Each year I go to my doctor for my checkup, and she tells me to make certain that I eat right and take care of myself (both physically and mentally). I like the yearly check-in with my doctor.

When I was a kid, there were times that my mom didn’t have healthcare for my brother and I. I remember going to the neighborhood doctor only when we were deathly sick. Back then, the doctor would give you a little shot to make you feel better. Who knows what was in that.

And since we didn’t have healthcare, I didn’t have regular checkups at the dentist. When I did have a problem (I needed braces), my mom took us to a local clinic. We waited in long lines, but I did get descent dental care.

Back in the ‘80s, I drank like that it was water and had candy and sweets like all the other kids.

But now I’m an adult and I’m responsible for my own choices.

You might wonder what diet has to do with growing up in an alcoholic and dysfunctional family.

Because I’m an over-achiever, I used to have tons of caffeine to keep me going. In graduate school, I would stay up until sunrise and would have pitchers of Cherry Coke.

What was I thinking? Who knows.

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, I had family members, and most of my friends who smoked. Between the second-hand smoke and all the caffeine and sugar that I had in me, I’m surprised that I made it where I am now.

Once I became an adult, I noticed a direct connection between my moods: If I had lots of sugar, I’d feel great for a bit but then crash quickly. Caffeine had the same effect on me. I’d feel wired for a bit but would become moody when the caffeine left my body.

Things got so bad that I started getting headaches if I didn’t have enough caffeine each day.

I can’t remember the exact year, but in my mid-twenties, I stopped having caffeinated drinks.

My main drink each day is: A cup of green tea in the morning, water (or sparkling water), and some Lactaid-free milk.

After I changed what I put in my body, I noticed direct benefits. I wasn’t as moody, and the middle-aged belly started to fade.

For eating, my doctor has recommended that I follow the Mediterranean diet.

I don’t believe in going on diets but am a firm believer in setting up healthy eating and drinking habits.

If you’re struggling and currently have a high sugar and caffeine diet, talk to your doctor and see if she can offer some help. For me, the simple act of watching what I put into my body has made a big difference.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.