View exercise and eating healthy as a lifestyle not a diet

We need to make the choice that exercising and eating real healthy foods is a part of our lifestyle and not a “diet”.If we commit to a diet for an amount of time, we will only go back to making poor choices when we stop the diet.  When I was around 17 years old, I drastically reduced the amount of food I was eating.  This really reduced the amount of energy I had.  I also became flabby skinny from not eating properly.  I later learned it was better to consistently eat healthy foods to support a healthy lifestyle.

What are my food staples I keep in my refrigerator

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.

What have been some benefits of me quitting drinking for good?

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.

Drinking too much alcohol contributes to excess weight gain

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.

But it wasn’t just about the alcohol itself.

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.

Living a healthy lifestyle without caring about others’ opinions

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.

Food and drink anxiety at restaurants

Sometimes we get anxious when making healthy food or drink choices when eating out.  Many times I’ve been on vacation and asked for no alcohol in my beverage- only to be mocked by the bartender.  At the time it made me uncomfortable.  I’ve since gained more confidence and know it’s perfectly ok to decline or say no to something.  It does not matter what others think or say.

Consume things as if you were a high performance race car

Treat your body as if it were the most expensive, high-performing vehicle you can imagine. Picture a top-of-the-line luxury sports car or a cutting-edge electric vehicle. Just as you would care for such a prized possession, your body deserves the same level of attention and maintenance.

Your body is your lifelong companion, the vessel that will carry you through every experience, challenge, and triumph for the rest of your days. It’s not just a temporary ride; it’s a permanent home for your consciousness. With this perspective, it becomes clear how crucial it is to provide it with the best possible care and nourishment.

Fueling your body with proper nutrients is paramount. Just as you wouldn’t put low-grade fuel in a high-performance car, you shouldn’t fill your body with subpar food. The quality of what you consume directly impacts your body’s performance, both physically and mentally. Nutrient-dense foods provide the essential building blocks for cellular repair, energy production, and overall health.

When you consistently put "crap" into your body –

such as excessive processed foods, sugary drinks, or alcohol – it’s akin to pouring contaminated fuel into an engine. The body struggles to function optimally, leading to a range of negative consequences. You might experience decreased energy levels, compromised immune function, mood swings, and a general sense of unwellness.

Personal experience often serves as the best teacher. For instance, when I used to drink excessively, I was essentially draining my body’s resources. Alcohol, while it may provide temporary pleasure, acts as a toxin that the body must work hard to process and eliminate. This constant state of detoxification left me feeling perpetually drained, susceptible to illness, and generally unwell.

Similarly, a diet high in processed foods can wreak havoc on your body’s systems. These foods are often packed with artificial ingredients, excessive sugars, and unhealthy fats. They contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to numerous health issues. Moreover, they often lack the fiber and nutrients that promote satiety, leaving you in a cycle of constant hunger and overeating.

Taking control of your nutrition is a powerful step towards optimal health. Recently, I’ve started tracking all the food I consume with the guidance of a trainer at my gym. This practice has been eye-opening and transformative. By meticulously recording what I eat, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of my nutritional intake, including macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

This detailed food tracking has allowed me to get “dialed in” with my diet. I can now make informed decisions about what I eat, ensuring that I’m providing my body with the right balance of nutrients. It’s helped me identify areas where I might be lacking certain essential nutrients and where I might be overconsuming others.

The benefits of this approach are numerous. By fueling my body properly, I’ve noticed improvements in my energy levels, mental clarity, physical performance, and overall sense of well-being. I’m more in tune with my body’s needs and can better distinguish between true hunger and other triggers for eating.

Remember, your body is an incredible machine capable of amazing feats when properly cared for. By treating it with the respect and attention it deserves, you’re investing in your long-term health, happiness, and quality of life. Make conscious choices about what you consume, listen to your body’s signals, and strive for balance. Your body will thank you with improved performance, resilience, and vitality for years to come.

Staying away from vices

To be truly productive in life, it’s crucial to maintain a clear focus by avoiding all vices and distractions. These behaviors, whether it’s alcohol, gambling, overeating, vaping, smoking, or excessive shopping, often serve as temporary escapes from uncomfortable emotions or stress. While these actions may provide immediate relief, the satisfaction they offer is fleeting and can lead to a cycle of dependency that ultimately hinders personal growth and productivity.

