I have a new obsession involving Gummi bears and vitamins. How might these two substances mix, you ask? In the form of Gummi bear vitamins, of course. I know your mind is blown – mine was too.

It’s not that I haven’t had my fair share of Flintstones vitamins as a kid or any other flavored multivitamins marketed to the undeveloped taste of children.

It’s the fact as soon as I bought them on a whim one day at the grocery store, I was instantly able to consume 100 percent of my recommended daily value of vitamins A, C, D, B and H just by popping two sugared candies in my mouth.

Now, don’t get too excited. Generally, we consume these vitamins throughout the course of a normal day by simply eating a variety of foods – which is why most adults choose supplements concentrated with the specific vitamins their body is lacking. However, aside from the delicious flavor and the misguided perception I am doing my body good by eating them, my Gummi bear vitamins have had one positive and, I hope, lasting effect on me.

I realized it took the masked flavor and the convenience of having everything I supposedly need wrapped up into one effortless piece of candy for me to make any proactive daily decision in the favor of my health. I will eat healthily when I remember to and run a couple of miles if I have the motivation. Making a conscious effort to take care of my body is something I rarely consider, however, amidst the other responsibilities and commitments that come with being a busy student in college.

We feed unbearably loud music directly to our eardrums through headphones. We wear flat shoes that will eventually cause joint or spine trauma as we age. We forgo a night of sleep in favor of spending time with friends or finishing a project. Ramen noodles and endless cups of coffee and energy drinks often replace healthy, well-balanced meals.

Sometimes these decisions cannot be avoided, and sometimes we should enjoy guilty pleasures or wear those fashionable shoes without support just because we want to enjoy the freedom and possibilities in life. However, when I’m 60 years old and unable to be so lax about my health, I would think I at least did more to honor God’s temple than simply popping a child’s Gummi bear vitamin every day. Our nation is slowly slumping into the effortlessness of fast-food and all-in-one workout routines. We need to make more of an effort if we respect our bodies and would like to enjoy them in the future.