Why Overcomplicating Health Isn’t Helping Anyone (and What to Do Instead)

I really appreciate you checking out my blog! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through them, I might earn a little bit of money—at no extra cost to you. There’s absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but if you do, it genuinely helps support the time and love I put into writing these posts.
The other day, I spent 45 minutes reading the ingredients on a protein bar. Forty-five. Minutes.
It had things like “sunflower lecithin,” “marine collagen peptides,” and something called “adaptogenic mushroom blend.”
By the end of it, I wasn’t even hungry anymore. I was just stressed.
And that’s when it hit me—we’ve made health way too complicated.
We’ve taken something that should feel like taking care of ourselves and turned it into a chemistry experiment.
Look, I’m not against nutrition labels. Or science. Or even mushrooms, really.
But I am against the idea that health has to feel like a second job.
Because most of us already have jobs. And kids. And laundry that’s been sitting in the dryer since Tuesday.
The Illusion of “More Is Better”
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the more complex the product, the better it must be.
I mean, who wouldn’t want the $59 turmeric-curcumin-ashwagandha-mushroom-omega-collagen-super-elixir in the aesthetically pleasing bottle?
But let me ask you something:
When was the last time your grandmother used “marine collagen peptides” in her cooking?
Exactly.
My nani used to eat fresh roti, lentils, and ghee—she didn’t count macros or know what a chia seed was.
And she had glowier skin at 80 than I do now.
So no, it’s not about adding more. It’s about simplifying. Stripping things back.
Doing the basics really well.
The Science Says So, Too
Let’s get nerdy for a second—because it’s not just a vibe. It’s science.
Studies show that when people are overwhelmed with too much health information, they’re more likely to do… nothing.
It’s called “decision paralysis.” You’ve probably felt it standing in the supplement aisle at Target, wondering,
“Should I get the magnesium citrate or the magnesium glycinate? Wait, there are seven kinds of magnesium?!”
Our brains like simple. They like clarity.
And more importantly, we follow through on simple routines better.
Okay, So What Does Simplicity Actually Look Like?
Let me walk you through what finally worked for me—after years of trying to biohack my way to glowing skin and less anxiety.
1. A Water Bottle That I Actually Like Using
I used to know I wasn’t drinking enough water. But knowing and doing are two different things.
So I bought this Simple Modern 40oz Tumbler, and now I weirdly look forward to using it.
It keeps my water cold, fits in my cup holder, and looks cute on my desk.
And because it has a straw, I sip it constantly without thinking.
Sometimes simplicity is just finding the thing you’ll actually use.
2. A Multivitamin That Doesn’t Feel Like Homework
I got rid of the 8 different supplement bottles and now take this Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin.
It smells like mint and doesn’t upset my stomach.
More importantly, I don’t dread it. I take it in the morning with my coffee and feel like I’ve got my life together—even when I don’t.
3. A Journal That Takes 5 Minutes, Not 50
I’ve always loved the idea of journaling. The reality? I don’t have an hour to write about my childhood wounds every night.
So I use the Five Minute Journal.
It’s short, sweet, and gives me just enough structure to start and end my day with a little clarity.
Also: no stickers, no washi tape, no pressure.
4. A Meal Plan That Doesn’t Involve Spreadsheets
I tried macro counting. I really did.
But by Thursday I was weeping into a bowl of cereal trying to “hit my numbers.”
Now I use this simple Meal Prep Containers Set and do batch cooking on Sundays.
A sheet-pan of roasted veggies, some quinoa, grilled chicken, done.
No tracking, no guilt—just real food, ready when I am.
5. A Sleep Routine That’s Not Just “Put Your Phone Away”
I’m not here to shame your late-night scrolling. I do it too.
But I’ve started using this White Noise Machine and it’s changed the game.
It’s nothing fancy—it just drowns out the 9000 tabs open in my brain.
Also: I spray this Lavender Pillow Spray and pretend I’m at a spa.
Sometimes I am still holding my phone, but hey—baby steps.
Here’s the Real Secret
The secret to better health isn’t a secret at all.
It’s not hiding in an influencer’s smoothie recipe or a 30-day challenge.
It’s doing a few simple things consistently, and giving yourself grace when life gets messy.
Because it will. It always does.
We don’t need more hacks.
We need more habits that actually fit into our real lives.
Final Thoughts (From My Couch, Wearing Pajamas)
If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at health because you’re not drinking green juice with spirulina every morning,
let me gently remind you: you’re doing fine.
Health isn’t a test you pass. It’s not about perfection.
It’s about feeling a little more energized, a little less stressed, and maybe even liking yourself a bit more in the process.
So ditch the pressure. Start small. And maybe start with a water bottle.
Because when your cup is full (literally and metaphorically), everything else starts to fall into place.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to not read the ingredients on my almond butter.
Life’s too short.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.
If you’re into real talk about life’s messier moments, loneliness, starting over, and figuring it all out. I host a podcast called Alone-ish where I get into all that and more. It’s basically me, some unfiltered thoughts, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling a little… alone-ish.

Leave a comment