Local Elected Official Urges Colleagues to Prioritize Health Over Holiday Delights
In a heartfelt address to her colleagues during World Diabetes Day, Alderman Emma Mitts emphasized the importance of adopting healthy eating habits, sharing her own personal journey with diabetes and sky-high blood pressure. Eleven months ago, Mitts embarked on an "emotionally important journey" that transformed her life, as she drastically changed her diet and made significant lifestyle changes to manage her condition.
Mitts' story is one of resilience and determination. She initially resisted the idea of making drastic changes to her eating habits but was persuaded by doctors at a local wellness center to get involved in their "proof-of-life" program. This initiative taught her about the dangers of high-fat, high-salt foods and sugary desserts that are prevalent among many people.
When Mitts' doctor asked if she wanted to live or die, the question served as a wake-up call. She realized that making healthy choices was crucial not only for her own well-being but also for being able to help others. Since then, Mitts has completely overhauled her diet and eliminated foods that she once loved but now knows are detrimental to her health.
Mitts' message is clear: young people are dying from diabetes and high blood pressure due in part to the lack of essential nutrients in modern diets. She advocates for a return to plant-based, whole food options, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating for overall well-being. "We don't have to load our plate with everything," she said during her address.
Mitts acknowledged that her message may be ill-timed, as Americans will soon gather for Thanksgiving and indulge in traditional holiday foods. However, she encouraged her colleagues to prioritize their health even on special occasions, suggesting small portions of healthier options at gatherings like Thanksgiving dinner. Her colleague, Alderman Jason Ervin, took the advice in stride, accepting Mitts' challenge to meet her at a local soul food restaurant for a nutritious meal.
By sharing her personal journey and emphasizing the importance of healthy eating, Mitts aims to inspire others to take control of their well-being and make positive lifestyle choices. Her message is a powerful reminder that small changes can add up over time and have a lasting impact on our overall health and happiness.
In a heartfelt address to her colleagues during World Diabetes Day, Alderman Emma Mitts emphasized the importance of adopting healthy eating habits, sharing her own personal journey with diabetes and sky-high blood pressure. Eleven months ago, Mitts embarked on an "emotionally important journey" that transformed her life, as she drastically changed her diet and made significant lifestyle changes to manage her condition.
Mitts' story is one of resilience and determination. She initially resisted the idea of making drastic changes to her eating habits but was persuaded by doctors at a local wellness center to get involved in their "proof-of-life" program. This initiative taught her about the dangers of high-fat, high-salt foods and sugary desserts that are prevalent among many people.
When Mitts' doctor asked if she wanted to live or die, the question served as a wake-up call. She realized that making healthy choices was crucial not only for her own well-being but also for being able to help others. Since then, Mitts has completely overhauled her diet and eliminated foods that she once loved but now knows are detrimental to her health.
Mitts' message is clear: young people are dying from diabetes and high blood pressure due in part to the lack of essential nutrients in modern diets. She advocates for a return to plant-based, whole food options, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating for overall well-being. "We don't have to load our plate with everything," she said during her address.
Mitts acknowledged that her message may be ill-timed, as Americans will soon gather for Thanksgiving and indulge in traditional holiday foods. However, she encouraged her colleagues to prioritize their health even on special occasions, suggesting small portions of healthier options at gatherings like Thanksgiving dinner. Her colleague, Alderman Jason Ervin, took the advice in stride, accepting Mitts' challenge to meet her at a local soul food restaurant for a nutritious meal.
By sharing her personal journey and emphasizing the importance of healthy eating, Mitts aims to inspire others to take control of their well-being and make positive lifestyle choices. Her message is a powerful reminder that small changes can add up over time and have a lasting impact on our overall health and happiness.