I touched a nerve with a recent note I posted on Substack (see below). I understand why the person got upset since it sounded like I was blaming everything on the Midwest. But I wasn’t wrong, and that really wasn’t my point.
My overall point is that where you live and who you spend time with matter, and they will affect your health and wellness. So choose wisely.
We spent almost 4 weeks on a road trip to the Midwest. It was a reminder that the lifestyle there isn’t good for us.
We usually have 2 meals a day and 1-2 pints per week (e.g., hard cider). But on this trip, we had 3 meals/day and 2-5 drinks/day! And they weren’t small meals.
As bad as that sounds, some people around us had 10-12 pints of beer at dinner! I don’t know how they do it.
So… drumroll, please. I gained 10 pounds in about 4 weeks! Damn.
However, in just a few days of eating clean again and only having 1-2 drinks/week, I have already lost 7 lbs. I bet a lot of that was systemic inflammation from the drinks and diet. Regardless, I’m working out every day again and dropping weight again.
Lifestyle matters! You can’t out-train a bad diet.
Note: I lived in the Midwest for over 30 years. I grew up there! So I know the area and the people very well. I’m not some outsider passing judgment from on high. Perhaps, that is my way of saying, “I’ll say what I please because I have lived there, done that, and the data ain’t wrong!”
Despite the person’s protestations, the objective data show that some areas of the U.S. are healthier than others. There is no denying that the people in some states eat healthier, drink less alcohol, and exercise more.
Of course, there are myriad factors influencing all of this. Geography, education, income, history, culture, etc. all play a role. But again, that is not the point I’m trying to make.
The data is what it is, but you still need to survive and thrive. Despite the screams of this upset person, I know that moving away from Nebraska and Texas to end up in California had a positive impact on my health and wellness.
It is easier to eat healthier here in CA.
There are more options for fresh produce all year.
I’m not met with a blank stare in restaurants when I ask for a healthier alternative for something.
It is much easier to exercise outside here throughout the year.
We have many, many options for outdoor activities that we enjoy (e.g., hiking in the forest, climbing mountains, skiing in the winter).
We encounter way more people in our community who also invest in their health, fitness, and wellness.
Changing your broader environment can have an enormous impact on your health, happiness, and longevity. But that isn’t always possible. So you gotta make the best of things where you are. Make modifications to your local environment to improve your odds. I’ve talked about this before when I shared my health journey that started over 17 years ago.
Sticking with a healthy diet and a solid exercise plan is easier when:
You keep unhealthy food and drink out of your home. It’s too easy to reach for them in times of stress when they are only a cupboard away. For example, I know I have to keep potato chips out of our house. They are my kryptonite.
Your partner or roommate is also committed to eating healthier and exercising. My wife and I have been on the same journey, which makes it so much easier for us to stick to the plan.
You make friends with people who also enjoy eating well and exercising. When your friends like working out, hiking, skiing, etc., it’s easier to maintain those habits. They talk about it, ask you about it, and invite you to do it, which encourages you to continue.
You reduce friction for your good habits. Make it easier to work out every day (e.g., keep your exercise clothing handy, have exercise equipment in view). Make it easier to cook healthy meals quickly.
You increase friction with your bad habits. Make it harder to have an alcoholic drink. Make it harder to find and eat junk food.
In summary, choose your environment if you can, optimize your local environment for success, find people who will join you and encourage you, and build a habit system that makes it all easier. Do what you can with what you have and where you live!
Larry Cornett, Ph.D. | Empowerment coach, psychologist, nature lover, and fitness freak. I help you escape the “hustle trap” to create an empowered life that fits who you are and what you want most. From Silicon Valley exec to self-employed entrepreneur, I’ve also followed this path to freedom, so now I can help others find their way.
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