This sounds a bit backwards to me. Exercise and proper nutrition shouldn't be seen as hardship you take on because the alternative is worse, but the path to understanding the potential of your body and the joy of physical activity and good food. It's a hedonic activity at its root.

The same goes for book reading, except this time it's about the joy of using your mind and being exposed to different modes of thought. In fact, I'm not sure how you gain wisdom and inspiration if reading the book is boring to you.