You Need to Change Your Diet

It’s more than what you eat.

Joe Needham
Live Your Life On Purpose
3 min readOct 5, 2019

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Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash

I was vegan for 2 years.

The journey was enlightening to say the least. It’s another world when you even label yourself a vegan. I learned being vegan doesn’t equate to good health, the negative perceptions of vegans, and various other insightful things.

My favorite moments were when other plant-based eater claimed you were an imposter.

Beyond all that, it taught me that your diet is more than just what you put in your body. You can eat your veggies, drink your water, exercise daily, and still be fairly unhealthy.

There is a huge emphasis in general on physical health, but not until recent has there been loud avocation for mental health.

Having struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, I can attest to the importance of watching what you consume.

What Are You Listening to?

Isn’t it crazy how some of the darkest, saddest music feels so good?

I’m sure there is some kind of science behind it, but if you find yourself constantly listening to the most depressing music on a regular basis — you need to take some time and self-evaluate.

Think about it, when a good amount of people are feeling emotional pain, drugs and alcohol is seen as an easy escape. It does alleviate the pain for a temporary amount of time.

I’ve done that as well as ease my pain with depressing music.

It may not have any physical effect on my health, but it sure doesn’t put me in a good state of mind. Waking up starting my day listening to The Weeknd really prepares me for a positive goal chasing day — not.

One thing we all can agree on is that music gives you a feeling.

Let’s consume it wisely.

What Are You Watching?

I don’t watch too much TV or streaming services, I just don’t have the interest these days.

The one thing I do watch is anime. The anime I watch usually has the basic plot of the main character always striving to be the best. Naruto — a well-known anime — is exactly the type of story I love.

A protagonist with a clear goal who overcomes every obstacle that comes his way.

Some of you don’t watch this stuff, and the other lot of you are probably like “what the hell is this guy talking about.”

What I’m trying to allude to is that when I watch inspirational content such as this, I’m up and ready to tackle life when an episode ends.

Instead of watching murderous crime shows and sports highlights all day, try watching something that adds fuel to your fire — something that lifts you up in a positive way.

It doesn’t have to be a boring educational documentary.

Watch something that does something good for you.

Who Are You Hanging Out With?

Yes, who you hang around can be associated with your diet. It’s a combination of multiple aspects.

What do the people you hang around talk about?

What do the people you hang around watch?

What do the people you hang around eat?

I don’t agree with the saying “you are who you hang around,” but it’s a big influence on what you tolerate and what you might ultimately give a try.

Watching somebody you once knew change into something you can’t even recognize due to the crowd they started hanging around is a mind-blowing thing.

Most of us have been there before.

In college, I joined a fraternity. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t change the way I acted. I started dressing different and started hanging out less with my friends.

The fraternity had a huge impact on who I am today and how I perceive the world. I gained more confidence and my leadership skills elevated.

It was one of the best decisions in my collegiate career.

Be conscious of what you expose yourself to, whether you realize it or not, it has an effect on you.

Stay blessed!

  • JC

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Joe Needham
Live Your Life On Purpose

Quick reads that motivate & inspire. I’m on a mission to become a better person.