The Unexpected Way Netflix Can Save Your Life.
After a long day of working as an online English language coach, a life coach, a corporate video producer/editor, an adjunct professor, or a YouTube video editor, I like to chill and relax.
I’ve put in my time. Spent my hours working usually in a combination of the multiple different jobs listed above. So when it’s time to relax, I want to spend some time being entertained with a good action, drama, or sci-fi adventure.
However, I recently screwed up and found myself watching “You Are What You Eat” on Netflix. It is a well-done documentary examining food's effects on our body’s health.
The idea that what we put into our bodies impacts our health isn’t a new concept to me, but it is one that I’ve ignored recently in my own life. As a diabetic, I should know that whatever I eat will have a positive or negative effect on my daily and long-term health.
But then again, I’m human. Forgetting is easy. Besides, refer back to paragraph one and see how much I’m doing. I deserve to eat whatever I want, whenever I want it. Right?
I Deserve It
Deserve. What an interesting word. The phrase “I deserve it.” covers a multitude of sins. Just that quickly, we are guiltless. We’ve earned it. It can’t be held against us.
Unfortunately, that’s not how nature works. You will reap the negative consequences if you eat the large pizza or stop for an innocent scoop of ice cream or frozen custard. Maybe not that day. But your time is coming.
That’s a dangerous mindset and one that I’ve fallen for too many times in my life.
The Wake-Up Call
This Netflix documentary woke me up to the lies I’ve been telling myself. I have slipped and allowed my excuses and desires to guide my daily food choices and exercise schedule (assuming I had one — which I didn’t for too long).
A unique angle this documentary takes is to follow four pairs of identical twins as they are assigned either a vegan or omnivorous diet. Each twin must stay on their diet and exercise program for the entire eight weeks of the study.
They’re using twins because their genetic and physical makeup is so close at the beginning of the trial. Putting them up against each other is a great way to see if changing a diet can significantly impact one’s health in a short period.
The Power of the Plant
What this four-part series did for me was to remind me of the power of eating a plant-based diet. It closely chronicled each participant's journey while establishing multiple baseline readings monitoring indicators in such areas as cardiovascular and metabolic health, biological clock, and gut microbiome.
It was also interesting to see how many of the participants on the omnivore diet, who at first were happy to get this eating plan, became curious once they saw the benefits gained by their twin on the plant-based diet.
The Toughest Time of Day
Being diligent about what I’m consuming and when was a wake-up call. I don’t know about you, but the evening hours are when I find myself slipping and eating questionable options. Getting this time of the day under control will greatly impact my daily numbers and how I feel the next day.
But it’s hard. I’ve established patterns and habits that seem hardwired into my routine.
In the past, I’ve found that the best way to break a bad habit is to establish a new set of rules that are “non-negotiable.” You must have absolute determination that you will not bend or break no matter what. It’s not even a consideration.
Sometimes, this can feel overwhelming, but I find that setting a time limit helps to overcome this. So, my new rule is not to eat anything after 6 pm.
Give yourself one month to see what changes this new pattern brings about. That way, you can stick with the plan more easily and not feel as overwhelmed.
Since watching the four episodes a week ago, I’ve already significantly changed what I’m eating, and the results have felt great. I’ve cut out any and all meat. This wasn’t that hard for me since I’ve gone vegan in the past. But for you, this might be your biggest challenge.
Accept the Challenge
Accept the challenge and see what changes this new dietary lifestyle can bring about. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if you need motivation (which you will), take some time out of your day and watch “You Are What You Eat” on Netflix.
In fact, I’m going to sit down right now and start watching it for a second time. The information is so powerful and eye-opening that you can’t truly comprehend it all in one sitting. This time, I’m taking notes and figuring out additional ways to implement healthier lifestyle choices into my daily routine.
I’m excited to go on this journey and would love to hear about what you’ve been doing and learning to improve your health.
