mjl – Page 6 – Chew Digest

Saturday Morning Reflections – April 1, 2023

The more I learn about the human body, physiology, and disease pathology, the more I am convinced that there is no one diet that will fit all.

Yet, here we are on F-Book where influencers abound, preaching their own take on diet and lifestyle in a way that would make most believe that there actually is a one size fits all diet and lifestyle. And these individuals might actually believe their own press.

I speak from experience because I’ve done my fair share over the years.

We are all as different internally as we are all different externally and visibly.

If one wishes to live a longer and healthier life, I highly recommend reading the book The Blue Zones and implementing the diets and lifestyles of the people that are written about in this book.

For me, that looks like a whole-food diet coupled with daily exercise and lots of stretching, topped off with a full-body lymphatic massage(self).

There will be individuals you meet who can thrive on a vegan diet, a frugivore diet, a pescatarian diet, and so on. Personally, I would steer clear of keto and carnivore diets for anything other than weight loss, and only for a limited time. These last two do work really well at helping individuals lose weight, but in the long run they will result in deficiencies and malnourishment.

And most importantly, LISTEN TO YOU BODY!!!

When it comes to diet and lifestyle choices, it has two messages for you pleasure and pain. If you are doing things the wrong way, you will find yourself in a state of discomfort or even acute pain. If you are doing things the right way, your body will reward you with dopamine. Narcotic use excluded…LoL

Experiment on ChatGPT: A Beautiful Failure

I can’t say for sure what led me to this strange, surreal place. Perhaps it was the twisted machinations of my own mind, or maybe it was some sort of cosmic joke played on me by the universe itself. Regardless of the cause, here I am, in the midst of a twisted and chaotic landscape, where the rules of reality seem to be constantly shifting, and the very fabric of existence feels tenuous and fragile.

The air is thick with the scent of something rotten and decayed, and the sky overhead is a sickly shade of greenish-yellow, like the hue of a bruise. The ground beneath my feet is spongy and damp, and as I walk, I can feel it squelching and shifting beneath me, like some sort of living, breathing organism.

Strange creatures lurk in the shadows, darting out from behind twisted trees and gnarled bushes to leer at me with glowing eyes and wicked, toothy grins. I am never sure if they mean harm or are simply toying with me, playing some sort of cruel game that only they can understand.

Every now and then, I come across a structure of some sort – a ramshackle cabin, a dilapidated barn, a rusted-out car – and I can’t help but wonder who or what might have built it, and for what purpose. Are these relics of a bygone era, abandoned and forgotten by the world, or are they somehow still inhabited, by beings that I cannot even begin to comprehend?

The landscape is desolate and barren, with no signs of life or civilization for miles around. And yet, there is a strange energy here, a palpable sense of raw power and potential that seems to hum and buzz beneath the surface of things.

As I wander through this strange, surreal realm, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease and disorientation. Nothing makes sense here, and the rules of logic and reason seem to have been thrown out the window entirely. It’s like I’ve stumbled into some sort of alternate dimension, a place where the laws of physics and common sense no longer apply.

And yet, despite all the madness and chaos around me, there is a certain strange beauty to this place, a twisted, macabre sort of aesthetic that I can’t help but be drawn to. The colors are vivid and intense, the textures rich and tactile. There is a sense of raw, primal energy here, a feeling of being alive in an exhilarating and terrifying way.

I can’t say for sure if I will ever find my way out of this place, or if I even want to, much less have the energy. It’s like I’ve stumbled upon some sort of bizarre, otherworldly carnival, and I am the only spectator that makes complete sense. And as much as I may want to leave, to return to the safety and sanity of the world I know, there is a part of me that is drawn to this place, that revels in its twisted charms and perverse delights.

In the end, I suppose it doesn’t really matter what brought me here, or what will become of me. All that matters is this moment, this strange and surreal adventure that I am living, and the myriad wonders and horrors that await me around every corner. And so I will press on, deeper into the heart of this strange, twisted world, fueled by equal parts curiosity and madness, eager to see what new horrors and delights await me in the darkness.

