The term “health Punk” first appeared on the Chinese internet in 2017 and reached its apex in 2019, with a slew of articles and videos describing the phenomenon. One news report, for example, featured a 22-year-old girl in China who slept at 3 a.m. every night, but put on five face masks every day to help soothe her increasingly tired skin.
“It’s not only self-deprecating but also a trendy attitude towards life,” writes one article. “I smoked a cigarette with my sister and quickly took a cough drop. We were harming ourselves while maintaining our health,” explains another.
The youth of China are embracing it
This new health Punk trend is all about consuming foods that are seemingly bad for you, but are actually good for you. These so-called “health Punk” foods include items like cigarettes, alcohol, and energy drinks.
While some might see this trend as dangerous, the youth of China are embracing it as a way to rebel against the traditional values of their elders. For them, health Punk is about more than just consuming unhealthy foods – it’s a lifestyle choice that represents their individualism and non-conformity.
Why China’s youth drawn to health punk?
For one, health Punk foods are often seen as being more exciting and adventurous than traditional healthy foods. They’re also perceived as being more affordable than many of the more expensive “healthy” foods on the market. Looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and rebel against the norm, health punk might just be the trend for you. Who knows, you might even find that some of these supposedly “unhealthy” foods are actually good for you.
In a country where traditional values still hold a lot of sways, health Punk provides a way for young people to express their individuality. It’s also a way for them to subvert the expectations of their elders, who often see these unhealthy foods as being bad for one’s health.
Collection of health punk products
So what exactly are these health punk foods? Here’s a list of some of the most popular items:
Cigarettes: While smoking is generally seen as being bad for your health, many young people in China see cigarettes as a way to relax and de-stress.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol is often seen as a way to socialize and have fun. It’s also seen as being a way to Bond with others.
Energy drinks: Energy drinks are often seen as a way to boost your energy levels and help you stay up late.
Hot pot: Hot pot is a popular Chinese dish that’s typically made with a spicy broth. It’s often seen as a way to warm up in the winter.
Chrysanthemum tea:
This herbal tea is often drunk for its supposed health benefits. It’s often seen as a way to detoxify the body and promote better digestion.
Health punk is all about consuming foods that are seemingly bad for you but are actually good for you. These so-called ” foods include items like cigarettes, alcohol, and energy drinks. While some might see this trend as dangerous, the youth of China are embracing it as a way to rebel against the traditional values of their elders. For them, is about more than just consuming unhealthy foods – it’s a lifestyle choice that represents their individualism and non-conformity.
