Truth told: I was destroying myself

DON’T DRINK OR EAT THAT…

“THE FOOD IS THE CULPRIT, EVERY TIME.” — DML

YOU WANT TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION

I was eating a bagel with low fat cream cheese and a Tropicana OJ when this older man who looked half his age told me, “You’re destroying yourself with that food — especially the OJ.”

The guy turned out to he a nutritionist and the information he gave me may have saved my life. He explained how the processed junk—stuff packed in plastic, mixed up in labs—isn’t just bad; it’s wrecking us. It’s driving inflammation, cancer, and a laundry list of health problems. Science backs this up. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like chips, sugary drinks, and microwave meals are tied to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. A 2022 JAMA Neurology study showed heavy UPF eaters had 28% faster cognitive decline. Cancer’s on the list too—a 2018 The BMJ study linked high UPF intake to a 12% jump in overall cancer risk, especially breast cancer. Gut issues, depression, and a weaker immune system also make the cut; Nutrients (2020) found UPFs mess with gut health, fueling inflammation. Plastics make it worse—BPA and other chemicals leach into food, screwing with hormones and raising risks for infertility and cancer (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2019).

Here’s the simple fix he gave me: swap one meal a day for something clean—think veggies, whole grains, or a plant-based dish. It’s like a reboot for your body. Do it and you’ll see the following:

— Your brain gets clearer (MIND diet studies show plant-heavy meals slow cognitive decline),

— Your bloodwork improves (less inflammation, better cholesterol—Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2020),

— You sleep is better (whole foods with tryptophan boost melatonin, per Nutrients, 2020). 

Longevity 
A 2017 The Lancet meta-analysis said five servings of fruits and veggies daily cut death risk by 24%. Start with one meal, and it builds. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (2022) says small, steady changes lead to bigger dietary shifts. One solid lunch, and you’ll start ditching the junk naturally.

Plant-based meals are gold.
They’re packed with fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that cool inflammation and shield cells. Journal of the American Heart Association (2019) found plant-based diets cut heart disease death by 19% and all-cause death by 11%. Lentils, spinach, almonds—food that fights cancer, diabetes, and mental fog. It’s not about going full vegan; just lean into plants.

Having taken the man’s advice and taking his words seriously, I knew a change was needed. I thought it would be hard but it turned out to be easy. I started with mornings. I used to be slugging that sugary orange juice, thinking it was “healthy.” Nope—blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, inflammation. So Mary and I switched to green tea. Game-changer! It’s loaded with catechins—antioxidants that boost immunity, lower diabetes risk (Journal of Diabetes Research, 2021), and help you sleep by calming your system (Nutrients, 2025). A 2025 Good Food study tied 2-3 cups daily to less dementia risk. I feel steady, focused, and my immune system’s tougher. No more sugar rollercoaster. It was my start and then the rest of the changes came easy.

I’ve been down the road of grabbing quick, processed crap. But one real meal, one green tea in the morning, and you’ll feel the difference. It’s not about perfection—just starting small. Your body’s ready for the upgrade. Give it a shot. My sponsor today is a perfect match — if nothing else see what they have and how it helps people like us, what it costs, etc. Funny thing is, I actually saved money eating healthy, the benefits are many. Do not continue to destroy yourself and your wallet. Make the change.

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