This was a response by ChatGPT. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the text I asked GPT to rewrite in the tone and sense of Hunter S. Thompson. But I am totally okay with that because this is pretty amazing. Better than what I was looking for.

UPDATE: I later figured out that I only posted what I wanted ChatGPT to do without putting in the main body of text that I wanted to be converted. Yet it somehow created an amazing piece of artwork in my mind from nothing…

Why You Should Hire a Successful UBER Driver

The most desirable traits in a new employee can vary depending on the specific job and the company culture. However, some general traits that are often valued in new hires include:

Strong work ethic: Companies want employees who are dedicated, reliable, and willing to put in the effort to get the job done. Successful Uber drivers are self-motivated and driven to provide a high level of service. This work ethic can be beneficial to your business and help increase productivity.
Positive attitude: A positive and enthusiastic attitude can go a long way in creating a positive work environment and improving team morale.
Knowledge of the local area: Successful Uber drivers have a deep understanding of the local area, including traffic patterns, popular destinations, and shortcuts. This can help your business save time and increase efficiency.
Problem-solving skills: The ability to think critically and find creative solutions to problems is highly valued in many industries.
Flexibility, adaptability, and quick thinking: Companies appreciate employees who are able to adapt to change and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Driving for Uber often involves handling unexpected situations and making split-second decisions. These skills can be useful in roles requiring quick thinking and adapting to fluid and sometimes volatile circumstances.
Communication skills: Good communication skills are essential in almost every role and are particularly important in team-based environments. Uber drivers must communicate effectively with passengers, which can help develop good communication skills useful in various professional settings.
Self-motivation and Time Management Skills: Companies want employees who are motivated to learn and grow in their roles, without the need for constant direction or supervision. Driving for Uber requires good time management skills, as drivers need to navigate to pick-up and drop-off locations efficiently without direct supervision. This experience can be useful in a role that requires good organization, prioritization, integrity, and trust.
Team player: Many companies value employees who are able to work effectively with others and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
Initiative: Employees who take initiative and are not afraid to take risks are often valued for their creativity and ability to drive results.
Experience with technology: Uber drivers are comfortable using technology and are familiar with navigation apps and ride-hailing platforms. This can be useful in businesses that rely on technology to operate efficiently.

So why listen to me? Well, my friend, you’re talking to someone who knows a thing or two about rideshare and putting together a resume that will make hiring managers take notice. It’s a delicate dance, you see, between highlighting your accomplishments and not coming off as too much of a self-promoting pile of pomposity. But let me tell you, a certain swagger comes with being an Uber driver that can make you stand out from the pack.

First, forget what those naysayers tell you about hiring managers being wary of entrepreneurs. That’s just a load of laziness. Do you think I got where I am today by playing it safe and following the rules? Not so much. I took risks, followed my instincts, and made good things happen in my life. That’s the kind of attitude that employers want to see.

Now, as for how to list Uber on your resume, it’s all about framing. Don’t just say you were a driver. That makes it sound like you were some kind of glorified chauffeur. No, you are a transportation professional if you do it correctly. You are responsible for getting people from point A to point B safely, efficiently, and with a smile on their faces and yours. That takes skills, my friend.

So here’s what you do: start with a bullet point that reads, “Managed transportation for thousands of passengers daily using the Uber platform.” See how that sounds? It’s not just driving, it’s managing. And you’re not just a driver; you’re a professional who uses a cutting-edge technology platform to get the job done.

Next, highlight some of the key skills you developed as an Uber driver. Maybe you became an expert at navigating city streets, or you honed your customer service skills by dealing with a variety of passengers. Perhaps you became a master of time management, juggling multiple pickups and dropoffs, your own children, and another job for some of you with ease. Whatever it is, make sure you emphasize how these skills are transferable to other industries.

And finally, don’t worry too much about the length of time you spend with Uber. Sure, it’s better if you can say you were there for a year or more, but don’t sweat it if you didn’t stick around that long. You can still highlight the skills and experience you gained during your time there, and show how they make you a valuable candidate for whatever job you’re applying for.

So there you have it, my friend. Don’t sell yourself short just because you were an Uber driver. Own it. Emphasize the skills you gained, the responsibility you held, and the impact you made. That’s the kind of attitude that will make any hiring manager sit up and take notice.

