An Evolution of Consciousness
How a Healthy Lifestyle Changed Everything
The trajectory of my life shifted dramatically when I embraced a healthier lifestyle. In the beginning, everything had to be organic—health food stores became my second home, and I loved the earthy smell of the co-op. Though I could barely afford meat or dairy, I still included them when I could find high-quality options.
From Natural Cures, I adopted three simple rules that transformed my health:
- Eat a fresh fruit or vegetable before every meal
- Consume one large salad daily
- Include five fruits or vegetables each day
These habits were small but powerful. They helped me lose weight, feel vibrant, and would benefit anyone who puts them into practice.
Water was another game changer. I began drinking tap water from a 32-ounce glass mug—a habit that sparked my health journey. I went from barely drinking any water to consuming 1–2 gallons a day, and the transformation in both my physical and mental health was undeniable. I remember thinking, If something as simple as drinking more water can make this much difference, what else am I missing?
That realization changed my worldview. I started questioning the healthcare system—not as a provider of healing, but as an industry profiting from disease. Pills and surgeries weren’t cures, and pharmaceuticals weren’t prestigious solutions. At the time, these ideas felt revolutionary.
In my early 20s, I devoured every health book I could find. The more obscure and hard-to-find the information, the more valuable it seemed. One day, tucked beneath a dusty shelf in a nutrition shop, I discovered The Mucusless Diet Healing System by Professor Arnold Ehret. That book sent me in a new direction—one that eventually led me to Southern California. Following Ehret’s advice, I felt better than ever, and my previous struggles had prepared me to embrace increasingly radical lifestyle changes.
Fruits and vegetables became the foundation of my diet. I discovered that dates were a delicious, calorie-rich staple. Motivated, I bought a WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) booklet and contacted a date farm in Thermal, California. They offered food and lodging in exchange for work, and I planned to uproot my life to join them.
But I only lasted a few days.
The reality of farm life hit hard, and I retreated to Los Angeles, where I had made some connections weeks earlier. Back in the city, the stress of working as a personal banker wore me down. I fell off the raw vegan wagon and returned to junk food.
Eventually, I left the bank in search of freedom. Recommitting to raw veganism, I shed the weight I had regained. In Santa Monica, I found fresh organic juice and locally bottled coconut water that left me feeling more energized than ever. But this lifestyle—so dependent on time, money, and stability—was fragile. As my finances dwindled, so did my ability to maintain those healthy habits.
Later, I landed a high-paying sales job at Verizon Wireless, which allowed me to stay in Los Angeles. This time, I found a way to make raw veganism work, even under pressure. The Santa Monica Farmers Market and the Downtown Wholesale Produce Market became my lifelines. I started each day by making gallons of smoothies, blending organic orange juice with bananas, berries, and greens. I froze half and kept the rest chilled in a cooler throughout the day. I felt amazing again.
Looking back, I realize how tightly intertwined social life, work, and diet really are. When one slips, the others often follow. Diet has the greatest immediate impact on how I feel, but without fulfilling work and meaningful social connections, I struggle to sustain it. Stress and loneliness take a toll on both the body and mind—some even say loneliness is as harmful as smoking.
I wish I could say I’ve mastered this balance. I haven’t. But I continue to learn, reflect, and adjust—working toward a life where health, purpose, and connection all align.