Understanding the Barriers to Optimal Health: Motivation and Addictive Food

Almost everyone is aware that exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate rest are keys to a healthy life. Yet, many people do not follow this advice. Why is that?

Key Reasons for Failure to Follow Best Practices

The primary reasons people fail to follow these good practices are a lack of motivation and the powerful appeal of highly addictive foods formulated to maintain addiction. Humans have evolved to eat when food is available, unlike our prehistoric ancestors who had to forage for food. Highly addictive foods are typically high in calories and low in nutrition, such as ice cream, cookies, chips, French fries, chicken nuggets, and pizza. Many people have stressful lives and often turn to these comforting, calorie-dense foods for comfort.

The Reality of a Healthy Lifestyle

Not many people have access to or can afford healthy food. Sometimes, the knowledge of what constitutes healthy food is lacking. Furthermore, in this highly interconnected world, information alone does not always translate to action. Understanding one's own body is crucial in maintaining health and living a longer life.

Genetics and Lifestyle Choices

It is important to recognize that while a healthy lifestyle can enhance longevity, genetics play a significant role in determining one's lifespan. Even individuals who exercise, eat well, and avoid harmful habits may still die prematurely due to genetic factors. The overemphasis on the health benefits of lifestyle choices can lead to a mistrust of the medical system. People are often skeptical because they know that genetics can overshadow lifestyle habits.

Immediate Gratification vs. Delayed Gratification

The desire for immediate gratification often conflicts with the long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Activities like exercise and eating well typically take time to produce results, which can be difficult for people to wait for. Many turn to highly processed, quick-fix foods that offer immediate satisfaction. The phrase, 'Ain’t nobody got time for that! Now gimme those potato chips!' encapsulates this mindset.

Patience and Continuous Improvement

Adopting the Japanese principle of 'Kaizen,' which emphasizes small, consistent improvements over time, can help overcome the resistance to change. Patience and persistence in making incremental improvements yield significant results without requiring drastic changes. This approach focuses on continuous improvement, where smaller adjustments compound over time to achieve a big difference. It is a more manageable and sustainable way to improve one's health.

Ultimately, understanding the barriers to a healthy lifestyle, including the influence of motivation and addictive foods, can help individuals make more informed decisions about their health. Recognizing the role of genetics and the importance of patience and continuous improvement can empower people to make healthier choices, even in the face of immediate gratification and added stress.