It is NOT Easy
I've been meaning to post this one for a while now. So I thought now is as good a time as any. Enjoy!
As I was leaving the grocery store recently, it dawned on me that this whole healthy living thing is NOT easy.
You read so many articles, hear clips on morning television how being healthy (losing weight, getting in shape, cooking healthy meals) can be as easy as 1-2-3.
The truth is, they say this to encourage those who need encouraging. Sure, baby steps toward health can be doable (choosing whole wheat over white bread or taking the stairs over the elevator), but overall, this stuff is not intuitive in our society.
But, for me and my health, it's worth it. The truth is, I've spent enough time, energy and money on these things to see the benefit I earn. But some people have yet to see the benefit they could earn from taking the harder route.
While I can't think of cheaper or faster meals to make than peanut butter and jelly or spaghetti, most people see drive thru's as cheaper and easier. And unfortunately, we weren't all born knowing what is best for our bodies and minds. If we were, obesity would not be the epidemic that it is.
In the cost benefit analysis, I choose the harder route. I don't mean this in some high and mighty way, but my point is that sometimes the commercials, talk shows and ads frustrate me.
Don't get me wrong, I DO think that healthy behaviors can be learned and become intuitive (and easy), but for many it is a constant struggle. We need to be teaching each other that yes, it's tough work, but in the end, it is worth it.
What examples do you have of choices you make in your life for your (or your family's) health that are easy or NOT easy?
And on that note, I've officially spent the last 30 minutes browsing Lululemon for things I can't afford, but desperately want. There's nothing like filling your shopping bag full of things that your dream wallet could afford!
Resources:
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics - all kinds of good nutrition info
Choose My Plate - Track your food, fitness and health!
As I was leaving the grocery store recently, it dawned on me that this whole healthy living thing is NOT easy.
You read so many articles, hear clips on morning television how being healthy (losing weight, getting in shape, cooking healthy meals) can be as easy as 1-2-3.
The truth is, they say this to encourage those who need encouraging. Sure, baby steps toward health can be doable (choosing whole wheat over white bread or taking the stairs over the elevator), but overall, this stuff is not intuitive in our society.
- Driving to multiple stores to buy my favorite local bread, organic produce and Trader Joe's healthy snacks is NOT easy (or cheap).
- Waking up at 5:30 am to fit in my workout before work on a busy day is NOT easy.
- Racing home after a tough workout and spending one of my three free hours of the evening preparing veggies, sweet potato, brown rice, etc is NOT easy.
- Remembering my towel, yoga mat, water bottle and clothes for a hot yoga class as I'm racing out the door is NOT always easy (or convenient).
- Choosing to eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast over buying a scone or other delicious bakery item is NOT always easy.
- Spending my money on a gym, fitness classes and foam rollers is NOT easy on the budget.
But, for me and my health, it's worth it. The truth is, I've spent enough time, energy and money on these things to see the benefit I earn. But some people have yet to see the benefit they could earn from taking the harder route.
While I can't think of cheaper or faster meals to make than peanut butter and jelly or spaghetti, most people see drive thru's as cheaper and easier. And unfortunately, we weren't all born knowing what is best for our bodies and minds. If we were, obesity would not be the epidemic that it is.
In the cost benefit analysis, I choose the harder route. I don't mean this in some high and mighty way, but my point is that sometimes the commercials, talk shows and ads frustrate me.
Don't get me wrong, I DO think that healthy behaviors can be learned and become intuitive (and easy), but for many it is a constant struggle. We need to be teaching each other that yes, it's tough work, but in the end, it is worth it.
What examples do you have of choices you make in your life for your (or your family's) health that are easy or NOT easy?
And on that note, I've officially spent the last 30 minutes browsing Lululemon for things I can't afford, but desperately want. There's nothing like filling your shopping bag full of things that your dream wallet could afford!
Resources:
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics - all kinds of good nutrition info
Choose My Plate - Track your food, fitness and health!
Comments
It's not easy to get up at 5:45 on a Saturday morning to meet my running group for our 7 am run, but it's so worth it.
It's not easy to say not to all baked goods, breads, etc because of my gluten intolerance, but my body say thank you.
It's not easy to shell out $6 for a GF loaf of bread that's like 1/2 the size of a normal loaf, but it's really good, and it's worth the money... sort of. ;)
You're right in that what needs to be taught is not that it is "easy", or should "feel easy" to make these choices - but rather than the feeling you get when you make them is worth it! The reward is taking responsibility for your own health.
I'm with you - it is NOT easy to get up around 5:30 on most workout days, because that's when it fits in. It is not easy run to the puke threshold at a race, but totally worth it to see hard work culminate in a goal achieved. :)
It is not easy to work and train for a marathon but its worth it!
Fitting in running while in medical school usually isn't easy, but it keeps me sane so I try to fit it in...
I do my best to eat healthy and exercise in college. And trust me, going to bed at 11 on a Friday so I can wake up for a 16 mile run the next morning is definitely NOT easy when everyone around me is drinking beer and ordering pizza at 3 a.m. But I ran a marathon last month (and finished before many of them probably even got out of bed) so it was TOTALLY worth it.
Same with running.. It gets easier, but going out and running 5 miles is never easier than sitting out on a deck having a beer.
I have to admit I've been going the "easy" route on food a little too much lately... Luckily my grandma just made me a ton of veg soup and cabbage rolls to freeze and take for lunches over the next few weeks which will hopefully help me get back on track!