214 lb. Nathan

I do not know who snapped the photo, but it changed everything for me. Taken from the side, there was no hiding the weight I was carrying. I had already left Seattle and was trying to make Los Angeles home, yet this photo was consuming my every thought.

Over the years, I have had people touch my stomach without permission. I have been called fat and chubby. The scale confirmed the harshness of those words and a violation of my space. I knew I had to lose weight.

I had grown tired of upgrading my closet from medium to large. I was tired of the jeans that no longer fit. I was tired of the ritualistic morning battle with the mirror. I was tired of the lack of confidence. I was tired of wondering what people were thinking about me at any given moment.

I had never felt so bad about myself. I never wanted to feel this way again.

At the time, I was also wrestling with a long-held goal to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. To hike such an arduous trail, I knew I would have to get in the best shape of my life. Cardio, strength, and conditioning training, and a better diet would need to become my friends. My biggest challenge would be changing the way I ate.

I have a sweet tooth. I drink too much soda. I can find any excuse to use the drive-thru.