Small changes, big results

I want to talk about a topic that comes up in my life and probably all of yours almost daily. Whether it's a podcast, conversation with friends, Facebook post or other forms of media, it's always there. What am I talking about? I am talking about Foooood. Everywhere I turn I am advised what to eat and what not to eat and depending on who you talk to, the list of food is vastly different. 

I have been known for years to sleep anytime and anywhere including in class, in parties, work (close your eyes, but make sure your hand is on your mouse and you are facing the computer screen) and even in the clubs. This has generated many nicknames, but my favourite one is furniture. When I was young thang, everyone thought it was genetic because my father and uncles were the same. When I was a teen, people thought I was on drugs. As an adult the diagnosis was that I have sleep apnea. 

Who grew up eating cereal? Who still eats cereal? I haven't done any survey but I'm going to go out on a limb and say almost all of you grew up eating cereal and many of you still kick start your day with a bowl. For me, after a bowl of Vector (or any other cereal for that matter) I would be starving and exhausted by the time I reached the office. About two years ago after a conversation with my cousin I decided to make a small shift from a bowl of cereal (oh cinnamon toast crunch, how I miss you) to a bowl of oatmeal to start off the day. According to my cousin, oatmeal digested slower and may eliminate my crashes. 

Honestly, I would wake up every morning with a TON of energy. 11:00am rolled around and all I wanted to do is sleep. I would also crash out in the afternoons as well. It got so bad the last few years, especially with all the demands from the business, I would make frequent stops in mall and plaza parking lots to get a 20 minute power nap in and in the winter I knew what underground garages were warm enough for me to catch a quick nap in as well. Also, I admittedly have fallen asleep at red lights.Crazy right?

It wasn't genes, it wasn't drugs and it wasn't sleep apnea. It was cereal. At around the age of 35 I stopped eating cereal in the mornings and it completely changed my life. Hello oatmeal and good bye Vector!!!! 

One small shift and my life changed. I'm not one to dwell on the past but I can't help wonder the last couple of years as to how I would have performed in all areas of my life especially academic and physical activities if I had made this change earlier. Today I'm thinking clearer, sharper and bigger then ever before and haven't slept in a parking lot since.

I'm not a nutritionist or a health specialist, but the experience above has made me very mindful of how I fuel my body. Every time I eat something new, I pay close attention to how my body reacts. Is it fuelling me or draining me? 

I'm curious in knowing if any of you have had similar experiences with food and whether it's food intake or some other areas in your life, what small changes have you made that has elevated your life to new heights?

Cheers to small changes and BIG results!