Health Tips Based on Experience

There are moments in life when we think we are living normally eating what we want, drinking what we want, and enjoying everything without limits. For a long time, that was exactly how I lived. I had no discipline when it came to food or alcohol. I thought it was just part of being human, part of enjoying life. And honestly, I didn’t feel anything wrong with my body back then. I had no symptoms, no warnings, and most of all, no knowledge. I simply didn’t know any better.

Looking back, I realize many people go through the same thing. We live freely because we feel fine, and we assume nothing bad will happen. We enjoy life to the fullest, sometimes too much. But as the Bible says in Romans 8:28, things begin to make sense only when our mindset opens. Only then do we understand why certain things happen. Everything has a purpose, even the painful parts. And in James 1:4, we are reminded that growth and maturity come when we allow ourselves to be open and willing to learn.

My diabetes journey was something I never expected. It came into my life suddenly, and it changed everything. It took years yes, years before I finally developed discipline in my eating habits and became consistent in my dream of healing. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was a real fight, a battle I had to face every single day.

The Turning Point

Before diabetes, food was just food. I didn’t think about sugar, calories, or nutrients. I didn’t know that rice and pandesal were full of sugar. All I knew was that they tasted good. For two straight years, my daily routine included five to six packs of 3‑in‑1 coffee and at least ₱60 worth of pandesal every morning. I didn’t realize I was slowly harming myself.

Then the symptoms came.

I reached a point where the pain was unbearable. My head hurt so badly, I had a fever, and my whole body felt weak. I remember almost throwing the food my wife brought me because I couldn’t stand the smell of anything especially anything sautéed or with a strong scent. I was irritated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I even shouted at her once, telling her not to bring me food anymore. I know it hurt her, but she was only worried because I wasn’t eating at all. I was surviving on water alone.

There was a moment when I felt so hopeless that I thought it would be easier to disappear than to continue suffering. That’s how heavy the burden felt. But even in that darkness, something inside me refused to give up completely. Maybe it was faith. Maybe it was love. Maybe it was the realization that my life still had purpose.

Learning Discipline the Hard Way

When I finally understood what diabetes really meant, everything changed. I became aware truly aware of what I was putting into my body. Every time I wanted to eat something, I asked myself:

• What nutrients will this give me?
• Will this help me or harm me?
• What will the result be if I eat this?

That awareness became the foundation of my discipline.

Today, when I see food that people call “delicious,” I don’t feel tempted the way I used to. I don’t argue with my friends or family about it; I simply don’t feel the desire anymore. My mind always goes back to the pain I experienced, and I tell myself, I never want to go back to that condition again.

Even now, I still feel hunger and cravings sometimes. I’m human, after all. There are moments when I eat a little too much, but the difference is that now I eat mostly vegetables. And when I do overeat, my body reacts immediately I feel nauseous, I salivate, and it becomes uncomfortable. My stomach has adjusted to smaller portions, and honestly, that’s a blessing. It keeps me disciplined.

A New Lifestyle, A New Mindset

Discipline didn’t come to me overnight. It took time, patience, and a lot of mistakes. But once I embraced it, everything became easier. Now, when I feel full and still want to eat more, I remind myself of that terrible feeling of nausea. That alone is enough to stop me.

My experience taught me that discipline is not just about controlling what you eat. It’s about respecting your body, valuing your health, and choosing life every single day. It’s about understanding that pleasure is temporary, but consequences can last a lifetime.

And most importantly, it’s about being consistent. As the Bible shows in Daniel 1:12–16, discipline in food can lead to strength, clarity, and transformation. But consistency requires faith, patience, and commitment. That’s why James 1:6 reminds us not to be double minded. If we want to change, we must stand firm in our decisions.

Sharing My Story for a Purpose

I’m sharing my journey because I know someone out there needs to hear this. Someone might be going through the same struggle feeling lost, overwhelmed, or hopeless. Someone might be dealing with the consequences of unhealthy habits, just like I did.

If that person is you, I want you to know this:

You are not alone. You can change. You can heal. You can discipline yourself. And your life can still be transformed.

My story is not perfect, but it is real. And if my experience can help even one person, then everything I went through has meaning.

I will continue sharing my journey because I believe stories have power. They can inspire, guide, and encourage others. And maybe one day, someone will read this blog at the exact moment they need it most.

Thank you very much for your time

Reynaldo M. Oliva