Okay this is an old a$$ thread I know but whether or not the original poster sees this is yet to be seen.
Through college (first 2 years) age 20 - lots of time and fast metabolism plus sports. Work out screw checking my diet. 6'0" 180lbs.
Marine corps until age 24- lots of cardio obviously but still lots of time and who care about the diet. Ate like crap and felt great and looked great. 6'0". 185 lbs.
Age 25 though 34 last 2 years of college, running around lots of time, after finishing college, just work normal hours then hit gym, path, whatever. Ate and drank what I want. 6'0" 186 lbs. Lean and mean chasing women and living good.
Age 35 wait for it.....found the wife, got married. Ate good, worked out, went out with wife still looking lean and mean at 6'0" 186 lbs.
Age 36 came kids.....career took off, worked out half as much and ate twice as much.....by age 38 6'0" 196 lbs. Slower metabolism and no more six pack abs (only in the fridge).
Late 38 thru now....Found the hour a day to get in the gym, organize schedule to fit in good diet, time with kids, quality time with wife, and maintain good career, still hit the gym while being aware of the diet. Now 6'2" 221 lbs solid with 8% BF.
See the pattern. In the 20's you have no baggage and a high metabolism so a little working out goes a long way.
Once wife, kids, work get in the picture you have to make a conscious effort to pay attention to body changes and diet and workout plan. I am now a whopping 47 yrs old. I feel good, full of energy, muscular, active. Basically it is easy to let yourself go and expect your body to not change. Then you visit your mama and she tells you at 38 years old that you have put on some weight. Then you look inn the mirror and at some recent pics. And whalah !!!! I look like crap and feel like crap. So then it is up to you to get it back or end up in the lazy boy watching TV, drinking beer and shopping for XXL shirts and size 36-38 pants! Wake up call. Hope this helps!!!