I think I’ve had two major phases where I started taking my health seriously. The first was when I was around 15-16. I had really bad acne, board exam stress definitely didn’t help, and I was willing to try everything. And I did. I cut out sugar, milk, and basically every food the internet claimed would make acne worse. My skin eventually cleared up. It’s been years since I’ve been to my dermatologist because over time I’ve figured out what doesn’t suit my body. I also had a few bad experiences with dermatologists, so learning what worked for me became really important.( I still do eat shit that aggravates my skin sometimes) I wasn’t always consistent with working out, but cutting down on sugar was the one habit that stuck. Fast forward a few years, I started running because of my mom and my best friend. That didn’t last too long after my best friend moved away, but it taught me that staying active is so much easier when you have someone doing it with you. Then a few months ago, I had laparoscopic surgery and couldn’t work out for almost three months. One day I put on my favorite pair of jeans and they just didn’t fit the same. It sounds small, but that was my “okay,this is it” moment. I joined a gym, and my trainer asked me to get a full body blood test before we planned anything. Unsurprisingly, I was severely deficient in vitamin D and B12. Seeing that report made me realize health isn’t just about how you look, it’s about what’s happening inside your body too. Another thing I’ve noticed is that after cutting down sugar for so many years, even things that people say are “just a little sweet” taste way too sweet to me now. I still love ice cream though. 😭 I also developed sensitive teeth, which is another reminder to take better care of myself. I’m still nowhere near where I want to be, but I don’t think that’s the point anymore. I just want to become the best version of myself. Stronger, healthier, and someone who can stay consistent even when life gets in the way. That’s the habit I hope never leaves me.