Why I Struggle With Health in Japan

Everyone automatically assumes that it is easy to be healthy in Japan, or at least my family does. I find that the contrary is true for me. Today, I though I would talk about some of the reasons I struggle with health in Japan.

1. The lack of water fountains

Drinking enough water everyday is so extremely important for your health. In America, I drink the recommended amount every day, but I find it to be a struggle in Japan because I can't find places to refill my water bottle. This means I can either waste a bunch of money buying water bottles when I am out, or I go without. Sure, buying a water bottle or two doesn't seem bad for one day, but if I were to do that every day, that is at least an extra 200 yen per day. If I did that for a month, it becomes 6000 yen, and I am not willing to do that. 

My always empty water bottle

2. The oh too convenient convenience stores 

It is way to easy for me to just stop in the konbini and grab a snack, or a meal. Of course there are so healthy choices, but they are sparse. Plus, the meals often have more preservatives than typically food from the supermarket, which isn't good for your health either. 

3. Expensive Gyms

In America gyms are cheap, at least compared to Japan. Maybe this is because many Americans sign up, pay, and don't go. I am not sure of the reason, but my gym back home is 30 USD a month. I tried to find a gym similar here. The prices were closer to the equivalent of 100 USD a month and up. Not to mention the starting fees. As a student, I can't afford that. I have found a small gym for older people that is cheaper, but they only have treadmills, bikes, and a few hand weights. Without as many options I quickly grow bored of my routine here, and fight with motivation problems. 

My very small, very cheap gym

4. Delicious Food

I find Japanese food way more delicious than American food. In turn, I eat so much more! Back home since I don't really like the food, I am able to stay on track with my diet. Here, it is a lot harder for me. Not to mention many of the foods still don't list the calorie count on them.

Me getting way to excited about my green tea gelato!

5. Lack of daily multi-vitamins

In general I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, but some days I can't or don't. On those days I take vitamins back home. I tried finding some in Japan, but the ones I have found only have one type of vitamin per pill.

These are just a few of the reasons I struggle in Japan. Although, I am aware of these reasons, and I am working hard to not allow them to factor into my health! Let me know if you have any tips, or struggles!

Happy Health!