I think I’ve come up with a way to solve the health crisis in America. There are tons of books, lectures and documentaries on how eating smart and exercising regularly helps prevent a number if diseases few of us want to contend with. Knowledge is all around us. That knowledge hasn’t done much to change our behaviors though. You want to know why? There are very few addicting qualities of veggies, water and exercise. I can’t believe the health industry is missing the boat on how important it is for us to chase addictions. There are a few pillars amongst us who can surround themselves with addictions and still turn their nose. I bow down. The rest of us are in a tricky position.
Most of the things we are supposed to avoid or cut back on have addictive qualities. If they weren’t naturally addictive, someone was smart enough to modify the food or activity so it became addictive. Cigarettes have nicotine enhancements. Sodas, coffees and teas are getting stronger boosts of caffeine and sugar. Beer has alcohol. Snacks have more and more of those wonderful fats, salts and sugars we crave so much. Fast food restaurants, soft drink companies and snack food makers have regular contests where the more you buy their product the greater chance you have of winning an iPod, TV, car or money. Casinos have enticing lights and exciting bells and whistles. Department stores are strategically filled with scents and sounds that make us want to buy, buy, buy. Why hasn’t the health industry gotten on board with all of this?
I’m sure the nutritionists reading this blog are cringing. Is this crazy lady suggesting we start adding things to healthy foods that make people want to eat them? Maybe I am. Of course, I wouldn’t want that additive to be ‘too bad’ for me. A ‘little bad’ is acceptible. Afterall, a ‘little bad’ would be an incredible improvement over the ‘really bad’ things I’m currently eating. We’d still have the organic products for the pillars amongst so they wouldn’t have to migrate from ‘really healthy’ to a ‘little bad’.
Aside from additives, the industry really could be doing more from a marketing standpoint to get us on the right track. Why doesn’t Green Giant’s frozen vegetables ever have a game similar to McDonald’s Monopoly? How come bottled water never has a “look under the cap to see what you’ve won” game? Why aren’t gyms researching what smells and sounds will make people want to work out once they get there? I guarantee old sweat and bald guys grunting in the corner isn’t it for me. Perhaps a nice lavendar floating through the air as “Eye of the Tiger” plays in the background?
So, am I alone in wanting the health industry to try to manipulate me a little bit. Not the pseudo-health industry that promotes life’s solutions come in a pill. Not the pseudo-medical community that convinces me my fat should be sucked out in a vacuum. I’m talking about the bare bones providers of veggies, water and excercise. Who’s with me?
I’m right there with you! I was at the gym this morning thinking that they really don’t do much to make it a pleasant experience. Well, apart from the 60 year old woman in makeup with her hair done up wearing a sweater set and capris – yes, she was working the machines
That gave me a chuckle – maybe they hire her to make everyone else feel good??
What i hate is the salt…they’ll package a great-looking pasta salad…you’ll check the ingredients…and realize that there is enough salt in the package for two days of meals…
Try to ease up on the bald guys…that’s me in 10 years!!! Sob…
That would be wonderful! And for someone on a tight budget, making the healthier choices affordable would be just as welcomed. It’s not cheap to buy fresh produce, gym memberships, etc.
Susan, you are so right! It is expensive to eat healthy. It’s also expensive to get sick. I’m not sure there is a cheap road in either direction. I hear you on the tight budget though. There are times when you don’t have a as much of a choice. The funny thing is healthy foods seem so much easier to make. Why they have to be so expensive, I’ll never know.
Mark, being bald is something you can’t control. I’ll ease up. I won’t let you off the hook on the grunting though.
Sox, what you saw was probably a woman training for exercising while on a cruise. It is entertaining to see folks all dolled up to sweat.