The only reason I write at all is because I am going through, and growing through, something in my life I want to share with others through my personal experiences.

Make sure you eat whole foods that are good for your entire body. This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy your food or make room for plenty of indulgences. But your conscious goal has to be to eat for long term health and what you do most of the time is what really counts.

Growing up in my family, it wasn't important that we always be the best; it was important that we were going to try to be our best and give it our all.

Don't get stuck and don't worry.

I didn't grow up eating meat - I was a vegetarian until I was 18.

Exercise is important, but exercise in a gym is not important. Go and take a walk outside. Skip the umpteenth coffee date and go for a hike instead. Take the stairs. Walk your errands.

I tried every diet under the sun and none of them worked but, more importantly, they were robbing me of my love of food.