Growing up, my mom taught body-shaping classes and played racquetball at the YMCA, so fitness was a major part of my formative years. A healthy lifestyle was ingrained in me early on, which makes the fact that her death certificate lists “morbid obesity” as the cause even more heartbreaking.
When she died at 70 years old, I was gutted. Her death forced me to confront not only my own mortality but also the toxic relationship I had with my body image. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with how I looked—and not in a healthy way. Like my mom, I spent years bouncing from one fad diet to the next: keto, intermittent fasting, caloric deficits. While she would gain and lose 50 to 100 pounds in each cycle, I managed to maintain my weight with only mild fluctuations. But it was still a relentless, exhausting battle, just like hers. My mom’s lifelong war with weight ultimately defeated her.
I followed in her footsteps in more ways than I’d like to admit, battling eating disorders since high school. I meticulously weighed my food, counted every calorie, and became so militant that even I couldn’t stand being around myself.
Through therapy and educating myself on all the wellness topics I could consume [pun intended], I shifted from striving to be “skinny” to focusing on being healthy. I only wish I’d had this epiphany earlier. The difference is life-changing—literally. If my mom had realized this, I truly believe she’d still be here today.
I recently came across a quote from Sahil Bloom that hit me like a ton of bricks. He asked an 80-year-old man what advice he’d give his younger self, and the man said:
“Treat your body like a house you’re going to have to live in for the next 70 years.”
That’s the wisdom I wish I’d understood in my 20s. It would’ve saved me so much pain. Your body is your most important asset, and it deserves to be treated like a long-term investment. Too many of us don’t realize this until it’s too late. Much of disease, illness and a diminished quality of life is preventable, but it requires commitment and discipline. It’s hard to stay healthy in a world of indulgence, but it’s even harder to live in a body that holds you back from living. Choose your hard.
Build Strength
You wouldn’t live in a house with weak foundations. Physical strength is the foundation of a healthy body. In my 20s and 30s, I spent time slinging light dumbbells, mostly focused on toning my arms to look good in sleeveless tops. But now, in my 50s, I don’t care as much about how I look—though the aesthetic benefits are a nice bonus! These days, I’m laser-focused on what will impact my quality of life. I want to throw my carry-on into the overhead bin on an airplane without relying on anyone. I want to toss my grandkids in the air and chase after them without running out of steam. I want to be able to lift and move things on my own for as long as possible. The path to that independence is strength training.
When you think of “lifting heavy,” it can sound intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Strength training isn’t just for fitness fanatics—it’s for anyone who wants to keep their independence as they age.
Strength training and regular exercise help prevent the natural decline of muscle mass that sneaks up on us as we get older. If you’re new to it, start simple: bodyweight squats, push-ups, or resistance bands are great places to begin. Seek help from a trainer or go online and watch videos on YouTube. There are people all around you willing to help and the learning is accessible so there is no excuse not to do it. Build a routine that fits your lifestyle—whether it’s at a gym or right in your living room—and you’ll thank yourself for investing in your future self.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
The strength of your body is a direct reflection of what you put into it—garbage in, garbage out. Are you eating pizza, fast food, processed snacks, sugary treats, and high-calorie coffee drinks? Or are you fueling yourself with lean proteins, leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats? Every choice you make either supports your health or undermines it. You might hate eating healthy at first, but your body can be trained to crave nutritious foods. Over time, you’ll notice the difference—not just in how you look, but in how you feel. You’ll begin to love how your body performs when nourished with good stuff that fuels you. Then you’ll become so addicted to feeling good that reaching for garbage food isn’t worth it. Healthy eating isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistently making choices that nourish your body instead of harm it.
Protect Your Mental Space
A house isn’t just walls and windows; it’s a home. Likewise, your mental health is as important as your physical health. A calm, stable mind is the foundation for a healthy, well-functioning body. That means actively practicing mindfulness, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and finding activities that help you reduce stress. But it also means something harder—removing anything or anyone that threatens your peace.
Just like you wouldn’t let toxic mold take over your house, you can’t allow negativity or unhealthy influences to take root in your life. If someone or something is constantly undermining your mental space, it’s time to change the locks. This could mean distancing yourself from people who drain your energy, unfollowing accounts on social media that trigger feelings of inadequacy, or cutting out habits that leave you feeling worse, not better.
Think of your mind as the most sacred room in your home—clutter-free, peaceful, and protected. You don’t let just anyone into your house, so don’t allow people or things that harm your mental space to take up residence in your life. If they don’t contribute to your growth, your peace, or your happiness, it’s time to show them the door.
Prioritize Maintenance
Just like a house, your body requires consistent upkeep, but many people wait until a health crisis forces them to take action. Often, it takes a life-threatening event like a heart attack or serious illness to trigger a wake-up call. Unfortunately, even after surviving such events, many slip back into unhealthy habits. The key to lasting health is prevention—regular check-ups, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition. By taking small steps now, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your most important asset: your body.
Make Small Improvements
A well-maintained house is constantly improved over time, not overhauled in one go. The same applies to your body. Don’t aim for drastic changes overnight. Focus on small, consistent improvements in your diet, movement, and mental health. Over time, these habits will compound into significant benefits.
Disrupt the Cycle
It’s time to disrupt the way we treat our bodies. Too many people neglect their health, only to deal with preventable diseases later. Your body is your “house”—the only one you’ll ever live in. Take control now. By disrupting old habits and making intentional choices, you can build a foundation for a stronger, healthier life.
No one is coming to force you to be better, so the power lies in your determination to make the changes you need to make.
Start today.
