I've always taken offense to the term "health nut" in reference to someone who takes care of their body by eating right and exercising regularly. I've never understood why anyone would look down on someone innocently living a healthy lifestyle when there are millions of obese people preventably damaging their health and those who smoke and drink in excess without any condoned negative connotation hanging over their heads.

Of course we all know being overweight is unhealthy, but you more often hear of someone being chastised to their face for being "too thin", yet no one seems to have the courage to tell someone who's significantly overweight, or indulges in other unhealthy habits how wrong their lifestyle is. People don't get referred to as "nuts" for being obese or living a destructive lifestyle and in reality, that seems a little backwards.

It's overwhelming to think how out of control our health crisis is in America and it's even more frightening to imagine what it will be like for our kids and their kids. I think the perception of living a healthy lifestyle, free of disease and destructive habits seems out of reach for many people, which is why they bash it and fail to understand it. This has to change, but it starts with the individual. The library is full of free books to help you educate yourself on health and fitness, stress relief and nutrition. Start there at the very least.

Let's stop the name calling, gain some insight from those you view as "health nuts" and use their inspiration to help you live a healthier life.