"The charm of sweetness veiled the snare I didn’t see coming"
Youth is a spellbinding chapter, where falling for anything feels effortless and every moment is wrapped in the charm of carefree wonder. Finishing school and stepping into college, felt like stepping through a portal to another world—one brimming with excitement and the intoxicating thrill of newfound independence.
Finally, I arrived at the college hostel, a place where I could make my own choices, carve my own path, and live life on my own terms.
Life in the hostel was a whirlwind of freedom.
Routines?
They flew right out the window.
My roommate and I established our own traditions—late-night processed noodles with cola drinks at every meal, and ice cream each night as the cherry on top.
Energy drinks became our secret weapon; just one in the morning, and we felt unstoppable.
It felt like the ultimate fuel, igniting our energy as we powered through late-night study marathons and binge-watched our favourite shows until dawn. Each morning, we would rise ready to take on the world, wrapped in the exhilarating glow of invincibility.
But that fuel didn’t last forever. Gradually, I noticed the cracks. My jeans felt tighter, and my energy was nowhere near the “unstoppable” level I had grown accustomed to. I felt sluggish, irritable, and stressed. Sleep became elusive, and even when I did manage to sleep, I woke up feeling exhausted. Something was wrong.
A visit to the doctor confirmed it—I needed to cut down on sugar. The doctor spoke of balance and moderation, which sounded foreign to me. How could I give up the very things that symbolized joy and freedom? The cravings pulled me back into the sweet embrace of my favourite indulgences.
Determined to regain control, I embarked on a quest for healthier choices. I scoured the internet for alternatives and discovered the hidden dangers of HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP lurking in my favourite snacks. It was a wake-up call—suddenly, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The sweet rush I craved was also the source of my fatigue.
With newfound resolve, I began to swap out sugary snacks for fresh fruits, nuts, and homemade meals. It wasn’t an easy transition; the siren call of sugar was hard to resist. But as I began to make healthier choices, I noticed the change in my body and spirit.
I felt lighter, more energetic, and gradually reclaimed my vibrant self.
The transformation was remarkable. I didn’t have to eliminate sweetness entirely; instead, I learned to savour it in moderation. My late-night junk food rituals with my roommate blossomed into wholesome cooking escapades, seasoned with laughter and creativity.
Ice cream, once a nightly indulgence, became a rare and cherished treat.
In this journey of self-discovery, I realized that youth is a beautiful blend of exploration and responsibility. It’s about savouring the magic of life while also prioritizing self-care.
The sweet taste of freedom arises not from losing oneself to excess, but from finding a balance that nourishes both body and soul. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that celebrates vitality, joy, and well-being.
References:
https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/what-not-eat-high-fructose-corn-syrup/