European Wellness Habits Americans Can Learn From, According to Personal Trainer Brynn Ackerman
European Wellness Habits Americans Can Learn From, According to Personal Trainer Brynn Ackerman
After six months living in Sweden, personal trainer Brynn Ackerman shares observations on nutrition, movement, health culture, and simple wellness habits Americans can adopt.
European ways of wellness… they’re healthier and happier, but why? After living in Sweden for 6 months observing how one of the healthiest countries in the world lives, there are lots of findings I want to share. First, we must understand the difference between our norms inside the U.S. As a personal trainer and fitness instructor, I observe other people’s habits for a living. One thing that is not in our control is how we are marketed to. Let’s start with what we know…
If I said the word ‘Ozempic,’ odds are you can hear the jingle in your head now, as the marketing team for pharmaceuticals definitely does their job (and they do it well), churning out catchy jingles, choreographing vibrant dances, and even creating emotional vulnerability by targeting just the right viewers.
Did you know that the United States is one out of the only two countries that advertises pharmaceuticals? Did you know once we reach the age of 12, diet and lifestyle intervention stops and prescribing begins? Oh, and don’t forget the fact that during 4 years of medical school, only 20 hours of that is dedicated to nutrition. It is truly a funny thing how normalized slapping a band-aid on a bullet hole in the United States is.
High cholesterol? Well here is a magic little capsule that will help you with that, but your joints will begin to hurt, your stomach will throb every night around 5 o’clock on the dot, you will wake up in cold sweats, and for some reason your hair is going to fall out!
But what if you were prescribed 30 minutes of walking and to perhaps lower your cheese intake?… That’s just unreasonable.
HOW ARE OTHER COUNTRIES ANY DIFFERENT?
Over these last 6 months living in Sweden, I have seen my fair share of advertisements, posters, and commercials. Not once have I ever seen an ad pushing a pill, let alone over-the-counter cough medicine. Now I know my Swedish is not the best, but I feel my inferring skills are up to par enough to notice big pharma is nonexistent here in the EU.
Something I have picked up on is Sweden’s diligence when it comes to swapping out their metro posters, and this week I was utterly shocked. An advertisement for creatine appeared…
CREATINE? Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is also a supplement that supports brain health and muscle recovery. Creatine is also a thing many people fear, the thing ultra processed food companies actively fund studies against, the thing that someone who eats Kellogg’s cereal every morning refuses to ever consider touching.
It may seem silly or small but like - the United States would NEVER. If the United States actually cared about the health of its citizens, our banned additives list wouldn’t only consist of 11 things. For instance, the EU’s banned additives list consists of over 1,500.
It is our norm in America: rely on a prescription refill, a quick fix, and patiently wait for the next issue to arise and then add another pill to the weekly rotation. Now please don’t take this as I am against medicine, I am not. There is a time and place always. Our resources and technology allow for us to live in a time of comfort and advancement. So why is our health getting worse when so much information is available? That is because too much of the wrong information is available.
About 70% of Americans rely on daily medications, yet only 28% prioritize daily movement. I fear we take our health for granted until it is too late, and above all, that should be the scariest pill to swallow.
THE TRUE INTENTIONS BEHIND EVERYDAY HEALTH ADS
Before I share your European way of wellness you can implement in your life, reflect for a moment with me. (Andnote cigarettes walked so ultra processed food could run.)
Storytime! I vividly remember being about 8-years-old, seeing those gosh awful tobacco commercials. The lady holding the hole in her throat advocating not to end up like her and quit smoking while you can. I am uncomfortable thinking about it honestly. But if we rewind a little, before those, there were cigarette commercials advertising the benefits of smoking, a doctor recommending to his patient to smoke after a long day, that it’s healthy, and you deserve it!
Eventually smoking-related health problems became the leading cause in cancers and mortality, and the tobacco industry was no longer allowed to advertise smoking as healthy.
Fast forward to now, in the present day U.S.A, the leading cause of mortality is diabetes. And what is a lead cause of diabetes you may ask? Poor diet. Today we see commercials of the happy family sitting around the table eating colorful cereal, or the “nutrient dense bone building” glass of chocolate milk overflowing on the screen, and the flavored vitamins packed with “essentials” - yeah those are the same thing as your doctor recommending you to smoke a cigarette.
HOW YOU CAN TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH
This is not medical advice, but rather some wellness tips and things to consider if you are serious about taking control of your health:
Read the ingredients list and take notice of what you routinely purchase.
Supplementation will not fix a stagnant lifestyle.
Any movement is better than none at all.
Work with trusted Trainers and Health Practitioners.
Learn how to balance meals.
Fats are not the enemy.
Unless tested for and/or told, you are not deficient in anything.
Simplicity is always best.
The formula for taking control of your health is prioritizing movement and the food you put in your body. It is that simple. If you are still able to start while you can, don’t wait for issues to arise. My list could go on and on which is why I will be sure to continue to share more, but for now, I hope this gives you a foundation to start. Start by being mindful - mindful of every movement, mindful of every meal, mindful of your goals, and mindful of the life you want to live.
If you are serious about your wellness journey and have absolutely no clue where to begin, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a Personal Trainer. Maybe your goal is to be able to keep up with your grandchildren, walk up the stairs without losing your breath, not be reliant on medicines, put on more muscle, or feel confident in your own skin - if you want it bad enough, you can do it.
Remember: wellness is not supposed to be overwhelming or something that feels unobtainable, but something you have control over by taking one right action at a time. If you have any random wellness questions pertaining to anything, feel free to personally message @prestonpersonaltraining on Facebook or email me at buildwithbrynn@gmail.com - but for now I leave you with this…
EUROPEAN WAY OF WELLNESS
Create meals using only single ingredient foods. One thing I have noticed about a European pantry and fridge is it’s minimal. Bulk stores do not exist here, there is no need for vast packaged products and rooms that constitute as a pantry. When making a meal, prioritize a protein, add in a fiber-rich ingredient, find a healthy fat, and a carb.
One of my favorites that is quick and easy is a loaded sweet potato or regular potato - whatever you prefer. It's quick, easy, cheap, and sufficient, so there is no excuses. Take a potato (you can microwave it or stick it in the oven) loaded with a protein and top with what you like.
I will be sharing different healthy topping options in more posts to come, but for now, if you are a sour cream lover, try swapping that for nonfat plain greek yogurt. And lastly, a reminder that everything you see is not true or guaranteed, but it is fully in your control to learn and educate yourself on the world around you. I will be back sharing more ways of true European wellness many Americans can benefit from.
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Brynn Ackerman is a certified personal trainer with Preston Personal Fitness, helping clients of all ages and fitness levels build healthier, stronger lives through personalized coaching and practical wellness guidance. Preston Personal Fitness offers training services at its locations in Olean and NEW Ellicottville location, 55 Bristol Lane (formerly Core Performance). To learn more, schedule a consultation, or explore available programs, visit Preston Personal Fitness on Facebook or contact the team directly through their website at prestonpersonaltraining.com