Health is very important to me because -- at an early age -- I saw the results of an unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits. I subconsciously made it a guiding principle in my life to try to avoid the mistakes my parents and others made. Many of you may not want to think about these things -- you may believe it is a matter of genetics, luck, or karma. I believe we can do much to influence our Health, but I also accept that most people aren't willing to change their comfortable habits.
That being said, I have seen friends who ate healthier -- and didn't do some of the sketchier things I did at that time -- die young, apparently from bad mental habits (worry? negative outlook?)
Those of us with diabetic tendencies need to follow a stricter path of avoidance of the very dietary elements we are drawn to -- sweets, refined carbs, alcohol. There are herbs (kratom, for one) and an assortment of 60 minerals, plus vitamins and amino acids, Essential Fatty Acids our body can't make that will help us control these unhealthy, self-destructive cravings, but few care enough to give these a fair try.
Oh well, here are some tips that won't cost you too much to incorporate into you life from Dr. Andrew Weil. Dr. Wallach disagrees with the olive oil and the gluten-bearing grains, but generally these foods are very healthy.
Even a small step, done consistently, will move you in the right direction. As you experience improvements in your health and mental state, you may wish to take further steps. I certainly didn't convert to the diet I use now overnight.
Eating organically-grown foods that aren't sprayed with nerve poisons definitely make sense, but many will find it "too expensive". To this, I would reply, "Over the long haul, it's too expensive in terms of your future health, not to be eating as much oganic food as you can!"
As to the cost, another tip is to find ways to increase your earnings by finding ways to make your contribution to the world more valuable. Don't let your income be limited by what an employer is willing to pay you!
With that thought, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Winter Solstice, or whatever festival you're celebrating today.