I Recently Purchased a BPA-Free Tupperware Set: Why We Sometimes Overlook the Bigger Picture

“I recently got a BPA-free tupperware set,” Anna remarked, setting down the stylish, pastel-hued containers on my kitchen table.

If you’ve been around for any length of time, you may have heard someone make a similar comment. It might have even sounded like a step forward—and on one level, it is. However, in this particular instance, it was Anna, a sharp and experienced attorney recognized for her straightforward demeanor and keen critical thinking skills. She’s the type of individual who, when faced with legal or ethical ambiguity, cuts straight through the nonsense.

<pThat’s why I was briefly taken aback. Was this truly the same Anna? The one who now believed that a listing on Amazon touting "BPA-free" was the key to realizing health objectives she'd battled for years?

It wasn’t the BPA-free containers that caused me to raise an eyebrow. It was the fact that, moments before, she had admitted to skipping workouts, frequently ordering from Uber Eats, and mindlessly scrolling through social media until 1 a.m. Yet, here she was—pinning her health aspirations on more pristine food storage.

The Temptation of the Quick Fix

Let’s face it. We’ve all been in Anna’s shoes.

→ Purchased new running sneakers to “renew” our fitness regimen, but never went for that run.
→ Watched several motivational TED Talks, yet didn’t improve our sleep habits.
→ Invested in an ergonomic office chair for health—but still neglected to take walks.

These actions seem like progress. And to a degree, they represent improvements. But the hard reality is that they often signify distraction disguised as action.

The psychology behind this is straightforward: Our brains seek comfort, novelty, and the illusion of control. Switching to BPA-free containers is an easy solution that gives the impression of “doing something” without necessitating a shift in behavior. It’s less daunting than “prepping healthy meals” or “going to bed by 10:30.”

In today’s wellness landscape, where sensational headlines and health optimization craziness abound, choices like Anna’s are prevalent. We fall for minor adjustments—because they feel empowering and immediate. Yet, they often aren’t the catalysts for real change.

What Truly Works: The Essentials of Good Health

No matter your fitness background, the evidence is clear. Sustainable health isn’t established through plastics, supplements, or hidden formulas. It arises from regularly showing up—imperfectly but reliably—for a few unexciting essentials:

• Stay active consistently. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to strenuous activity each day.
• Consume primarily minimally-processed, whole foods. Think: fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Get 7–9 hours of sleep nightly. Yes, truly.
• Limit excessive alcohol consumption and steer clear of smoking.
• Control stress levels. This encompasses nurturing relationships, practicing mindfulness, or fostering community.

Yet less than 6% of Americans adhere to all five.¹ Even fewer manage to sustain these changes over time. So it’s not a lack of knowledge—it’s execution. That’s the actual focus of this article.

Why We Avoid the Fundamentals: 3 Subtle Obstacles

1. Overwhelming Ambition: Attempting Everything Simultaneously

Have you ever awakened on a Monday feeling pumped and vowing that this week, you’ll eat healthily, exercise daily, get eight hours of sleep, and quit coffee after noon? And then by Thursday… you’ve missed the gym, ordered takeout, and feel disheartened?

High aspirations can feel energizing—briefly. But if we don’t pace ourselves, we run out of steam. Lasting health changes are achieved by gradually integrating one or two habits until they become second nature. Only then can you introduce more.

2. Expectation of “Secret” or “Extreme” Strategies

The fitness and wellness sector thrives on the notion that there exists some secret insight known only to the pros. A supplement. A time-restricted eating schedule. A list of foods. But the true “secret”? The fundamentals still hold—if you’re consistent.

As enticing as “biohacking” sounds, most of us don’t need intense measures.