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How Japan changed me after one year (P1)

Updated: May 28, 2020

Today marks my one year anniversary with, well, myself. Exactly 365 days ago, I arrived at Fukuoka International Airport, the very first chapter of my adventure in Japan.


At that moment, I knew big changes were expected to come, but never once did I anticipate, how drastic the change would be.


Physical Appearance


Let's be frank, I gained weight. I can see it, I can feel it. And I know everyone knows it too.


Here are pictures of me before, and after coming to Japan:

After 18 years, I "finally" surpassed the 55kg mark, my puffy cheeks showed, and i gained double chin.


And honestly, it came as no surprise.

Of course there were times where the buttons wouldn't go in, or I was unable to wear my favorite dress, but I there were good sides to it at the same time: I was able to eat 3 meals a day, and I made lots of friends on the dinner table.


Now don't get me wrong, I was not left to famished by my family in Vietnam, nor was I that of a lone-wolf. What really happened was, after coming to #Beppu, I went to A LOT OF ご飯会(gohankai) and (nomikai), which essentially mean, dinner party, or drinking party respectively. It's a socializing opportunity, where you gettogether with a group of people, to celebrate a project well did, or to send off a friend who's leaving. And if you know APU, APU loves groupwork. I remember during my first semester, I went to 3 GOHANKAIs in one week. It was FUN without doubt, but it did affect my weight, (and my wallet also).

I am very much aware that physical appearance goes hand in hand with self-confidence. At one point, i found myself trying on 5 pieces of clothings, just to end up with a sweater and pair of jeans, the same-old pink barbapapa sweater i wear 4 times a week. I see myself changing from mini skirts or dungarees, to "any-thing-that-fits" and putting on a puffy jacket just to cover the extra fat on my waist. Occasionally I would feel distressed, or envious of my 90-60-90 girl friends, and I would ended up binge-eating. That is also the other reason. I stress-ate alot, for I was in somber mood all the time, from school work, from personal life, from future plans, etc, all the time.


I remember being recognized as a bit chubbier, or being called out for having put on some weights by my friends from my country. For me it was quite amusing as it made me realized how perceptive and biased some culture can be towards beauty standards. You cross the line, you are out. This had me think twice.

 

The turning point happened when I came back to Vietnam, summer 2018. I started going back to the gym, and started skipping inside the living room when my mom is not home (but i think she figured it out using her "mom powers"). I did not lose 5 kilos straight, but i definitely got back to the habit of . . . moving aroud . . . and becoming active again.

I might have taken over Japan in terms of settling down and fitting in, but it got the upper hand when it comes to self-management. Therefore, I really glad I went back that summer, as it made me realize, how much Japan was spoiling me, and how much I loose i let myself be. After 3 weeks, I returned to Japan with a stronger mind and stronger will.


After coming back, I set myself a fitness goal, and i'm taking measures, one step at a time.


"You gained weight! - I still get comments like that here and then.
But you look much healthier and happier"

Not just some, but many of my friends have been saying the same thing. And I totally agree. I do feel healthier and happier

I don't skip breakfast anymore, I often prepare lunch, and I look forward to dinner.


I do count the calories intake, but I do have my (regular) cheat meals.

I do watch the portions I eat, but I still overeat at times.

I do eat snacks on a weekly basis, but I excercise every day.

I'm still struggling to go back to my old body frame, but i do have been making progress, little on striving to achieve this ideal body type, and more towards staying active and feel mentally healthy. I still feel down if the buttons don't go in, or i can't wear my favourite skirt, but it gives me the motivation to buy new clothes 😂 (and excercising). I lost my old (physical) self the day i set foot to Japan, but it was only to get myself for the reincarnation of a new me, both physically, and mentally.



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