It's "Fun" to Be Healthy!

Hi Shannon Goldberg,

I bumped into your blog today and was wondering if I could get your opinion on a diet/fitness app I am working on right now.

Basically, the main problem with being fit and eating healthy is motivation and willpower. It's such an abstract goal that seems overwhelming. It seems the best way to counter this is to make it into smaller, winnable games.

So my app makes living healthy, eating healthy, and fitness into a RPG game, where users earn points, "level up', and earn badges as they accomplish their health goals. Everytime they add something healthy like whole greens, and veggies to their food log, they earn points. Everytime they complete a workout, they earn points. As they achieve more and more, they'll level up and unlock badges...

Of course, to appeal to people's need for achievements/progress, I'm also adding charts, and graphs to show their progress... I think people love that sorta stuff. The whole idea is to shift people's attitude towards healthy living as fun, and enjoyable. And there's gonna be a web version for those that don't own smartphones.

What's your opinion on this idea? Would you want to know when I'm done with it? ^_^

Thanks so much!
Annon

Answer:

Dear Annon,

I think you have a wonderful idea. And to your point, I agree that people need something beyond feeling healthy and fit- they want the process of getting in shape to be "fun!"

My boyfriend actually manages a gym in New York City, and one thing we agree on, is that optimum health is achieved through building and marinating a healthy lifestyle. It’s not about only eating healthy, only working out, or temporarily getting into shape. It’s about changing your overall attitude toward healthy living- which is the holistic approach. Once this is realized, people recognize that the “fun” is in looking and feeling good, and the reward is in the overall satisfaction one feels when they achieve a healthy mind and body.

In regards to skin care, the field I represent, people ask me similar questions about attaining a healthy complexion. What I try to emphasize is that it’s not about buying the best and most expensive product on the market, it’s about everything…

· Staying Hydrated
· Eating Healthy
· A Peaceful Mind
· Working Out
· Staying away from smoking and alcohol
· And Beauty Sleep

Yes, this is a laundry list of things to maintain and establish in order to just look and feel great, but that’s precisely my point. You cannot achieve great skin without establishing balance in ALL of these areas- not just one or the other.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your App!

SHANNON GOLDBERG | | SKIN-01 LLC
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