I mentioned a few weeks ago that, as with many others, my New Year’s Resolution was to lose weight. I am happy to say that I have lost 22 pounds since the beginning of the year. Between the HCG diet and now P90X (which is brutal), I feel better and my waistline is down several inches.
Unfortunately, we as Americans decided some time ago that instead of taste, nutrition, and health we wanted cheap food, a long shelf life, and fast preparation. Each time that I travel abroad, or even just to Canada, I am astounded by how good the food is, how much smaller the portions are, and the fact that I don’t feel like garbage after eating.
What many Americans don’t realize, or choose to ignore, is that fact that your eating and exercising decisions have long-lasting implications on aspects of your life outside of just health. Let me give you some examples.
Better looking people are hired and promoted more quickly
Historically, the taller and better looking Presidential candidate wins. Why? Because appearance affects our decisions. A recent study even showed that basketball referees call fewer fouls on players of their same race. Inappropriate? Yes. Human nature to judge a book by its cover? Yes
By having poor health, being overweight, and having more personal hygiene, you are negatively affecting your ability to increase your income. But there are fat millionaires you say. Of course there, but don’t plan on being one. If you want to improve your position or pay, then work out. As an example, women weighing 25 pounds more than the average woman earns $13,847 less. Whereas women weighing 25 pounds less than average earn $15,572 more. You may chalk that statistic up to the short skirt effect, but I bet the number for men are comparable (and I look terrible in a short skirt).
I’ll be perfectly honest. I will be applying to MBA school this Fall. One of the reasons that I want to be in better shape is so that I appear more physically appealing in the interview. I’m only 5’10” so I need the rest of my to be proportionate to my height.
Better health leads to fewer trips to the doctor and dentist
When I lived in Mexico City, we would use Coca-Cola to clean the grime off of the tiles in the shower. I have also used Coke and a toothbrush on several occasions to clean leaked battery acid off my car battery. If I can use soda to clean battery acid, you better believe it is destroying your insides. In fact, you have to drink 70 cans worth of water to clean 1 can of soda and its toxins out of your body.
Deals.com released an infographic at the beginning of the year outlining how much money you can save by controlling your diet. Obesity, or even just being chubby, adds a host of health risks and problems. Most overweight people I know suffer from heart disease, diabetes, respiratory complications, low energy levels, etc.
Also, consuming sodas and other sugary foods will leave you in the dentist’s chair more often.
Watching TV makes you fat
Another fascinating statistic from the Deals.com infographic is that for every two additional hours of TV watching, you are 23% more likely to be obese, which makes sense. If you are sitting, then you aren’t moving around and you are probably munching on snack foods loaded with preservatives and carbohydrates.
What if you turned off the TV? Or even threw it out? We sold our TV two years ago this Fall and we love it. We have no cable bill (cha-ching!), we spend more time working on side income (cha-ching!), we are more active and healthy (cha-ching!). You may call us radical, but I call us happy.
Eat better, be healthy and save money
Basically, that’s all I’m trying to say. I agree that life is too short to miss out on. But a life of medical bills, missed income (think fewer vacations), and being a walking TV guide is not much of a life. So resolve to eat better, get some exercise and save money in the process.
What are your thoughts? Agree or disagree?
awesome post. Great job on the health goals. I was doing awesome last year losing weight, but I gained half of it back. I’m back on the wagon now trying to be healthy again. Good reminders of why it’s important!
Thanks Sam! You were actually one of the reasons I decided it was time to get back in shape. I noticed that you had lost weight and were running a lot more than I physically could have.
Curious, how are you doing P90X if you don’t have a TV?
Good question. I am using our clubhouse.
What if I want to buy something, but I don’t have the money… should I buy it?
No, no, no , no. You should save your money and then buy the product. It’s that simple,
Less money on food, less trips to the doctor, it’s a no brainer.