Is It Hard Work to be Unhealthy?

While in the hospital post-accident, I sent most of my food trays back untouched. Between the pain meds and the antibiotics, my stomach was so stressed, food had no appeal. (I lost over 20 lbs in a few weeks, which gives a whole new meaning to the term crash diet)

The caring hospital dietitian frequently visited me, encouraging me to eat well and offering to make special dishes for me. She kept telling me that I need good nutrition so help my body heal. “Janet, what you eat will determine how well you heal … or not.”

photo © 2009 Heather Aitken | more info (via: Wylio)

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That advice has stuck with me and if it mattered when I was injured, it matters during the rest of life also. So slowly over the past few years, I’ve eaten less sugar, white flour and processed food. It’s not that I never eat them, but I try to keep them to a minimum.

I don’t remember when I last ate fast food (unless Chipotle counts). I still have some vices to conquer … it’s been hard to break a diet coke habit and at times, I still turn to food for comfort when I’m upset.

In January 2010, after researching meat and the effects on our bodies, I decided to go without eating meat for one month, to see how I would feel. At the end of the month, I felt great and I’ve stuck to an almost  vegetarian diet ever since. (I occasionally eat fish, usually salmon) (Update: I’ve since quit eating fish also)

I am also an avid exerciser … I walk, run, hike, bike and kayak. I’ve always believed that our bodies were meant to move and if we don’t use them, we lose them. After being injured, I realize the truth of that even more.

I’m a big believer in live and let live … so I’ve never felt the need to tell others what they should eat or whether they should workout. I figure everyone can decide what works for themselves.

But recently after a few people said something about how they could never eat or work out like I do, I began thinking of the other hard things people do … without realizing it.

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You can do the hard work needed to be healthy.

Or you can do the hard work of being unhealthy.

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When unhealthy… Stairs are harder to climb. Finding comfortable shoes and clothes is harder. Playing games with kids is tough. It can be harder to sleep well. Travel is more exhausting. Embarrassment at wondering if a seat will hold you. Not being able to keep up with others when walking somewhere. More time off work. Time and money spent at doctors or in the hospital from avoidable health issues.

And the list goes on.

I read this post recently and love the way she (and the commenters) spelled out all the things she could never do to herself or her loved ones.

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Have you ever thought about the hard work and the cost of being unhealthy?