Whenever I find myself tempted to reach for something to escape how I’m feeling, it’s a signal that I need to pause and reassess. This moment of self-reflection is essential because it allows me to confront the root of my discomfort rather than masking it with unhealthy habits. By staying mindful of my actions and choices, I can cultivate resilience and make decisions that align with my long-term goals.

"Strength lies in choosing long-term growth over short-term comfort. True productivity is born from mindful choices, not momentary escapes."
Kelly

The allure of instant gratification is powerful, but it’s important to remember that the relief it provides is temporary and often comes at a cost. In contrast, by facing my emotions head-on and finding healthier ways to cope, I can build a more fulfilling and productive life. True productivity is not just about accomplishing tasks but also about fostering a lifestyle that supports continuous growth, well-being, and the ability to navigate challenges without relying on detrimental habits.

We are shaped by what we consume and surround ourselves with

Ever wonder why we have distinctive accents? It’s a fascinating aspect of human language and culture that often goes unnoticed until we step outside our familiar surroundings.

As a child growing up in South Philadelphia, I was blissfully unaware of my accent or the unique slang words I used. It was simply the way everyone around me spoke, and I never gave it a second thought. However, my perspective changed dramatically when I was about 20 years old and started working for a couple who ran their own business outside the city.

My boss took it upon themselves to correct my speech patterns daily. Initially, I found this practice irritating and somewhat invasive. Who were they to tell me how to speak? After all, this was how I’d communicated my entire life. But as time went on, I began to see the value in their corrections.

One of the most noticeable aspects of my accent was the tendency to drop the ‘g’ at the end of certain words. For example, instead of saying “going,” I would say “goin’.” Each time I made this mistake at work, my boss would gently point it out. This consistent feedback slowly but surely made me more aware of my speech patterns.

Now, as an adult, I’m immensely grateful for their persistence in helping me refine my speech. It’s not just about sounding more “professional” or “educated,” but about expanding my linguistic horizons and becoming more versatile in my communication skills.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson that extends far beyond pronunciation: the importance of continuous growth and exposure to new ideas and experiences. Just as I strive to consume healthy foods for my physical well-being, I now make a concerted effort to surround myself with people who can teach me new things and challenge my existing perspectives.

Our accents reflect our origins, but personal growth comes from embracing new experiences. By stepping outside our comfort zones and learning from diverse influences, we expand our perspectives and skills.
Kelly

Growth is impossible if we remain stuck in old environments or cling to outdated ways of doing things. As the saying goes, “Nothing changes if we don’t change.” This applies to every aspect of our lives, from our speech patterns to our worldviews.

If we never venture beyond the environment where we grew up, we miss out on exposure to other cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Our worldview remains limited, and we may struggle to understand or empathize with people from different backgrounds.

Similarly, if we never try new foods, we’ll never experience the vast array of flavors and culinary traditions that exist beyond what our families cooked for us. Food is not just sustenance; it’s a gateway to understanding different cultures and expanding our palates.

Socializing with the same group of friends throughout our entire lives, while comfortable, can limit our personal growth. By interacting with diverse groups of people, we open ourselves up to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences that can broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world.

In my professional life, particularly when I worked in kitchens, I always sought out environments where my colleagues were more skilled than me. While it might have felt great to be the most talented person in the room, I recognized that this wouldn’t lead to continued learning and growth. By surrounding myself with more experienced professionals, I ensured that I was constantly challenged and had opportunities to expand my skillset.

This principle applies to all areas of life. Whether it’s in our careers, hobbies, or personal relationships, placing ourselves in situations where we’re not the smartest or most skilled person can be uncomfortable, but it’s also where the most growth happens. It pushes us to learn, adapt, and improve continuously.

In conclusion, our accents, like many aspects of our personalities and skills, are shaped by our environments. But we have the power to expand beyond our initial influences. By actively seeking out new experiences, surrounding ourselves with diverse and skilled individuals, and being open to correction and growth, we can continually evolve and enrich our lives. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn something new, and every challenge is a chance to grow. Embrace the discomfort of the unfamiliar, for that’s where true personal development begins.