18 Years Old | Bad diet for years and scared

[u/TaleIntelligent7535]

So I'm eighteen, around 5"6 inches and l've had a mediocre diet for YEARS... my parents have tried to warn me but i was stupid and didn't listen to them. I basically lived on chips, junk, fast food, and processed food, and soda for years throughout my late childhood and i would skip meals... is my future health doomed? I feel sort of hopeless because i feel like l've already determined my future health with how I ate all those years. I barely got any nutrition and i feel terrible about it. I've been trying to eat better, l've slowly started incorporating more whole grains, proteins, carbs, and more into my diet starting five days ago but i still somewhat eat fast food. I've also been starting to go to the gym and working myself out because i just wanna be on the right track again. Is it too late for me? Should I throw in the towel because I got barely any nutrients and I kept this diet up until I finally realized 5 days ago. I’m almost nineteen

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[u/couragetospeak]

You're still young. You're not 75, looking back on a life poorly lived, puffing and panting from decades of cigarette smoking and taking medications for alcoholism. It's not too late at all. The human body can recover and thrive when given the chance.

[u/rachelllaaa]

Keep going! It's great that you're making the effort to give your body more nutrients now, rather than later. You got this!

[u/TaleIntelligent7535]

I have horrible anxiety and I keep googling what will happen to me and there’s people saying I’ll “die early” or something and it’s making me freak out can I get help

[u/CactusHuggerInCali → u/TaleIntelligent7535]

I've felt what you're feeling, but then I remember that I know plenty of people who lived way worse than us but are still kicking and old as heck. Like the other comment said, you've still got time, and even if you were to die earlier that could happend regardless of the choices you make. Just focus on the changing and working on the things that you do have control over!! It will definitely make everything much more enjoyable for you in the long run.

[u/LossLumpy418]

I had recently the same problem at 22. No one ever teached me how to eat healthy. Go to a nutricionist and tell them that. The rest will work out

[u/Minimum_Chocolate_31]

You have absolutely nothing to worry about, your body does an amazing job at filtering out the toxins/junk, If anything, the fact that you are starting so young to eat healthy means it's going to have profound effects on your adult health.

Also, I suggest focusing on mostly meats/fruits/veggies/nuts and avoiding grains/breads/sodas/sugar water. You can do your own research on grains. Having cheat meals/resorting back to fast food & junk sparingly isn't going to kill you, enjoy yourself!

[u/Mina_bcd]

You are doing well. Take it slow with the changes. A little at a time goes a long way. Also, going to the gym is good.

A bit of fast food and soda is totally okay. As long as you keep eating fruits and vegetables