11 Netflix Documentaries That Will Make You Want to Be Healthy

POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock

After an indulgent period, I need a little bit of a healthy reboot. Streaming an awesome documentary on Netflix always inspires me to get my head back in the game and get serious about my health. If you're in need of a healthy reset, turn on one of these flicks tonight. You might just be inspired to clean up your diet, get back to yoga, or even sign up for a crazy-challenging race.

01
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Forks Over Knives

The message in Forks Over Knives is clear: a plant-based diet free of processed foods is necessary for optimal health. While it takes on some of the ethical principles of veganism, Forks Over Knives really focuses on the scientific proof that plant-based diets work best for our bodies.

02
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Hungry For Change

If you're tired of feeling tired and ready to make a shift toward clean eating, Hungry For Change is the documentary that will make it happen — and stick for good. Part expert advice and part first-person testimonial, this film looks at the lies food companies are feeding you (literally). If you're not convinced that giving up processed foods will make that big of a difference when it comes to your health or weight, watch this ASAP.

03
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Food Inc.

Food Inc. will make you seriously think about where you get your food. The graphic documentary reveals scary truths about "corporate-controlled" food sources, the use of growth hormones, and the realities of animal abuse.

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Fed Up

For those who don't really understand just how much sugar goes into the foods we eat every day, Fed Up should be at the top of your watch list. Narrated by Katie Couric, this doc delves into the role sugar plays in the obesity crisis and how big business affects the staggering stats.

05
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Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead

If you've ever wondered if the whole juicing thing is for real, just watch Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. Despite the fact that this documentary's title is a little morbid, don't fear. You'll get a look at a number of inspiring stories of individuals who get a new lease on life after redesigning their diet and exercise habits.

06
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Vegucated

Three New Yorkers got Vegucated in this fun documentary. After committing to a six-week vegan plan hoping to lose weight, each member of this trial got a very different education than they initially bargained for. Vegucated does a great job of explaining what "going vegan" really means and the difficulties and benefits of making this big lifestyle shift.

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Cowspiracy

If you're looking for another reason to eat less meat (or stop eating it altogether), Cowspiracy explains the damaging effects the animal agriculture industry has on our environment. You'll seriously wonder why no one is talking about this after watching.

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Bigger Stronger Faster

Bigger Stronger Faster examines the underground world of performance-enhancing drugs, the American athletic heroes who used them, and the influence of these substances on our culture. If you've ever been fascinated by bodybuilding competitions or asked yourself when it's all too much, you should take a peek at this eye-opening doc.

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GMO OMG

You'll be surprised how many people still don't know what genetically modified organisms are in GMO OMG. This pick asks the questions about GMOs no one else has really done on film: What are the health risks? What are the environmental risks? And most importantly, why aren't they labeled yet?

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Bikes vs. Cars

Bikes vs. Cars might just make you think twice about your commute as it explores the issue of car congestion in big cities like LA and São Paulo, Brazil.

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Remote Area Medical

Anyone interested in the health-insurance crisis in the US should watch Remote Area Medical. The nonprofit of the same name organizes three-day pop-up clinics all over the country where local communities come together to provide care and support for those who simply can't afford it. Rather than delving into the policy issues, Remote Area Medical tells the story of the people.