Can I ask you a question?
When you’re making a decision today, who are you thinking about?
The person you are today, or the person you’ll be in 20 years’ time?
When I’m 87, I still want to be able to walk for an hour.
I don’t want to need a walking stick if I can help it.
That’s why I cook every day.
That’s why I don’t order takeaways.
That’s why I go for my daily walk.
That’s why I make sleep a priority.
Every decision I make today is for the future me.
Let me give you an example of how quickly our choices can make a difference.
It’s been really warm in London recently and, a couple of days ago, I really didn’t feel like cooking.
So I took the easy option.
I bought some lovely sourdough bread, some organic tomatoes, added a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and made myself an Italian panino.
Did I enjoy it?
Absolutely.
Did it satisfy me until dinner?
No.
Normally, I start my meal with a large salad, so I get my fibre first. I also make sure I have enough protein.
This time I didn’t.
I took the easy option because I’m human, just like everybody else.
The result?
I felt sluggish all afternoon.
That’s how quickly things can change.
Will I take the easy option again?
Probably.
But in my case it’s the exception, not the rule.
That’s the difference.
The longevity lesson today is this.
Your future self is being created by the choices you make today.
Not by one meal.
Not by one walk.
Not by one bad day.
But by the choices you make most of the time.
What is one thing you can do today that your future self will thank you for?
Prevention rather than cure.
Milvia Pili
Functional Nutritional Therapist
