When I graduated from high school, I discovered “fast food.” All summer I ate nothing but unhealthy burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. I quickly went from 150 pounds to 180 pounds. It was all fat and most of it was around my waist. I realized that if I continued this diet, I would be obese by 21 years old. I would also be more susceptible to illnesses such as heart disease and cholesterol problems. I joined a local gym and started researching different working out techniques and better eating habits. During this time, I met many people who shared the same goals and were willing to share their experiences with me. It seemed like every person I spoke to had a different exercise routine. After a few months of training, I developed my own workout routine. This routine worked very well for me. I also cut out all fast foods from my diet and started eating healthy. My initial goal was to get back to my normal weight of 150 to 160 pounds. I was so committed to my workout routines that once I reached my normal weight, I set a new goal: to increase my muscle mass. In order to achieve my new goal, I had to change my eating habits and training strategies. Now that I work out regularly, I feel energized and more confident. Exercising and eating healthy is the best way for me to stay in good shape. I like to train. When I started training, I thought it was going to be easy. I thought I would go to the gym and start using the machines. I quickly realized that there was still a lot to do to train well. I first had to decide which body parts I was going to train that day. I also had to decide whether I wanted to train to increase muscle mass or decrease body fat. According to Men's Health Magazin...... middle of paper ......make meals. Each meal includes 20 grams of protein from natural foods, such as chicken, fish or turkey. These meals are distributed throughout the day and are spaced two to three hours apart. I also drink two protein shakes daily. I drink one shake in the evening and one shake as a snack in the morning. Incorporating a workout routine and eating healthy has radically changed my life. I am full of energy and I feel good. Before this workout routine, I constantly felt sluggish and completely out of shape. Now I am full of confidence and constantly striving to increase my strength. Although it can be extremely demanding to complete the workouts, the benefits are worth it. Work cited Iknoian, Thérèse. Total Fitness Network, www.totalfitnessnetwork.comMen's Health Magazine, October 2003Max Muscle Magazine, September 2004