Orphan at 55

by Orphan at 55 - Small Lifestyle Changes Work Great
(Washington, DC)

Both of my parents died last year. It was easy to observe that in the final few years of their lives, their frail health was constantly compromised by the smallest of decisions they made on a daily bases: didn't drink enough water, eat enough food or take a short walk. Likewise, it was the good dietary and lifesytle decisions they made for most of their lives that got them to 85 plus years; living independently in their own home.

In reflecting on my parent's choices, I identified daily dietary and lifestyle changes that I should make. My three bad habits (drinking excessive amounts of diet soda, skipping meals and lack of exercise) have proven hard to overcome and the soda seems to me to be the core of the problem.

Despite the disbelieving looks of health care professionals, I have an excellent diet. As an ardent cook, my family and I eat natural, unsalted, low sugar and usually vegitarian, home made meals. But in the last few years(and for the first time in my life), I have become at least 40 lbs. overweight. When I find the fortitude to cut soda out, I feel better: more energy and happier. But a week later, I start to have just one soda and end up building back into a six pack a day habit.

The point that I am trying to make (rather verbosely) is this: I struggle with craving soda each and every day. Although my brain knows that it is harming me, I convince myself one bottle won't hurt anything. But it will and I am hopeful that my parent's experience can help me remember that that is the uncompromising truth.