The comments you all left in response to Wednesday’s newsletter, and the replies I received by email, were so fascinating and inspiring. They also got me wondering — have you ever given up anything, or stopped doing something for the sake of your health?
Whether it’s drinking, or smoking, or eating things that aren’t good for us — what sparked you to stop, or make a change? What helps you stay on the path you want to be on?
Really interested to hear what you have to say 👍 — Terrell
I've got family members that have given up all wheat and sugar, my father gave up smoking but a little too late and died of lung cancer. I've gone sugar free on soda's and most drinks but there are comfort foods I'm not going to give up that are loaded with sugar... so, I'll do a couple more miles or spend an extra half hour at the gym but the one thing I never did and am paying for it, is wearing a hat every time I go outside and I now never forget the sunscreen ...
I gave up sugar and flour years ago because I had no energy and was cranky all the time (ask my kids!!). The doctors did a glucose test and said it wasn’t the problem. It was amazing how much energy I had!! Then I started running. Over the years (10) I was up to 5 mile runs. About another 10 years I started 1/2 marathons. Now I can eat anything in moderation. I really have to pay attention around the holidays though!
I was hospitalized with the swine flu many years ago, and I continued to have all types of health problems for years afterwards. In hindsight, I had a classic presentation of celiac disease: anemia, constant GI upset and abdominal pain, fatigue, secondary infertility, and an inability to gain weight. At the time, I was 35 lbs lighter than I am now – I was a walking skeleton! I don’t know if I ever read my little toddler/preschooler daughter a book to completion – I would always fall asleep while in the middle of reading out loud, I was just so exhausted all the time.
My PCP at the time told me that all my GI problems were a result of being a stay at home mom. He told me- probably 40 or 50 times over the years – that if I had a job and spent “less time with my children” I wouldn’t be so stressed/miserable. I told him that I was neither, and that I enjoyed being a stay at home mom, but he insisted that spending time with little children was the source of all my problems.
On one visit, I remember him saying, “Your cholesterol levels are amazing! I couldn’t put someone on medication and get their levels so low.” It was such a classic sign that he missed – I clearly wasn’t absorbing any of the food I was eating, but he insisted that all these symptoms were because of my children. I kept asking if I could be tested for food allergies, but was constantly told that it wasn't something I was eating.
At any rate, I suffered for years, until one day, during a routine office visit, my PCP got up on the examining table, sat hip to hip, shoulder to shoulder, and told me that he was attracted to me. When I did not provide the desired response, I was dropped from his practice. My new PCP got me the help I needed and I was diagnosed with celiac disease a short while later.
Most people give up gluten (and sometimes dairy too) after a celiac diagnosis. It was particularly hard for me, because I am famous for the breads I bake. But, do you know what is even harder? Being miserable constantly, for years, and being told that all my GI problems was because I spent time with my children. Giving up gluten and dairy completely changed my life around. I am healthier now at 49 than I ever was at 39. Going GF and DF changed my life. That, and getting a new PCP too.
Soft drinks! I quit drinking Dr. Pepper, Cokes, etc. years ago. Not only did my weight drop, but also I haven’t had a cavity since I quit. Before I quit drinking soft drinks, my teeth were falling apart. It’s been 20 years since I quit, and my teeth are in great shape. Good teeth — and better health — have been well worth no soft drinks 😁
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram permanently & coffee sporadically. "It's fine to lose contact" is what a very close friend once told me. Sometimes we need to lose a friend to make a new one. For me social media was a way to hold on to the past & a previous life. In order to continue to grow I decided to give it all up. It also led me to find new websites like The Half Marathoner where I can talk with fellow runners & focus on a passion.
My impetus for change was after running the Marine Marathon in DC. I was smoking at the time (even during training...I was younger then!). Once I got back to the hotel, I grabbed my cigarettes and went out to have one. The searing in my lungs was something. I thought it was absolutely madness. That was the day I decided to quit. Can't say that was when I quit....it took many tries...but it was a beginning.
i became sober 2.5 years ago for my mental health. best decision i ever made. i was secretly drowning in ruminating thoughts. i've been able to create a beautiful family during these past few years.
