Rediscovering Health: How Moving to England Impacted My Well-Being
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Chapter 1: The Shift in My Health
As I approached my late twenties, I began to notice a decline in my well-being. Aches, fatigue, skin problems, and mood fluctuations emerged, often all at once. I had always envisioned staying healthy and vibrant until my later years, yet, instead, I found myself grappling with various health issues during what should have been my prime.
Adult conversations shifted from reminiscing about childhood pop stars to sharing our latest health complaints:
- "Feeling tired? Same here!"
- "My back is killing me; yours too?"
- "This is my sixth flu of the year, and it's only March!"
The transition from carefree youth to discussing health struggles was staggering.
There’s something in the air... or maybe it’s more than that.
I can’t claim to speak for everyone, but my experience sparked a realization. Though I haven’t conducted formal research, my journey has led me to insights worth sharing, particularly about recovery alongside our health woes.
One day, I was active and healthy; the next, everything seemed to hurt. Juggling work, finances, and hobbies became overwhelming with the sudden onset of these symptoms. What was happening?
This inquiry ignited a four-year journey of self-discovery. Looking back, I realize it was embarrassing how long it took to uncover the obvious truth. Most of that time was spent complaining and waiting for solutions that never came. Approaching my thirties, I recognized that I needed to take control; I was far too young to feel this way.
Thus began my misguided quest for relief, which I mistakenly framed as a weight loss issue. I initially tried intermittent fasting, but this spiraled into an eating disorder characterized by binge eating.
In an effort to combat this, I turned to fiber-rich packaged foods labeled as ‘protein’ bars, leading to further digestive issues. I was astounded by the amount of gas I could produce!
What else did I attempt? I bought a food scale, which proved pointless, and invested in a cereal dispenser that only increased my snacking. My fitness tracker, which I barely used due to my demanding job, now collects dust.
My solution-seeking venture involved late-night online shopping that only further complicated my situation. No matter how much I exercised, I seemed to gain weight, and knee pain soon followed.
I sought therapy, but it proved unproductive; my therapist insisted my overeating and mood swings stemmed from childhood trauma. While I appreciated my mother’s generous meals, I didn’t consider it traumatic. That was £80 down the drain.
The Epiphany
However, I eventually found clarity through self-reflection. I realized that my lifestyle change, particularly my diet, was at the root of my health struggles.
What shifted? The answer was glaringly evident: I relocated to a new country.
Culture Shock
While many criticize the dreary weather, I believe it was not the climate affecting my health but rather my eating habits. The definition of culture, one I learned early on, encompasses the lifestyle of a people, including how we eat.
Since moving, my dietary choices drastically altered, which impacted my health. The most telling sign of this change was my weight. I could easily observe my expanding waistline, which prompted me to hit the gym harder and meticulously count calories.
However, it wasn’t just the physical changes that troubled me; my moods fluctuated, acne flared up, and I experienced overwhelming fatigue. One particularly distressing symptom was menorrhagia, which left me feeling humiliated in public situations.
These were not issues I had previously faced. I needed a solution.
I Un-colonised My Diet
Food has a profound effect on our health. While food itself is not inherently bad, cultural interpretations of food can vary significantly, and the Western approach to food was not suitable for my body.
Specifically, sugar proved to be detrimental. Numerous studies highlight the negative impact of sugar and refined wheat, and a simple online search will yield a wealth of information.
Adhering to the mantra of "When in Rome" did not serve me well; I reverted to my roots and embraced the wholesome meals that my mother prepared.
Now, before you dismiss this as a cliché, the truth is that the answer is straightforward: whole foods are beneficial; processed foods are not.
For someone with an African background, consuming whole foods was the norm. In my culture, the saying "There is food at home" holds great significance. Eating out was a rarity, and treats like pizza were few and far between.
We savored simple delights such as rice and chicken, and our drinks were often homemade, featuring little to no added sugars. While not every Nigerian dish is healthy, most meals were free from excess sugars and preservatives, and they were rich in digestible fibers.
Recovery
Embracing whole foods led to remarkable changes: my mood stabilized, acne vanished, and my weight improved. Even the troublesome menorrhagia settled down.
It turns out, my mother was right all along: there is indeed food at home, and it is far more beneficial for my health.
Have you ever reconsidered your diet? If so, what changes did you notice beyond just weight loss?
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