In summary, to those of you working in human resources. Hiring a successful Uber driver can bring a range of skills and experience to your business that can help improve efficiency, productivity, and customer service.

Veganism and Vitamin B-12

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It is m ade by combining sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, known as a SCOBY. During the fermentation process, the SCOBY consumes the sugar in the tea and produces a range of organic acids, probiotics, and other beneficial compounds.

Kombucha has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits, including improved gut health and immune function. But what does this have to do with a vegan or whole-food/plant-based diet?

First, it’s important to understand what a vegan or WF/PB diet is. Adherents avoid consuming any animal products or byproducts, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. This is often motivated by ethical, environmental, or health concerns.

Kombucha is a vegan or WF/PB friendly drink because it does not contain any animal products or byproducts. However, there are a few other reasons why kombucha may be particularly beneficial for vegan or WF/PB adherents.

One reason is that kombucha contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health. For vegans who may be lacking in certain nutrients due to their dietary restrictions, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can be especially important. Probiotics can help improve nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.

Additionally, some types of kombucha are fortified with vitamin B12, a nutrient that is primarily found in animal products. B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system and can be difficult for vegans to obtain through diet alone. While it’s important to note that not all kombucha contains B12, this is one potential benefit for vegans to consider.

Finally, kombucha is a versatile drink that can be used in a variety of recipes. For vegans who may be looking for alternatives to traditional animal-based ingredients, kombucha can be used as a substitute for vinegar, soy sauce, or even as a marinade for tofu or vegetables.

In summary, while kombucha is not strictly necessary for vegans, it can be a beneficial addition to a vegan diet. Its probiotic content can improve gut health, it may contain vitamin B12, and it can be used in a variety of recipes as a vegan-friendly alternative to other ingredients.

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has gained popularity in recent years, and it has become a staple in many vegan diets. Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) that produces a fizzy, slightly sour drink with a distinct taste.

One of the main reasons why kombucha is considered necessary for vegans is because it is a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial for the digestive system and overall health. Since most probiotic foods come from animal sources, vegans can have a harder time finding sources of these beneficial bacteria. Kombucha, on the other hand, is a vegan-friendly source of probiotics that can help improve gut health and boost the immune system.

Another reason why kombucha is beneficial for vegans is that it is a good source of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerve function, the production of red blood cells, and DNA synthesis. However, vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, so it can be challenging for vegans to get enough of this nutrient. While kombucha is not a significant source of vitamin B12, some kombucha brands add vitamin B12 to their products, making it a convenient way for vegans to get this essential nutrient.

Kombucha also contains antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.

Finally, kombucha is a low-sugar, low-calorie beverage that can be a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and other beverages. Kombucha is made with tea, which contains compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits, including improved brain function and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

In conclusion, kombucha is a beneficial beverage for vegans because it provides probiotics, vitamin B12, antioxidants, and a low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to other beverages. While it is not necessary for vegans to consume kombucha, it can be a convenient and healthy addition to a vegan diet.

The Wonders of Compound Interest

Imagine, if you will, a seed that you planted in the ground. Over time, this seed grows into a tree that bears fruit. As the tree grows taller and stronger, it produces more fruit, which in turn can be used to plant more trees. This is the beauty of compounding, my friends. Just as a seed can grow into a tree, so too can a small investment grow into a substantial sum over time.

The power of compound interest lies in its ability to amplify small gains over time. As the interest earned on an investment is reinvested, it begins to earn interest of its own. This snowball effect can lead to exponential growth over time, allowing your money to work for you in ways you may never have imagined.

Compound interest is the magic of numbers that can transform a mere sum of money into a fortune over time. It’s a phenomenon that speaks to the very nature of the universe itself, for just as the smallest actions can have a ripple effect on the world around us, so too can the smallest amount of money grow into something truly magnificent. With each passing day, that money begins to take on a life of its own. It begins to grow, blossom, and become something more than the sum of its parts.

You see, with compound interest, the interest you earn on your money doesn’t just sit there. It gets reinvested, added to the principal, and then earns interest of its own. And with each passing year, that interest grows and grows, compounding upon itself in an ever-expanding cycle of wealth.