I started running competitively in 7th grade. At some point, I don't remember exactly when, I started smoking, and smoked for years. Obviously, smoking and running don't pair nicely together. Finally, I went to an American Lung Association stop smoking class, and we signed a contract to stop smoking on the last day. (It was funny - we all stood outside the parking garage before the last class and smoked a bunch of cigarettes, knowing they would be the last ones.) I signed the contract at the end of class, and I have honored that commitment. I haven't picked up a cigarette since that day. And, obviously, my running has improved! :-)
Trying to think if I've ever given something up for health or otherwise! I became a vegetarian way back in 1968 because of my first husband. He was vegetarian and finally told me after a few months. Not a problem. I just learned to live without meat. The religious demands of Hinduism made me learn to cook and bake without eggs. Took a little while, but I don't use eggs at all anymore. I've tried to have a more alkaline diet, as I've read that a too acidic body is not good. Removed most sugars except honey and maple syrup--use mostly whole wheat flour. I know coffee is not supposed to be good, but no way am I ever going to give that up!! I only have a few cups/day which should be OK. It is expensive and organically grown in Haiti. The one thing I can think of is we changed plate sizes back to what they were in the 60s. 8" dinner plates from the standard 11", pie plates back to 7", dessert plates to 5". Made a ton of difference in weight, and no one feels bloated after meals.
Took up running and walking which was one of the best things I've ever done.
I don't want to look like a goody two-shoes, but most of the changes I've made were just because I wanted to. None were dramatic or doctor inspired. I guess sugar is the most I've ever dropped back on. It is a drug. I buy the granulated sugar for my hummingbirds for nectar, which is what is prescribed.
Friday, my one day at home to clean. I'll be over at the Farmer's Market tomorrow AM!
I gave up sugar for about a year. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family, and blood work showed an increase in sugar levels. I went cold turkey: No cokes, no sweet tea, no chocolate, no candy, etc. I dropped a ton of weight immediately, and blood work has been fine since. I have phased in some sugars, but have been able to keep it to a minimum. Cold turkey was harsh, but I’ve seen what family members have gone through with diabetes.
Sep 2, 2022·edited Sep 2, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson
So this is a weird one, but having kids. I always thought I'd have a bunch of kids, and I absolutely love kids. Despite doing "everything right" (exercise, always eaten a plant-based diet, no substances, right age, and I was delivering babies as part of my job!) my pregnancy with my son was really complicated, temporarily wrecked my health, derailed my career/finances, and uncovered an underlying medical condition. Over the last year, I think I'm finally beginning to reach level of acceptance that my family isn't going to look like the one I envisioned for myself, and that that's ok and it's not my fault somehow. I love my son, and I have to take care of myself in order to be the best mom that I can be for him. Keeping that in mind has made the decision a lot easier for me.
P.S. As a doctor, so I love seeing how many people in this thread have either cut out sugar or gone the whole foods/plant-based diet route.
Funny thought for this. I've never given up anything for my health BUT I became a runner, over time, for my health. As we all get, at times, a little heavier than would ever want to. Started to walk, eat better and "think" about better care. As it progressed, I started to run. got me here, where I now look forward to the runs, as well the races, that I'll be able to partake in this winter, and every other winter I can moving forward.
When I saw my Dad an hour after quintuple by-pass surgery, ashen grey with tubes going in and out of his body, I knew that I would have to give up the standard American diet and become Vegan. My Dad was an athlete in great condition but he could not outrun his poor diet. I saw my fate and was shaken to the core. I became a Vegan at the very next meal and remain
so 30 years later. Decision comes from the Latin, deciders, which means to “cut off”. I believe few of us can have our health and our standard American diet. I cut out animal food etc. so I could avoid being cut up like my Dad. The good news, my Dad lived 20 healthy years and became Vegetarian….
Great book to read: “We are the Weather” by Jonathan Safran Foer
I switched to a whole food plant based diet in January 2019. It’s essentially vegan, I limit processed foods and do a lot of cooking - which I like.
This was prompted by my daughter giving me the book “The China Study” for Christmas. I feel better and also feel it’s another way for me to minimize my footprint on the earth 😀
Yes, I gave up smoking when I was 37, and became Vegan in 2013.
I gave up eating meat in 2011because I started to think of the live animal, fowl, or fish that it had been and what it had to go through to get on my plate.
Then I gave up dairy, mayo,, and most oils when I found out that my cholesterol was over 300 and wasn't able to take the stations because they affected my muscles.
When I retired , I took a job at a golf course part time . I also started to golf , something I never did running a non profit for 80 hours a week .
Knocking out carbs , keeping track on a fitness app , walking the course and working in the pro shop , I began to average 18000 steps a day . Amazingly , in about a year , I went from 232 to 202 pounds and today I am at 185 .
I feel good, I just purchased my first pair of 34 waist pants since I was in my 20s and life is good .
I'm a lifelong sugar addict, and I've tried multiple times to quit because I know how bad it is for health, always failing. However when Cory Booker invited the public to join him on an elimination of added sugar for two months, I signed up, and I did it! I lost a little weight, and feel much better. Sugar is often accompanied by flour, and it bloats me. That's gone. And I feel in control of my self, my life. I'll never go back.
