One of these things is not like the others...
One of these things is not like the others; one of these things does not belong.
Have you ever been the “thing not like the others” or the one who doesn’t belong? That was my experience this weekend while visiting friends and family at Copper Mountain, CO. When your entire social circle is people living a life putting them in the top percentages of health you forget how your life differs from social norms. Remember, being healthy is normal but being unhealthy is the norm.
I arrived Friday evening after the rest of the crew had been hitting the slopes for the previous couple of days. I knew the weekend would be a health challenge instantly upon my arrival. The condo was filled with bags of potato chips, Bud Light, candy, bread, processed food…you get the picture, it looked an average American diet. We went grocery shopping the first evening and I knew I needed survival food, but Wal-Mart (not of the super variety) proved to be a challenge. I managed to find a couple bags of beef jerky and some pistachios, not much but better than nothing. I knew the weekend would put my wellness skills to the test.
I admit consuming more grains and processed foods than I typically consume in months. This was due to a lack of proper food options, poor planning on my part and ultimately because I didn’t want to be rude and decline a meal the hosts had planned and prepared.
The differences between that environment and my Thanksgiving holiday in Vail with friends from chiropractic school were striking. My chiropractic friends and I eat 100% Paleo, even on vacation. www.paleodiet.com
It’s amazing how our social scenes influence us. Hang with health people and you’ll make healthy choices. Hang with unhealthy people you’re likely to make unhealthy choices. Take inventory of the five people with whom you spend the most time.
How similar are your health decisions to theirs? Do the people you work with, play with and live with encourage you to make healthy or unhealthy choices? Which social crowds could you become more involved with that would enhance your health?
My two largest social scenes are CrossFit and my chiropractic friends. CrossFit is a functional fitness program that focuses on complete wellness not just fitness. One concept that contributes to CrossFit’s success is their attention to diet and nutrition. Whether it’s the Zone or Paleo Diet, I would say the average CrossFitter is closer to an elite health status than an average American.
For more information visit www.crossfit.com or if you live in Ft. Collins check out www.emergentfitness.com. When I’m with healthy friends unhealthy choices are not even a consideration, everyone is doing the same thing. Eat something unhealthy in that environment and you’re the one that’s not like the others.
My challenge to you:
- Make a list of the people you spend the most time with.
- Decide if they help make you healthier or sicker.
- Make a list of people or groups you could interact with that would enhance your health.
- Make a plan to join one of these groups or spend more time with some of these people.
The easiest way to make healthy living easier is to spend the majority of your time with healthy people.
Dr. Chris Gubbels D.C., C.C.W.P
Certified Wellness Doctor
