Why This Is Important

To gain deeper insight into the origins of Happy Body, we have to step back to the transformative era of the 1960s, often regarded as the Dawn of the Golden Age.

The 1960s were marked by an intense focus on radical change and experimentation. It was during this era that aluminum cans made their commercial debut for food and beverage packaging, and the utilization of irradiation began, offering a means to sterilize dried fruits, prevent vegetable sprouting, and combat insect infestation. A period of intriguing developments indeed.

Moving into the 1970s, economic challenges necessitated a simpler approach to food preparation, with innovations like "Hamburger Helper" catering to the needs of homemakers who were increasingly joining the workforce. Notably, the FDA banned the use of the food coloring Red Dye No. 2 due to cancer-related concerns, only to see its reintroduction eleven years later. Meanwhile, high-fructose corn syrup found its way into a growing array of beverages and processed foods.

The 1980s did not fare much better in terms of dietary concerns. The FDA approved the artificial sweetener aspartame, and the USDA raised eyebrows by classifying ketchup as a vegetable in school lunch programs. As the 1990s dawned, genetically modified foods began entering the market, alongside the consumption of substantial amounts of caloric sweeteners. The era also introduced the curious concept of chips containing Olestra, prompting further scrutiny.

Entering the 21st century, buzzwords such as "low-fat," "fat-free," and "diet" dominated the food landscape. Manufacturers reduced fat content by eliminating high-fat ingredients like butter and oils, while compensating for flavor by introducing preservatives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners.

In the midst of these technological advancements championed by large conglomerate corporations, the convenience of this cultural transformation was undeniable to many. However, it was not universally celebrated.

My father, a farmer from Missouri, possessed a unique ability to discern through the veneer of progress. While others, through no fault of their own, embraced this perceived American dream of convenience and health improvement, my family saw a different reality.

Indeed, life may have become more convenient, but claims of improved health and happiness proved misleading.

Today, sobering statistics reveal that over 60% of Americans are overweight, 47% of adults grapple with hypertension, 35% contend with chronic anxiety, and 25% will endure severe depression during their lifetimes, while the suicide rate in America continues to soar. These are not mere numbers but alarming indicators of a crisis in society's physical and mental well-being.

In response to these deeply concerning trends, I have dedicated the past decade to the study of well-being. My personal quest to assume control over my health and happiness has led me to coaching—a platform from which I aim to empower others to unlock their full potential through self-awareness and internal motivation. My mission is to guide those who seek a more proactive role in their overall health, as we collectively strive to rewrite the narrative of our future.

With this, Happy Body Connections was born.