Dr. David Katz is one of our favorite experts that we love to listen to, and who has taught us so much on our REAL food journey.
I have heard him say this multiple times. And every time I hear it, I stop and think “WOW, that is a bold statement!”
Then one morning recently, as I popped in my headphones, a Next Level Health podcast titled “Healthy People Have More Fun” started playing – completely unprompted (and this never happens by the way!). Was it a sign – or just this bizarre AI world we live in?! Either way, I felt compelled to listen.
And I’m so glad I did.
The Meaning Behind the Quote
Dr. Katz explains:
“Health is an opportunity. Health is a currency. The only currency you can spend on more time. More energy to do the things you love to do. Other things being equal, healthy people have more fun. You get to do whatever it is you love to do. More. Longer. Better. With more joy, if you are healthy.”
He went on to say, “If you are unhealthy, it will suck away your time doing unpleasant things in places you don’t want to be. At the expense of doing what you want to do with the people you want to be with and where you want to be. You want to travel, but you can’t. You want to dance, but you can’t. You want to go for a walk and sightsee, but you can’t.” He also said, “You should be able to enjoy the golden years of your life. You can empower yourself to learn to love the foods that love you back. It’s about deriving joy from being healthy and vital. Think about using that as the currency to purchase the activities you like best and keep doing them longer. Longevity. Vitality. Health can get that for you. Nothing else can.”
Real Life Proof in Hocking Hills
Just a few weeks ago, I witnessed this in action! Many of you may know that Zonya offers a virtual 12-week course called Eat REAL for Your Health: Weight Loss Intensive. Each time she offers the course, she invites participants to come up with a special way of celebrating their course completion. And for the last three years – for those who can – she hosts a celebratory hike and picnic at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. People have traveled from Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Virginia to participate in this event.
And this year, I was able to attend!
A Few Days of Fun, Friendship & Good Food
Before the big day, I had the opportunity to spend time with an amazing friend (and Eat REAL America member), Brenda.
It really was magical and inspiring for both of us — we cooked delicious meals, laughed nonstop (seriously, I think I was laughing in every one of our photos!), and played pickleball (just my second time ever!). We even explored Jungle Jim’s, the most over-the-top grocery store I’ve ever seen. (My husband Scott would have gone crazy over their produce clearance section!)
We enjoyed Eat REAL America meals with some of Brenda’s family and friends. And Brenda even hosted a couple more friends (and Eat REAL America members) the night before our drive to Hocking Hills.
Brenda’s Inspiring Story
For those of you who do not know Brenda’s story, it’s a story of transformation, hope and fate.
Brenda was at a very low point on her health journey, struggling with high cholesterol and pre-diabetes. She stumbled upon one of Zonya’s videos on You Tube and had a glimmer of hope but was still so skeptical because it seemed like every diet she had ever tried always eventually failed. After reaching out to Zonya, she was convinced to dive into some of the online courses, and things started changing. Trying new foods and focusing on new habits began to open up a whole new world of improving her health.
Brenda has now lost over 65 pounds. She says she will never forget when her doctor called to say, “stop taking Metformin immediately!” She “shocked her doc!” as we like to say, because of the changes she made with her eating habits and exercise. And she has fallen in love with pickleball and regained her passion for riding her bike. This was her third year attending the Hocking Hills trip!
Brenda would be the first one to tell you that she is living proof that healthy people have more fun! She went from only being able to mow half of her yard in a day (unable to do anything else physical on those days), to now mowing her entire yard, plus playing pickleball and doing a 10-mile bike ride, all in the same day! This incredible woman has the most loving and kind heart, and she has been a gift to Zonya and me. Not only is her story inspirational – being around her is like receiving a huge hug from someone who loves you unconditionally.
A Day to Remember!
Nineteen of us gathered to hike the breathtaking trails of Hocking Hills. It is a must-visit if you love nature, hiking and waterfalls!
Everyone hiked at their own pace, and we all enjoyed the stunning beauty of the park. One of my favorite moments happened when we reached the first waterfall. We gathered for a group photo and many of us were wearing our EAT REAL shirts. A young couple offered to take our picture. They looked about 30 years old, lean and fit.
After taking our picture, the husband asked, “What’s with the EAT REAL shirts?” As we explained our mission and passion for REAL food, he nodded and said, “Oh, I get it. My wife has lost 100 pounds after we changed how we eat.” Then he added something that stopped us in our tracks. “Her doctor told her she would never be able to have children.” he said, and as he was pulling out his phone, he showed us “this is our 6-month-old son.”
Let’s just say…goosebumps everywhere! It was a moment we will never forget – living, breathing proof of the power of REAL food! This EXACTLY sums up why Zonya and I love what we do.
The Most Flavorful Potluck Ever
After the hike, we feasted on a potluck lunch that blew me away. This was not your typical picnic – it was the most colorful and flavorful potluck I have EVER been to!
Using recipes from the website, these passionate friends helped create a spread that included the:
Red, White and Blueberry Salad
And I have to give a shoutout to Colleen and Kent, who drove 16 hours to be there!
After realizing they left half their ingredients back home in Kansas, they stopped by a store and then assembled the 7-Layer Dip on the tailgate of their car! We laughed and cheered their perseverance – because there’s no stopping REAL food lovers!
Healthy People, Happy People
This day was more than a celebration. It was a living example of what Dr. Katz meant.
We were a diverse group of people at different stages of our health – and REAL food – journeys. But we all shared something powerful: a commitment to REAL food, to movement, to joy – and to living life fully!
Yes, healthy people have more fun. More energy. More time. More purpose. And more amazing potlucks with friends!
Wherever you are on your REAL food journey, we are here cheering you on.
And we are so thankful for you!
Great story! Thank you!
Loved the story! Sounds like everyone had a great time & ate REAL!