It’s a beautiful thing to behold, really. Just like the cycles of the seasons or the ebb and flow of the tides, compound interest follows its own natural rhythms, building and growing over time. And just like the natural world, it can be both powerful and unpredictable, subject to the whims of fate and fortune.

But if you approach it with mindfulness and intention and nurture it, allowing it to grow, compound interest can work wonders in your life. It can help you build a nest egg for your retirement, fund your children’s education, or achieve any other goals and dreams you may have.

So, my friend, I urge you, like I did, to embrace the wonder of compound interest. Allow it to work its magic in your life, and watch as your small investments grow into something truly amazing. For just as the smallest seed can grow into the mightiest tree, so too can your investments, with the power of compound interest, grow into a prosperous future.

Too Much Protein. How Much is Too Much?

Looking to lose weight quickly in the New Year?

Got gout? How about kidney stones?

While high-protein consumption—above the current recommended dietary allowance for adults is increasing in popularity, there is a lack of data on its potential long-term adverse effects.

Until 2013 when studies were completed looking at the effects of a high-protein or high-meat diet. What they found with long-term high protein/high meat intake in humans were (a) disorders of bone and calcium homeostasis, (b) disorders of renal function, (c) increased cancer risk, (d) disorders of liver function, and (e) precipitated progression of coronary artery disease.

The present study’s findings suggest that there is currently no reasonable scientific basis in the literature to recommend protein consumption above the current RDA (high protein diet) for healthy adults due to its potential disease risks.

Disorders of Bone and Calcium Homeostasis
Disorders of Renal Function/kidney stones
Increased Cancer Risk
Disorders of Liver Function
Precipitated Progression of Coronary Artery Disease

Despite the fact that a short-term high-protein diet could be necessary for several pathological conditions (malnutrition, sarcopenia, etc.), it is evident that “too much of a good thing” in a diet could be useless or even harmful for healthy individuals. Many adults or even adolescents (especially athletes or bodybuilders) self-prescribe protein supplements and overlook the risks of using them, mainly due to misguided beliefs in their performance-enhancing abilities.

Individuals who follow these diets are, therefore, at risk. Extra protein is not used efficiently by the body and may impose a metabolic burden on the bones, kidneys, and liver. Moreover, high-protein/high-meat diets may also be associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease due to intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol or even cancer. Guidelines for diet should adhere closely to what has been clinically proven. By this standard, there is currently no basis for recommending high protein/high meat intake above the recommended dietary allowance for healthy adults.

Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Adults

Energy, Frequency, Vibration, and Electrolytes.

Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body’s cells and organs. The principal electrolytes in the human body are sodium, potassium, and chloride. An imbalance of electrolytes can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Dehydration: An imbalance of electrolytes can disrupt the body’s fluid balance and cause dehydration. Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, help regulate fluid balance in the body. An imbalance can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, and dizziness.
Heart problems: An imbalance of electrolytes, particularly potassium, can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness and an irregular heartbeat, while high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause a slow or irregular heartbeat.
Muscle weakness and cramping: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the way muscles function, leading to weakness and cramping.
Nerve problems: An imbalance of electrolytes can affect the functioning of the nerves, leading to numerous symptoms. Particularly sodium, potassium, and calcium, are important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. An imbalance of these electrolytes can cause muscle spasms, cramps, weakness, and twitching.
Changes in blood pressure: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, leading to high or low blood pressure.
Changes in mental status: Electrolyte imbalances can affect the brain and lead to symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, and seizures.
Acid-base balance: Electrolytes, particularly bicarbonate, help regulate the acid-base balance in the body. An imbalance can cause acidosis (too much acid in the body) or alkalosis (too little acid in the body), which can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, and confusion.

The acid-base balance in the body is regulated by a variety of mechanisms, including the respiratory system and the kidneys. A diet that supports these systems can help maintain proper acid-base balance in the body. Here are some general dietary recommendations for maintaining acid-base balance:

Eat a varied diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in alkaline compounds that can help neutralize the acid in the body. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Limit intake of acidic foods: Certain foods, such as processed meats, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase acid production in the body. Limiting the intake of these foods can help maintain acid-base balance.