I've got family members that have given up all wheat and sugar, my father gave up smoking but a little too late and died of lung cancer. I've gone sugar free on soda's and most drinks but there are comfort foods I'm not going to give up that are loaded with sugar... so, I'll do a couple more miles or spend an extra half hour at the gym but the one thing I never did and am paying for it, is wearing a hat every time I go outside and I now never forget the sunscreen ...
so, how does it work. can we post topics we want to discuss or do they go up by 1 person every so often
I gave up sugar and flour years ago because I had no energy and was cranky all the time (ask my kids!!). The doctors did a glucose test and said it wasn’t the problem. It was amazing how much energy I had!! Then I started running. Over the years (10) I was up to 5 mile runs. About another 10 years I started 1/2 marathons. Now I can eat anything in moderation. I really have to pay attention around the holidays though!
Gluten and dairy.
I was hospitalized with the swine flu many years ago, and I continued to have all types of health problems for years afterwards. In hindsight, I had a classic presentation of celiac disease: anemia, constant GI upset and abdominal pain, fatigue, secondary infertility, and an inability to gain weight. At the time, I was 35 lbs lighter than I am now – I was a walking skeleton! I don’t know if I ever read my little toddler/preschooler daughter a book to completion – I would always fall asleep while in the middle of reading out loud, I was just so exhausted all the time.
My PCP at the time told me that all my GI problems were a result of being a stay at home mom. He told me- probably 40 or 50 times over the years – that if I had a job and spent “less time with my children” I wouldn’t be so stressed/miserable. I told him that I was neither, and that I enjoyed being a stay at home mom, but he insisted that spending time with little children was the source of all my problems.
On one visit, I remember him saying, “Your cholesterol levels are amazing! I couldn’t put someone on medication and get their levels so low.” It was such a classic sign that he missed – I clearly wasn’t absorbing any of the food I was eating, but he insisted that all these symptoms were because of my children. I kept asking if I could be tested for food allergies, but was constantly told that it wasn't something I was eating.
At any rate, I suffered for years, until one day, during a routine office visit, my PCP got up on the examining table, sat hip to hip, shoulder to shoulder, and told me that he was attracted to me. When I did not provide the desired response, I was dropped from his practice. My new PCP got me the help I needed and I was diagnosed with celiac disease a short while later.
Most people give up gluten (and sometimes dairy too) after a celiac diagnosis. It was particularly hard for me, because I am famous for the breads I bake. But, do you know what is even harder? Being miserable constantly, for years, and being told that all my GI problems was because I spent time with my children. Giving up gluten and dairy completely changed my life around. I am healthier now at 49 than I ever was at 39. Going GF and DF changed my life. That, and getting a new PCP too.
After reading all these inspiring stories, I’m going to work on not “giving up” sugar or meat or eggs, but choosing a healthier life. Thanks everyone!
Soft drinks! I quit drinking Dr. Pepper, Cokes, etc. years ago. Not only did my weight drop, but also I haven’t had a cavity since I quit. Before I quit drinking soft drinks, my teeth were falling apart. It’s been 20 years since I quit, and my teeth are in great shape. Good teeth — and better health — have been well worth no soft drinks 😁
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram permanently & coffee sporadically. "It's fine to lose contact" is what a very close friend once told me. Sometimes we need to lose a friend to make a new one. For me social media was a way to hold on to the past & a previous life. In order to continue to grow I decided to give it all up. It also led me to find new websites like The Half Marathoner where I can talk with fellow runners & focus on a passion.
My impetus for change was after running the Marine Marathon in DC. I was smoking at the time (even during training...I was younger then!). Once I got back to the hotel, I grabbed my cigarettes and went out to have one. The searing in my lungs was something. I thought it was absolutely madness. That was the day I decided to quit. Can't say that was when I quit....it took many tries...but it was a beginning.
i became sober 2.5 years ago for my mental health. best decision i ever made. i was secretly drowning in ruminating thoughts. i've been able to create a beautiful family during these past few years.
I started running competitively in 7th grade. At some point, I don't remember exactly when, I started smoking, and smoked for years. Obviously, smoking and running don't pair nicely together. Finally, I went to an American Lung Association stop smoking class, and we signed a contract to stop smoking on the last day. (It was funny - we all stood outside the parking garage before the last class and smoked a bunch of cigarettes, knowing they would be the last ones.) I signed the contract at the end of class, and I have honored that commitment. I haven't picked up a cigarette since that day. And, obviously, my running has improved! :-)
Trying to think if I've ever given something up for health or otherwise! I became a vegetarian way back in 1968 because of my first husband. He was vegetarian and finally told me after a few months. Not a problem. I just learned to live without meat. The religious demands of Hinduism made me learn to cook and bake without eggs. Took a little while, but I don't use eggs at all anymore. I've tried to have a more alkaline diet, as I've read that a too acidic body is not good. Removed most sugars except honey and maple syrup--use mostly whole wheat flour. I know coffee is not supposed to be good, but no way am I ever going to give that up!! I only have a few cups/day which should be OK. It is expensive and organically grown in Haiti. The one thing I can think of is we changed plate sizes back to what they were in the 60s. 8" dinner plates from the standard 11", pie plates back to 7", dessert plates to 5". Made a ton of difference in weight, and no one feels bloated after meals.
