Embracing Sustainability: A Path to a Healthy Lifestyle

In today's fast-paced world, the allure of rapid weight loss challenges like "75 Hard" and the "Winter Arc" is undeniable.

 

These trends promise swift transformations through daily workouts and strict caloric deficits, aiming for the ideal summer body.

 

However, such extreme regimens often lead to physical and mental strain, proving unsustainable in the long run.

 

Instead of chasing fleeting results, focusing on a sustainable fitness journey prioritizes overall health without the pressure of unrealistic deadlines.

 

Adrienne MacKenzie, associate director of fitness and wellness at recreational sports, observes, "People are looking for a quick fix or something that feels like it's going to be easy. It's all about, 'I want to make a change. I want to do it quickly.' It creates an urgency with it."

 

This urgency often drives individuals toward unsustainable trends.

 

Reflecting on my own health journey, I recognized how social media fosters comparisons to unattainable ideals, pressuring young adults to seek rapid, drastic changes.

 

Health experts recommend a gradual weight loss of one to two pounds per week.

 

Rapid weight loss can deprive the body of essential nutrients, leading to muscle and bone density loss, and increases the likelihood of regaining weight if old habits resume.

 

For college students already balancing academics, work, and social commitments, the added stress of achieving a drastic "glow-up" can exacerbate burnout and anxiety.

 

Human biology senior Himani Patel shares, "I want to watch a good TV show while eating food I actually enjoy or go on a run when I'm feeling good about it, not (when) I have to check something off my checklist."

 

Maintaining physical health is crucial, but it shouldn't come at the expense of other life aspects.

 

Implementing small, consistent habits over time fosters a sustainable lifestyle that seamlessly integrates into daily routines.

 

MacKenzie emphasizes, "Behavior change science is real. Small, repeatable actions are sustainable over time, and you're more likely to stick to them. The other piece of it is identity and lifestyle integration. If you do things over time, it starts to become who you are."

 

In March, I began prioritizing my health by attending the gym once or twice a week and monitoring my diet and daily activity.

 

Gradually, I incorporated regular workouts into my schedule, now consistently exercising three to four times per week, walking approximately 12,000 steps daily, and consuming predominantly whole foods.

 

This shift from seeking quick fixes to embracing a sustainable lifestyle has been transformative.

 

Real change doesn't occur in 75 days.

 

It happens when you commit to altering your lifestyle in a healthy, sustainable manner.

 

Reject get-fit-quick schemes and embrace the enduring, healthy version of yourself that you've diligently worked to become.

 

For those interested in furthering their understanding of sustainability and healthy living, consider attending the upcoming Healthy Living Conference at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, on November 21-22, 2025.

 

This event offers workshops and speakers covering holistic health, spiritual wellness, alternative healing, meditation, functional medicine, and more.

 

Engaging with such events can provide valuable insights and support on your journey toward a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

 

Remember, embracing sustainability is not just about the environment; it's about creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle that endures.

 

Start small, stay consistent, and watch as these changes become an integral part of who you are.