Get enough protein(amino acids): The body uses amino acids to help buffer acid in the body by neutralizing excess acid. Getting enough protein in the diet can help maintain an acid-base balance.

When the body produces excess acid, it can lead to a condition called acidosis. The body has several mechanisms for maintaining acid-base balance, including the respiratory system and the kidneys. However, the body can also use protein to help neutralize excess acid.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which can act as bases (substances that neutralize acid). When the body is in a state of acidosis, some of the amino acids in proteins can be converted into bases to neutralize excess acid. This process helps to maintain acid-base balance in the body.

It is important to maintain a balance of acid and base in the body, as an imbalance can lead to a variety of health problems. However, getting enough protein in the diet is also important to support various bodily functions, including maintaining acid-base balance.

Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is important for maintaining acid-base balance. Aim for 8-8 ounces of water per day.

Limit salt intake: A high-salt diet can disrupt acid-base balance and lead to dehydration. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

It is important to note that everyone’s dietary needs are different, and it is always good to seek the advice of a professional for personalized dietary recommendations.

Further reading about acidosis.

Acidosis is a condition in which the body has excess acid. A variety of factors, including respiratory problems, kidney problems, and certain medications, can cause it. Acidosis can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Breathing difficulties: Acidosis can cause respiratory problems, leading to difficulty breathing.

Confusion and coma: Acidosis can affect the brain and lead to symptoms such as confusion and coma.

Fatigue: Acidosis can cause fatigue and weakness.

Headache: Acidosis can cause headaches and dizziness.

Nausea and vomiting: Acidosis can cause digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting.

Rapid breathing: Acidosis can cause rapid breathing, which can lead to further respiratory problems.

Rapid heart rate: Acidosis can cause a rapid heart rate, which can lead to further cardiovascular problems.

It is important to address acidosis as soon as possible to prevent complications and restore acid-base balance in the body.

Human Bio-remediation and Homeostasis

Bio-remediation is a process that uses microorganisms to restore a toxic or contaminated environment to its natural state of homeostasis. This type of environmental remediation relies on the use of living organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi, to break down and remove pollutants from a biological environment. Bioremediation offers an effective, low-energy-cost solution to some of the most difficult environmental problems inside the human body as well as the external environment we call home. Earth.

Within and without, humans are subject to the same processes as the world around us we live in. Nature is simple and conservative in the way it functions, and we can learn a lot about our internal environment by studying the external environment we interact with daily.

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment of an organism, micro or macro, regardless of changes to the external environment and across different habitat conditions. Homeostasis refers to maintaining the physiological equilibrium of an organic environment, such as regulating temperature, pH balance, nutrient levels, and oxygen supply for optimal functioning of cells. Homeostasis plays an important role in bioremediation, as it helps keep the environment stable and conducive to microbial activity in the bio-remediation process.

Bioremediation continually takes place throughout the human body, especially within the G.I. tract. It is also a method by which nature cleans up polluted sites in our external environment, such as groundwater aquifers, industrial wastewater lagoons, contaminated soils, and landfills. The process begins with the selection of appropriate microorganisms that are capable of breaking down specific contaminants in the environment.

The human body, like our external environment, also creates/generates the appropriate microorganisms that build and serve the body as necessary for its own bio-remedial processes. Next, these organisms are introduced into the area that needs treatment, and their growth is encouraged. In the external world, microorganisms feed on pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals, breaking them down into harmless substances that can be naturally absorbed into the environment.

These microorganisms are not out to harm us but are here to help us. To kill them off would be akin to killing the firemen at a structure fire. Bacteria, yeast, fungi, etc., are not the cause of disease in the same manner that firemen are not the cause of structure fires, but the response and solution.

Homeostasis is essential for the successful bioremediation of contaminated sites. The environment needs to remain stable for the microorganisms to survive and do their job effectively. Changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature, oxygen levels, and pH balance, can have a dramatic effect on the microbial populations’ ability to function properly. To ensure successful bioremediation, it is important to monitor these factors and make necessary adjustments to maintain a stable environment for the microorganisms.

