Goodbye to Meat and Certain Nuts

Meat was once a cornerstone of my meals. Growing up, I enjoyed dishes like gammon topped with pineapple, succulent roast lamb, and even duck prepared by my talented mother. We were fortunate to have an abundance of delicious food on our plates.

However, upon moving out, my enthusiasm for meat persisted. I indulged in rich sauces and freshly baked French bread, ultimately leading to weight gain, which didn’t concern me at the time. Everything changed after a severe episode of food poisoning. My stomach turned against me, and I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, leaving me in discomfort and pain.

Through various trials, I decided to eliminate meat from my diet, and surprisingly, my symptoms vanished. It was that straightforward. I also had to cut out acidic nuts, a more challenging task, as I loved all kinds of nuts. Now, I only consume those that don’t cause me distress.

Fast forward twenty years, and I have not experienced food poisoning again. My current diet consists solely of vegetables, legumes, pasta, fruits, and fish, which is far more diverse than my previous meat-centric meals. I am fortunate to source most of my ingredients fresh from the local market, which has significantly improved my fitness, cognitive abilities, and overall health. There are no secret hacks involved; it’s all about discovering what I enjoy and what suits my body best.

Goodbye to Alcohol

Two years ago, I made the decision to quit drinking alcohol. My journey with alcohol began in my teenage years, starting with cider, then progressing to beer, wine, brandy, and eventually vodka. Initially, it seemed harmless until I realized that my attempts to refrain often ended with me finishing a bottle before I knew it. It felt as though an inner voice took over, leaving me frustrated and full of self-blame.

Where had my self-control gone? I drank both socially and alone, completely unfazed by the stigma attached to drinking by oneself. While friends claimed they never did so, I would happily pour myself another glass, thinking, “more for me!”

I also noticed that I would finish my drink faster than others at the table. A colleague of mine shared this struggle, admitting that he often found his glass empty long before anyone else's. Over the years, I tried abstaining from alcohol, but those periods were always short-lived. This time, however, I succeeded and haven’t looked back.

The benefits have been profound. My days feel longer, my mind is clearer, and I no longer experience that sluggishness. Additionally, abstaining from alcohol has saved me a significant amount of money, and my doctor has indicated that this could potentially extend my life by around ten years.

I Stopped Putting My Life on Hold

Four years ago, a wise individual advised me to "stop putting your life on hold." While my circumstances left me with limited choices, there was one aspect I could alter: my persistent state of unhappiness.

I took the brave step of moving and starting anew. It wasn’t an instantaneous transformation; I endured some difficulties to reach my desired life. However, here I stand today, in a much more fulfilling place than I could have imagined five years ago.

It’s a familiar saying that life is short, but it truly is. Don’t delay your happiness. Even small changes can lead to greater contentment and health, so take action!