How I Took Control of My Health at 13—and Never Looked Back
Discovering the Healing Power of Food Before High School
A dear friend of mine recently asked, “Brenda, how do you manage to stay so healthy and fit after all these years?” We’ve been friends for 54 years—since our days as telephone operators at Mountain Bell. And though we’ve lived in different states and sometimes go months or years without speaking, when we do reconnect, it’s as if no time has passed. Her question made me pause and reflect… not just on the “how,” but on the “when.”
My health journey didn’t begin in adulthood—it started the summer I turned 13.
That summer, I was transitioning from grade school to high school. Somewhere between the carefree joy of childhood and the nerves of starting something new, I gained 20 pounds—going from 120 to 140. At that age, those extra pounds changed more than just how my clothes fit. My energy plummeted, my confidence dipped, and I started to feel uncomfortable in my own skin.
I didn’t feel I could go to my mom for help—she was always a beautiful heavy-set woman and had never gone on a diet in her life. But God had someone else waiting for me: her best friend, Mary Ann. She was petite, energetic, and always had a sparkle in her eyes. So one day, I gathered the courage to confide in her.
And bless her heart—she sat me down and gently said, “If you want to feel better, start by changing what’s on your plate.”
Food Combining
She introduced me to food combining—a way of eating that focused on how certain foods work best when eaten together—or separately. Here’s what she taught me:
- Eat chicken without the skin
- Never eat protein and carbohydrates together
- Eat protein with vegetables
- Eat carbs with vegetables, not with meat
- Eat fruit by itself, and eat lots of it
- Include nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet
I took her advice seriously. I followed the plan, and to my surprise—I didn’t feel hungry or deprived. I felt light, clean, and in control. And slowly but surely, the weight came off. I had found a rhythm with food—one that made me feel strong, not punished.
The Atkins Diet
Later on, when I entered the working world, I met another health-minded soul—a co-worker who introduced me to the Atkins diet. That was a new chapter. She taught me to count carbs and stick to just 30 grams per day. It was strict, yes, but I was already used to being mindful about what I ate. I became selective and intentional with my choices.
The Diets Emphasized Awareness and Discipline
Both of these approaches had something in common: they emphasized awareness and discipline, not restriction. They helped me see food as a tool for healing and strength, not just something to satisfy cravings.That’s how my health journey evolved.
That’s My Health Journey
That’s how my health journey began—not in a clinic or a book, but through the wisdom of women, passed from hand to heart. And here I am, decades later—still learning, still sharing, and still making food my medicine.
Conclusion: Why Teaching Our Youth to Eat Healthy Matters
Looking back, I’m forever grateful that someone took the time to guide me when I was just 13 years old. That early lesson in food awareness didn’t just help me shed pounds—it shaped the way I live, think, and thrive. Today, we’re facing a health crisis in our communities: childhood obesity, early-onset diabetes, and chronic diseases are becoming far too common. That’s why we must make it our mission to teach our young people the power of healthy eating—before bad habits take root. When we give them the knowledge, support, and encouragement to choose nourishing foods, we’re not just helping them look better—we’re empowering them to live longer, fuller, and more purposeful lives. Let’s not wait for illness to teach the lesson. Let’s teach them now, while they still have the gift of youth—and a future worth fighting for.
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