People will always pressure you into eating unhealthy foods. We need to develop the confidence to not do it with them if we don’t want to. I used to always cave in and say yes to family members offering me food I didn’t want. Now they understand the lifestyle they live an it’s usually never an issue anymore. Take pride in becoming the role model in your family for living a healthy lifestyle!
We live in a time when processed and convenience foods dominate our diets to such an extent that many people have lost the ability to appreciate and enjoy “real” food—food that is fresh, whole, and minimally processed. This shift in eating habits has not only affected our taste buds but also our perceptions of what it means to eat well. Unfortunately, when someone makes the conscious choice to eat healthier, it’s often misunderstood as being on a restrictive “diet” rather than a choice to nourish the body with wholesome foods.
as choosing real food over junk food is seen as unusual. Our society has become so used to consuming fast food, sugary snacks, and overly processed meals that these have become the norm. As a result, the idea of eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is sometimes met with resistance or seen as an unnecessary challenge.
For those who have made the commitment to prioritize healthy eating, the allure of junk food diminishes over time. The craving for highly processed, sugary, or fatty foods often fades, replaced by a genuine preference for foods that fuel the body and mind. This shift in mindset and taste can make it easier to bypass the temptations of junk food, not because of strict self-discipline, but because the desire for it simply isn’t there anymore.
It’s also important to recognize that eating well doesn’t mean denying yourself all indulgences. For example, if I find myself in Italy, a place known for its incredible cuisine, I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy a slice of authentic pizza. However, outside of such special circumstances, I might choose to skip it, knowing that my usual diet serves my health and well-being better.
Learning to say no is a powerful skill that goes beyond food choices. It’s about making decisions that align with our values, priorities, and long-term goals, even when it means going against societal norms or facing criticism. Whether it’s passing on a slice of cake at a party or choosing to prepare a home-cooked meal instead of ordering takeout, these choices reflect a deeper understanding of what truly nourishes us. We need to embrace the idea that it’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve us, whether that’s junk food, unhealthy habits, or any other aspect of life that doesn’t align with our well-being.
Whenever I travel to a new country or place, I make it a priority to thoroughly research the local culture and cuisine. It never ceases to amaze me how some people travel to new and exciting destinations only to stick to familiar foods like burgers and pizza. For me, the joy of travel lies in immersing myself in the local experience, and a significant part of that is trying the national dishes, exploring local foods, and discovering unique produce that the region has to offer.
Before embarking on any trip, I spend time learning about the culinary traditions of the place I’m visiting. I delve into the history behind the dishes, the ingredients that are native to the area, and any unique food-related customs. This preparation not only enriches my travel experience but also allows me to fully appreciate the flavors and techniques that are characteristic of the local cuisine.
One practical tip I always follow is to make a list of at least seven different foods or dishes I want to try. This way, if something is out of season or unavailable, I have several other options to choose from. It’s a simple strategy, but it ensures that I don’t miss out on the authentic culinary experiences that make each destination unique.
In my view, travel is about expanding our horizons and embracing new experiences. How can we truly learn about and understand different cultures if we don’t take the opportunity to try something new? Whether it’s a street food delicacy, a traditional home-cooked meal, or an exotic fruit I’ve never heard of before, tasting local foods is an essential part of the journey. It’s through these experiences that we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world’s cultures.
No matter what you do in life, people will always have something to say. When you start making better choices in life and bettering yourself, some of your friends may make comments. This is because you are doing the work in making yourself better. This may put the mirror on others and make them more aware of things they need to work on however choose not to do so.
It is an inevitable truth that regardless of our actions and decisions, there will always be individuals expressing their opinions. When we embark on a journey of self-improvement and start making wiser choices, it is not uncommon for our acquaintances to voice their thoughts. This occurs because our personal growth serves as a reflection for others, highlighting areas they might also need to address, but consciously choose not to pursue.
Looking back at photos from the time when I was drinking, the difference in my appearance is striking. My face was bloated, and my body carried much more weight. The puffiness in my face and body was a direct result of both the alcohol consumption and the poor eating habits that often accompanied it. Alcohol, as a diuretic, can lead to dehydration, which paradoxically makes the body hold onto water, causing that puffy, swollen look.
When I was drinking, my judgment around food was clouded, and I found myself reaching for greasy, salty, and highly processed foods—choices I wouldn’t typically make when sober. These unhealthy foods, combined with the alcohol, led to a cycle of weight gain and inflammation. The excess calories from both the alcohol and the poor food choices quickly added up, resulting in significant weight gain over time.
Inflammation was another issue. Alcohol can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, and when combined with the consumption of inflammatory foods, it exacerbated the problem. My joints often felt achy, and I lacked the energy and vitality I have now. The water retention, poor food choices, and overall unhealthy lifestyle created a perfect storm for physical discomfort and mental dissatisfaction.
Now, looking at those old photos serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come. The decision to stop drinking has not only helped me shed the excess weight but has also led to a healthier relationship with food and a body that feels more balanced and at ease.
There have been countless advantages of quitting alcohol. Both physically and mentally. My skin is not as dry or red. Face is less puffy. Overall body is not as puffy or bloated. Better sleep. Fewer alcohol related symptoms like headache, heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach. Today I’m able to get proper sleep and rest. Anxiety and nervousness have been suppressed. I no longer crave greasy fast food as I did before. When drinking my joints used to hurt. Overall now I’m completely aware of how important it is to take care of myself both mentally and physically.
It’s important to keep certain items stocked in my fridge to avoid temptation. Plain Greek yogurt is always something I keep on hand. I’m always mixing it with protein powder for a guilt free dessert. Other things are a carton of egg whites, eggs, ground beef & turkey, baby carrots, berries, frozen berries, salad, healthy meal prepped options in my freezer.
It’s so important to constantly challenge ourselves and learn new things. I stay away from people who think they know everything. I also choose to surround myself with people who have more skills than me. If I’m the best at something on a team then I will never get better. Always be willing to read, take classes, meet new people and constantly learn.
For the past few years I have been wanting to dial in on my macros and know exactly what I’m consuming. Never be ok with “guessing” what you’re eating each day, When we get busy or stressed we have a tendency to reach for snacks for comfort. For the past year I’ve been grazing way too much during the day. Recently I started tracking all my food and feel incredible since. I’m not as bloated as I was. By knowing why I’m consuming each day, I don’t even have to think about it. It takes the guess work out of things.
