Being healthy is a combination of healthy behaviors, a positive attitude, and working at being 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 sort of added a few pounds. And when coupled with the unhealthy weight loss and dieting culture brought on boughs of insecurities and lowered self-esteem. Treating yourself unkind, having anxiety about food, and being unhappy in your body.
Listen to “The Open Conversations Podcast” on Spreaker.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. About balancing your passion with your work and caring for your family, as well as embracing and loving yourself no matter what skin or body you’re in.
The thing is, 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 total contradiction. In fact, the Healthy At Every Size (HAES®) movement, shares some amazing research that is available and gives actual ways to measure your own health. This health movement focuses on respect and acceptance of diversity in one’s shape and size, understanding that health is not determined by our body size or shape.
Healthy comes in many different sizes because there is no specific number that can accurately measure health for all of us. However, shifting away from weight-focused ideals does not mean that you’re at your very best health at all sizes.
This is a reminder that healthy can’t be judged on how you look or how much you weigh. But 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?
1 Comment
Great post! Love what this movement is all about. Thank you for sharing!