Why Are We Trying So Hard to be Unhealthy?

I bet that you (like me!) have told yourself "you know, I'd really like to make healthier choices, but I just don't have the time or energy to put into changing these habits" and then keep on turning pages while you read Women's Health or while talking to a super-fit friend...but you know what? We're actually putting a lot of time and energy into cultivating UNHEALTHY behaviors, so our excuse is, well, bunk!

I had read a book called "Sayonara, Mr. Fatty" a while back, but its' been sticking in my head recently. This interestingly weird read is about the co-founder of an animation studio (GAINAX, of Evangelion fame for all of the otaku out there ;) who lost over 100 pounds. This self-proclaimed "king of the geeks" decided one day to write down everything that he ate, and when and where he ate it. Not count calories, not tally anything up, just write it down. And do you know what he found?

He found that he was working really hard to be fat. He would take the train completely out of his way just to visit his favorite ramen stand for an after-work snack, take time out of his day to walk down to the cafeteria and wait in line for sweets, and waiting and waiting for the train/bus that would deliver him right to his doorstep. Just by writing down everything he ate and the planning, thinking, and time that went into eating it, caused "Mr. Fatty" to make some gradual changes in his life, and led to his drastic weight loss.

So the next time you say "oh, I just don't have time for zumba or planning a healthy meal or buying organic" think about all of the time and resources that you may be wasting cultivating unhealthy behaviors. And if you're looking for weight loss, try journaling. Not even weight-watchers points journaling, but just write everything down. It'll help you plan for when you need snacks, or help you notice unhealthy patterns.

Be.Well.Now.