NEW YEARS, NEW SAMUEL

The New Year As the clock struck midnight and another calendar year beckoned forth, one student at ASTI made the unwavering decision to undergo a transformation so profound that even the most astute of his peers could scarcely recognize him. Samuel Kuang, once the embodiment of gastronomic indulgence at a formidable 200 pounds, has meticulously sculpted himself into a paragon of physical discipline, now standing at a lean and sinewy 100 pounds. His tale is not merely one of caloric attrition but a testament to the sheer potency of human willpower—truly, a weighty matter in every sense. A Rigorous Regimen: From Feasting to Fasting The metamorphosis commenced with an uncompromising schedule rivaling that of an elite athlete—or perhaps a hyperactive hamster on an eternal wheel. Samuel's day commences at the ungodly hour of 4:30 a.m., not for the banal indulgence of snooze buttons, but rather to embark upon an odyssey of cardiovascular exertion. A five-mile run serves as his prologue to the day, his feet pounding against the pavement like the relentless ticking of a stopwatch, each stride a rebuke to his former self. His dietary philosophy? Spartan. His meals consist of a precise amalgamation of protein, greens, and the existential dread of flavorless sustenance. Breakfast is a meager ensemble of egg whites and unsalted almonds—a spread so bereft of indulgence that even a monk would plead for a dash of seasoning. Lunch is an affair equally devoid of joy: grilled chicken breast, brown rice, and an inordinate amount of broccoli, a cruciferous penance paid thrice daily. Dinner? A repeat performance, because variety, much like carbohydrates, has been expunged from his vocabulary. The Trials of Transformation Samuel’s journey, though inspiring, was not without tribulations. He often found himself the subject of incredulous inquiries from friends who still clutched onto their burritos as he solemnly sipped his protein shake. "I respect it, but I could never," became a refrain he heard almost as often as the growls of his own stomach. Yet, he persevered. His once-beloved pastimes of binge-eating and mindless snacking were replaced with meticulous meal prepping and the compulsive tracking of macros. As the pounds shed, so too did his ability to find humor in the once-beloved joke, "Hey, you want a bite of this?"—a jest now met with the solemn shake of his head. Truly, the only weight he refused to carry was that of temptation. Beyond the Scale But Samuel’s odyssey extends beyond the mere shedding of mass. His newfound commitment to health has not only altered his physique but recalibrated his very essence. Discipline, self-restraint, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence now define him, much to the admiration—and mild terror—of his peers. Where once stood a man of leisure now stands a colossus of self-mastery, proof that the most arduous battles are not waged in the weight room but within the mind. As the new year marches forward, Samuel Kuang remains unwavering in his mission. The path to self-improvement is arduous, but for him, there is no turning back—only ever-forward, with a meal prep container in one hand and an insufferably motivational quote in the other. For those considering a similar voyage, take heed: the first step is the hardest, and also the only one that doesn’t burn calories.