We shouldn’t need to be told to walk more and eat better, should we?

Reporting on nutrition and health studies can be weird sometimes.

While it’s good news, if not great news that a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a brisk daily 11-minute walk could prevent one in 10 premature deaths, it’s a bit strange that it’s actually news.

Moving your body, eating plenty of fresh produce and minimising ultra-processed foods is good for your health. Who would have guessed? Our bodies aren’t designed for lack of sleep, inactivity, lack of good nutrition, and loads of chemicals and additives – what a surprise!

Why do we actually need studies to tell us something that should be intuitive and simple common sense? Because we are humans who want to think we can “get away” with not looking after ourselves.

The reality is that while the benefits of exercise and healthy eating may seem obvious, many people still struggle to implement them into their daily lives. This is partly due to the busy and sedentary lifestyles that have become the norm in modern society. It is important to know that making small, sustainable changes can have a big impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

Ultimately, while it may seem frustrating to me that we need studies to confirm what should be common sense, it’s important to remember that not everyone has access to the same information and resources. By continuing to investigate and share findings on nutrition and health, we can help to promote awareness and empower individuals to make positive choices for their health and wellbeing.

I discussed this in an episode of The Wellness Connection with Fiona Kane podcast, you can listen by clicking here.

Reference: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/01/23/bjsports-2022-105669