I consider myself to be pretty healthy. I've eaten a plant based diet for the past 6 years, walking is my main mode of transportation, I work out a few times a week, and I drink ungodly amounts of water. But I am by no means in peak physical condition. I sit at a desk for 8 hours each week day, and I have managed to develop sciatica in my 20s (which feels completely unfair!). So without any formal New Year’s resolutions, I too would like to develop some slightly healthier habits this year.
Recently, I’ve been making an effort to stretch more often and squeeze more vegetables into my day, but to gain even more motivation to adopt healthier habits, I consulted this article on Healthline breaking down the benefits of becoming healthier. The first reason we should all be concerned about picking up healthier habits is because it can reduce our risk of disease. One 2020 study found that after only 8 weeks of following a standard American diet rich in fruits and vegetables, the participants’ risk of cardiovascular disease had decreased. Another 2020 study found that every 66-gram increase in daily fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. How’s that healthy eating sounding now?
By becoming healthier, it only makes sense that your lifespan will be increased as well, right? According to the American Heart Association, individuals who reach the age of 50 without smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active regularly, eating a balanced diet, and keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum are likely to live up to 14 years longer than their peers who engage in less healthy habits. If you want to be around for your grandchildren’s weddings or to take plenty of trips in your retirement, it might be time to start focusing on your health a bit more seriously.
Plus, taking care of yourself can also be taking care of the environment! According to a 2013 study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “Raising livestock for meat and dairy makes up 14.5% of human-created greenhouse gasses.” However, “if every American cut their weekly beef consumption by one quarter of a pound, the decrease in global warming gas emissions would be the equivalent of taking 4-6 million cards off the road.” At the same time, you can actually take your car off the road by choosing to walk or bike more often, which will be great for your body and the planet.
I don’t know about you pandas, but I’m craving a great workout and a smoothie! Then I’ll probably have pizza for dinner. Everything in moderation! We hope you’re enjoying these hilarious memes, and if you find them extremely relatable, remember not to be too hard on yourself. It’s never too late to start getting healthy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Keep upvoting the pics that remind you of yourself, and let us know in the comments what lifestyle changes have helped you become healthier. Then, if you’re looking for another Bored Panda article discussing the struggle of getting fit, check out this list next!
