FEBRUARY 19, 2026 CHANGE HABIITS AT 30 YEARS OLD

I am double the age of 30 and a bit more. I changed my life at age 34 years old In June of 1994, at age 34 I became clean and sober. I started a journey of recovery that encompassed my mind, body and spirit. The first step was acceptance and then I started action. The first action was to take my health inventory. This involved changing what I eat and to drink ( since alcohol was not an option, nor were drugs. The pivotal age of 30 marks a shift in metabolism and nutritional needs, making it essential to reassess eating habits. The focus here is on identifying foods that might do more harm than good in this new chapter of life.

I gave up alcohol - a bad sugar Other processed sugars are a hidden foe in many diets, especially harmful as one’s metabolism slows down with age. These sugars, often found in sweets, sodas, and various processed foods, can lead to weight gain, a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes What was not helpful is that Bill Wilson, Founder of AA advocated substituting sugar - a candy for the craving of alcohol. At most if not all of the AA meetings served coffee and cakes/cookies I had to refrain from eating a cookie but did have black coffee without sugar Switching to natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and incorporating more whole fruits for sweetness can be beneficial. It’s not just about cutting out the sweet taste but about finding healthier ways I found out later in life about honey as a beekeeper

So at age 30 besides cutting down and eliminating processed sugar you need to be aware of trans fats. Trans fats and high saturated fats, often lurking in fast foods, baked goods, and many pre-packaged items, pose significant health risks. Consuming these fats can lead to increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease

Then you must decide about red meat Studies have linked excessive consumption of these meats to increased risks of certain cancers and heart disease. The preservatives and high-fat content in these meats N ow, at 31 years 8 months sober i consume very little red meat in my diet ( despite Type O blood is a meat eater ( except pork, ham or bacon )

You should start finding your protein source whether animal or plant protein You need to have a variety of all vegetables and all fruits. Then you must consume more water Today I see many patients who do NOT consume enough water

As you start to feel better with these dietary changes, you can now focus on the 12 steps. Acceptance and taking action are essential Work with your sponsor, go to meetings and one day a time is the key

Until tomorrow…