Healthy At Every Size: A Body Positive Approach to Wellness

Being healthy combines healthy behaviors, a positive attitude, and working to be the best version of yourself.

Recently, I was reflecting on some photos of myself, remembering how slim I used to be. The gym used to be my favorite place. I worked out on a regular basis, and every weekend, I played sports – I loved the burn! 

But, of course, life happened. Raising a family while working and pursuing your passion is not an easy feat. So, somewhere in between, I added a few pounds. When coupled with the unhealthy weight loss and dieting culture, it brought on boughs of insecurities and lowered self-esteem. Treating yourself unkind, having anxiety about food, and being unhappy in your body.

After years of letting society and my mind bully my body, I realized that self-care is about creating space and setting up life to support you. It is about balancing your passion with your work, caring for your family, and embracing and loving yourself no matter what skin or body you’re in.

Losing weight doesn’t need to be your focus when it comes to living and feeling your best. Instead, it becomes a bi-product. But when everyone around you says otherwise, healthy at every size can feel like a contradiction. The Healthy At Every Size (HAES®) movement shares some amazing available research and gives ways to measure your health. This health movement focuses on respecting and accepting diversity in one’s shape and size, understanding that our body size or shape does not determine health.

Healthy comes in many different sizes because no specific number can accurately measure health for everyone. However, shifting away from weight-focused ideals does not mean you’re in your best health at all sizes. 

This is a reminder that health can’t be judged by how you look or how much you weigh. Overall health is a combination of healthy behaviors, a positive attitude, and working at being the best and most beneficial you can be.

What are your secrets to having a positive body and self-image?