Together bioremediation and homeostasis are important concepts to understand, essential for a successful reversal to a healthier overall environmental state. The use of microorganisms to break down pollutants offers an effective solution to some of the most difficult environmental problems. Maintaining homeostasis is the goal and an important part of the circle of life, and bioremediation is the process that ensures a stable environment for the optimal functioning of the macro-organism. By understanding how these concepts work together, we can continue to progress in preserving and restoring the fragile human ecosystem as a microorganism, as well as the external ecosystems we call home, the Earth acting respectively as a macro-organism in which we live.

-Michael J. Loomis

Don’t Fight Cancer. Work With It.

Cancer is not our enemy, we should not be fighting it. On the contrary, it is our friend that has been with us for quite some time. It is a normal part of our body, a standard operating procedure that is a result of our body maintaining homeostasis for our overall good and well-being. It is a positive response to a negative impact on our body’s immediate environment.

It is a friend that has been with us, sometimes for decades, and will leave when we eliminate the environmental impact that required the cancerous response.

Cancer is not a cause of disease but a result of a diseased state that a body has been fostering and nurturing.

Separate from the body, the thing that results in a state of disease and cancer will never have to be the body’s response.

-Michael J. Loomis

It Takes Time to Turn Life Around

Try to wrap your head around the following statement.

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘶 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘵.

“𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦.” -Arnold Ehret

There is no quick fix to a lifetime of egregious error. If one lives for decades filled with toxic environmental exposures, e.g., sugar, candy, junk food, fast food, processed food, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs(prescription or not), one cannot expect to turn their ship around in a short period of time.

I used to be that guy, and I’ve been living a life of recovery for some 6.5 years and counting. I finally, after all this time, feel like I am somewhat headed in the right direction. Not 30, 60, or 90 days of change, but a consistent, long-term, steady leaning in the right direction away from a lifetime of bad decisions. Almost 7 years now. I guess it’s true what they say. Slow and steady wins the race.

If you, like me, decide you want to make some meaningful changes toward a better, longer, and healthier life, remember that the long game is where your focus should be, and a transition will likely be the healthiest way to achieve your life-long change.

In my opinion, the one thing you can do to start that will make the biggest overall difference is to remove sugar, candy, junk food, fast food, and processed food. These are likely the worst offenders that, when removed, will allow your body to start repairing and rejuvenating itself the fastest. Of course, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and any other drugs related to addiction will need to be addressed as they are also a hindrance to recovery, repair, and rejuvenation.

To be fair, alcohol is right up there with these top 5 that I mentioned quitting first and, in some cases, might need to be addressed first. Especially if you were anything like me. I started off by removing alcohol first, and then I removed sugar, candy, junk food, fast food, and processed food a little over a year later. All these things have helped me recover my life. Alcohol is the only one that I quit cold turkey.

Eventually, I even when on to remove all animal-based food sources. But even that didn’t happen overnight. I started off by removing all things dairy. Milk, cheese, and butter in the spring of 2019 followed by beef and pork products later that year. Over the following year in 2020, I ended up removing chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. But even those were staggered over that full year. First chicken, then turkey. The last form of meat to go was fish, which, frankly, I didn’t eat much of anyways and then toward the end of 2020, I decided to take a break from eggs to see what it would be like to be completely whole-food/plant-based for a month. I never looked back. I have not had any reason to.

At this point, I’ve had no animal-based foods in almost 2 years, and all is well. To my delight, I found out that our body doesn’t need cow, pig, fish, or fowl proteins to live a long healthy life. We need human proteins, and it is our liver that creates these for us if we provide it with all of the building blocks(amino acids) it needs. All of which we can get from plant-based sources along with our body’s own catabolic or recycling processes by which it recovers old cell parts that have completed their normal life cycle, returning previously used amino acids back into our body’s amino acid pool. Our body is totally into recycling…8)

All this to say that any meaningful, long last change is going to take some time and investment, but the reward is well worth the effort as the payoff is more quality and quantity time for our future selves to spend however we best see fit.

And time is our most valuable asset.