Consuming junk food has always been my go-to method for overcoming life’s most demanding moments.  This method has several advantages over other stress-relieving methods.  First, it can be utilized anywhere and anytime, someone can keep snacks on their person otherwise, a vending machine or store is usually a short walk away.  Second,  gratification is felt immediately upon consumption.  Third, junk food can be consumed while doing pretty much anything; studying for college exams was much more tolerable with a bag of chips.  All-in-all, it is a very convenient method.

Although this lifestyle choice kept me in a jolly mood throughout my arduous journey toward medical school, I still had to deal with consequences, like being overweight.  Also, as an aspiring medical doctor who is aware of our nation’s obesity problem, I cannot help but feel my cherished strategy conflicts with the goals of my future career.  

Upon graduating from college three years ago, I began a weight loss journey and looked into different dietary regimens.  Something I have come to hypothesize is that people experience varying degrees of joy from consuming junk food.  I disagree with the quote:  “a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.” If I have a candy bar in the morning, I will reminisce over its flavor well into the late evening.  Also, substituting my snacks with healthy alternative did not make me feel “full-of-life” as several coaches claimed it would.  Rather, I began feeling more irritable and experiencing a restlessness that kept me from focusing on projects I had in front of me.  Perhaps my body is still adjusting to the healthier diet.        

Due to my fondness for junk food, I believe I can empathize with people who are told by their doctors to change their unhealthy eating habits.  I hope to discover helpful tips during my new endeavor so I can someday cater to patients who are struggling with managing their weight.