my life to date. Now, I’m not going to sit here and start preaching of what exercises one needs to do, and what diet road to take – I’d be just another magazine advertisement. However, if anyone would like any tips or recommendations, it’s pretty much all I’ve done for the past year, and I’d be happy to help. For you supplement junkies, if any of you are snorting a line of a magic supplement dust right now, by all means, don’t let me stop you. Much luck, and make sure you say “I’m sorry” to your heart before bed tonight. Bottom line, for those select people looking for the weight to fall off tonight, so that you can be good to go for tomorrow…I’m sorry for bringing the terrible news. Sadly, in order to have a “Beach Body” for this summer; you should have started right around Halloween. Good news is, summer will also be here next year, and it’s not too late for that. Skip the pills and the crash dieting, and get started on a healthier lifestyle. I promise you’ll be welcoming the benefits in due time.

I realize that the majority of this post is aimed towards looking good for others – hence the “Beach Body” jokes. Fact is, Beach Body is just my way of saying “In shape”. My interests in exercise began to make myself more confident, and for health reasons. Of course, as people, we’re inclined to want to look good when compared to others…Its how we are - a whole ‘nother post. I do it for me, and I hope that everyone is doing it for themselves as well.

So, to wrap things up, for many of you, being as how we are currently in our prime, this isn’t an issue. Be thankful, and take as much time as you can. One day, it probably will be - But here’s to hoping it isn’t. I wish everyone the best, and I hope that everybody has a truly amazing and enjoyable summer. I’m off to go relax and daydream about naked girls and beer (a normal Saturday night). If anyone is looking for a vacationing hotspot – Don’t pick Iraq. For now, this is a Farewell. Take care everyone. – n00bit