Living well has been a part of my life for awhile. I had the opportunity to take a Wellness class in college, due to it being an option to fulfill a health requirement. I was very lucky to get into a class that was taught by an excellent professor. Although I did not agree with him on a couple of topics, I learned a ton from him.

One point that was taught was how everyone lives in their own world. The word is Weltanschung, a German word that roughly translates to world view. Hearing the professor explain it really made me think. It opened my eyes to the world. I always kind of knew that people see things differently, but having it explained as a world view, for some reason, made me understand that everyone really views the world through their own unique eyes.

The other lesson that I learned and want to mention here, is about eating well. I am not quite sure where I heard this quote, but, here it is: Don't feel bad about leaving food on your plate. It is better to leave it on the plate then on your thighs. Eating well does not mean you have to go on a diet. In fact, most diets are bad for your health. They either make you eat hardly anything, or cut out whole food groups.

What I have done, and now encourage my friends to do, is slowly cut out foods that are bad for you. Here is how I did it:

About 5 years ago, I stopped eating potato chips and packaged cookies. I could not let all cookies go. I love Subway cookies! I allow myself to eat them less than once a month and only if I am going to Subway. I savor the cookies over the course of a whole day or even two.

About 3 years ago, I cut way down on pasta and anything with pasta in it. I do not eat pasta and sauce, casseroles with pasta, or macaroni and cheese. This was hard, because I love Mac & Cheese. I do still keep a box in the pantry in case I have nothing else to eat, because it is so cheep.

About 2 or 3 years ago, I cut out a whole bunch of dairy products due to my growing intolerance for them. This was also hard, because I love ice cream. My favorite part of moving out of my parents house was the freedom to buy ice cream whenever I wanted. I also love cheese and had to cut back on that also. It took some will power, but it was worth getting rid of the discomfort.Now, I will only eat cheese when it is mixed with something, like pizza, which I only eat once and awhile.  

The newest food item I am trying to give up is beef. I recently got into the colon cleaning trend and really believe it. Don't worry, I did not go overboard. I did plenty of research before I tried the product. I have not been sick since, even though everyone in my office did. Beef is really bad for your colon. Especially in the amount I was eating. Fast food is so convenient when your schedule is packed and you don't know what to make for dinner! I have been trying to cook at home as much as possible, and when I do go to fast food restaurants, I order chicken or a salad instead.

Notice I have been slowly cutting these foods out of my diet for over 5 years. I also do not deny myself any foods. I simply limit the quantity. I have also added/replaced them with healthier foods such as fruit and yogurt. My favorite new trick is to add Bear Naked Fit (all natural whole grain granola), about $4.99 at any grocery store, to my yogurt. I love it and t gives me my daily dose of whole grain.

I have never been so full of energy and been so fit before, even in high school. (Granted I am only 22 now.)

I hope this has helped. Please take a moment to take the poll at the bottom of the page!