I gained weight and I’M HAPPY
Storytime ✨⤵️
So the left photo was from 2019, I just started getting back into the gym after being a college athlete. My whole life everyone always commented on how skinny I was and how I “should just eat a burger”. From college coaches literally watching us chug protein shakes (and we couldn’t leave until we finished 🙃 but that’s a whole other story) and being raised in the heroine chic, victoria secret model era - food and gaining weight has always been a bit of a challenge physically & mentally.
Fast forward to today (the picture on the right) I have gained ~20lbs since and have the best physique of my life. I FEEL my best, and I am HAPPY. But the happiness didn’t come from the physical aspects, it came from all the mental hurdles I’ve jumped in the past 5 years. Mentally at peace with a lot of things.
Bodybuilding has saved me and I’m excited to see what’s in store 🙏🏼
My journey to gaining weight wasn't just about adding pounds; it was a profound transformation of my mindset. For so long, I felt trapped by the number on the scale and external opinions, always hearing how 'skinny' I was. But I discovered that a true 'weight gain journey' is so much more than just physical changes – it's about finding strength, self-acceptance, and genuine happiness within yourself. One of the biggest mental hurdles I faced was letting go of the idea that my value was tied to my size. It's easy to get caught up in how society or even well-meaning family members perceive your body. I realized that the expectation to be 'petite' or 'lean' was holding me back from my true potential. My turning point came when I started focusing on what my body could do rather than what it *looked like*. This shift in perspective was monumental. When it came to the physical side of my 'weight gain journey,' I learned that simply 'eating more' isn't enough for healthy weight gain. I dove deep into understanding nutrition tailored for muscle growth. It wasn't about endless burgers, but about nutrient-dense foods, adequate protein intake, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Fueling my body properly became a form of self-care, not a chore. I started meal prepping and tracking my intake, not obsessively, but to ensure I was consistently giving my body what it needed to build strength. Bodybuilding became my sanctuary. It taught me discipline, resilience, and patience. Each workout was a step towards becoming stronger, both physically and mentally. It wasn't about achieving a certain weight; it was about progressive overload, mastering new lifts, and feeling empowered. The gym became a place where I celebrated my body's capabilities, not its imperfections. I also had to actively challenge the belief that 'the # on the scale is JUST a #' and that 'it DOES not define you.' It's a powerful statement, and truly internalizing it takes time. I learned to celebrate non-scale victories: lifting heavier, having more energy, fitting into clothes differently, and simply feeling better in my own skin. These were the real indicators of progress on my 'weight gain journey,' far more meaningful than any single number. If you're embarking on your own 'weight gain journey,' my biggest advice is to prioritize your mental well-being alongside your physical goals. Seek out information on proper nutrition for healthy weight gain, find a form of exercise you genuinely enjoy (like I found in bodybuilding!), and surround yourself with a supportive community. Remember, transformation isn't just about the external; it's about cultivating inner peace, strength, and happiness. It's a journey worth taking, and the happiness you find along the way will be your greatest reward.