Took up running and walking which was one of the best things I've ever done.
I don't want to look like a goody two-shoes, but most of the changes I've made were just because I wanted to. None were dramatic or doctor inspired. I guess sugar is the most I've ever dropped back on. It is a drug. I buy the granulated sugar for my hummingbirds for nectar, which is what is prescribed.
Friday, my one day at home to clean. I'll be over at the Farmer's Market tomorrow AM!
I gave up sugar for about a year. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family, and blood work showed an increase in sugar levels. I went cold turkey: No cokes, no sweet tea, no chocolate, no candy, etc. I dropped a ton of weight immediately, and blood work has been fine since. I have phased in some sugars, but have been able to keep it to a minimum. Cold turkey was harsh, but I’ve seen what family members have gone through with diabetes.
I'm a new reader who has finally figured out how to talk to you guys. woo
social media. not good for my mental health. quite toxic actually. don't use it at all
So this is a weird one, but having kids. I always thought I'd have a bunch of kids, and I absolutely love kids. Despite doing "everything right" (exercise, always eaten a plant-based diet, no substances, right age, and I was delivering babies as part of my job!) my pregnancy with my son was really complicated, temporarily wrecked my health, derailed my career/finances, and uncovered an underlying medical condition. Over the last year, I think I'm finally beginning to reach level of acceptance that my family isn't going to look like the one I envisioned for myself, and that that's ok and it's not my fault somehow. I love my son, and I have to take care of myself in order to be the best mom that I can be for him. Keeping that in mind has made the decision a lot easier for me.
P.S. As a doctor, so I love seeing how many people in this thread have either cut out sugar or gone the whole foods/plant-based diet route.
Funny thought for this. I've never given up anything for my health BUT I became a runner, over time, for my health. As we all get, at times, a little heavier than would ever want to. Started to walk, eat better and "think" about better care. As it progressed, I started to run. got me here, where I now look forward to the runs, as well the races, that I'll be able to partake in this winter, and every other winter I can moving forward.
Instagram!
When I saw my Dad an hour after quintuple by-pass surgery, ashen grey with tubes going in and out of his body, I knew that I would have to give up the standard American diet and become Vegan. My Dad was an athlete in great condition but he could not outrun his poor diet. I saw my fate and was shaken to the core. I became a Vegan at the very next meal and remain
so 30 years later. Decision comes from the Latin, deciders, which means to “cut off”. I believe few of us can have our health and our standard American diet. I cut out animal food etc. so I could avoid being cut up like my Dad. The good news, my Dad lived 20 healthy years and became Vegetarian….
Great book to read: “We are the Weather” by Jonathan Safran Foer
I switched to a whole food plant based diet in January 2019. It’s essentially vegan, I limit processed foods and do a lot of cooking - which I like.
This was prompted by my daughter giving me the book “The China Study” for Christmas. I feel better and also feel it’s another way for me to minimize my footprint on the earth 😀
Yes, I gave up smoking when I was 37, and became Vegan in 2013.
I gave up eating meat in 2011because I started to think of the live animal, fowl, or fish that it had been and what it had to go through to get on my plate.
Then I gave up dairy, mayo,, and most oils when I found out that my cholesterol was over 300 and wasn't able to take the stations because they affected my muscles.
When I retired , I took a job at a golf course part time . I also started to golf , something I never did running a non profit for 80 hours a week .
Knocking out carbs , keeping track on a fitness app , walking the course and working in the pro shop , I began to average 18000 steps a day . Amazingly , in about a year , I went from 232 to 202 pounds and today I am at 185 .
I feel good, I just purchased my first pair of 34 waist pants since I was in my 20s and life is good .
My advice to all --keep moving !!!
I'm a lifelong sugar addict, and I've tried multiple times to quit because I know how bad it is for health, always failing. However when Cory Booker invited the public to join him on an elimination of added sugar for two months, I signed up, and I did it! I lost a little weight, and feel much better. Sugar is often accompanied by flour, and it bloats me. That's gone. And I feel in control of my self, my life. I'll never go back.