20-Something, Health Obsessed, Ill Informed

Over the years health and wellness has become something near and dear to my heart. I’ve also noticed that it has become something important for most of my peers. This became blatantly evident during college, where almost every girl I knew was either on a diet, or talking about going on one. Don’t think guys were excluded either. I couldn’t even tell you the number of times I would hear guys say how they wanted to become bigger, stronger or more fit. While getting healthy and fit is obviously incredibly important, I have come to realize that a lot of people in my generation are misinformed. Even I admit that I was.

While many of you know that exercise and a balanced diet are the keys to health success, many people don’t realize what chemicals can be in the foods that we eat or how unhealthy yo-yo dieting can really be for the body. I recently watched an awesome documentary called, Hungry for Change (2012) that highlighted the hidden dangers of dieting and also shed light on the problems with processed foods, artificial sugars and the importance for organic, clean eating. 

Before you write this off as some new age, hipster bullshit take a second and hear me out.  The majority of us go to the grocery store and buy things that we think are good for us but in reality do you really know what ingredients make up what you’re eating? I can guarantee that the majority reading this can’t name the first five ingredients in half the things that fill your family’s pantry. I know I sure as hell couldn’t. What about the veggies that are in your refrigerator? Do you know where they were grown or what chemicals could potentially be on them or how old they could be? All of these things can be avoided and buying locally from farmers markets and people around you, you can have a better grasp on what you’re consuming.

Personally, I have made the transition to trying my best to be a locavore (someone who shops locally and from local farmers), this means mostly free range eggs and grass fed meats. I would have to say the overall outcome has been successful. I am not only making healthier choices for myself, but I am also supporting the farmers in my area by buying their products. I won’t lie, I will indulge in a slice of pizza or a burger from my favorite chain now and then, but for the most part eating locally and organically is pretty easy.  Try it for a week and I promise you’ll see a change in your energy level. There is even a  locavore app that helps pinpoint places that sell local, in season products. How much easier could it get?

Check the documentary out and see for yourself. If you end up being as inspired as I think you’ll be then give this organic thing a shot.

Stay informed, make a change and break the cycle.

-Kir