What the Heck is ‘Healthy?’
Hi guys! Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to an amazing start.
I started mine off with a sweaty iron-pumping sesh, a trip to the post office (package is on the way, my Pilot lurve), and a glorious breakfast.
It’s been too long….
They were just as amazing as I remember 🙂
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So as I’m sure you guys know, there’s been a lot of brouhaha in the blog world this past week. A lot of *bad* happened, but some very thoughtful and much-needed conversations occurred as well. I especially loved *this post* by my friend Heather regarding blogger responsibilities.
Throughout last week, quite a lot of talk went down classifying bloggers’ actions/training plans/eating styles as “healthy” or “unhealthy”.
It got me thinking: What the heck is healthy, anyway??
Disclaimer: If you are currently struggling with ED or in recovery and think that reading about this topic may result in a trigger effect or is a sensitive issue, please skip the rest of this post. I don’t ever want to offend or influence others, just share my experiences and what has worked for me and what hasn’t. Everyone is different and knows how certain things affect their bodies and minds—it’s up to us to use our best judgment.
“Healthy” is such a subjective term and what is considered healthy and normal for one person, may be not-so-healthy to someone else. In the beginning of my weight loss journey and even into maintenance mode, I thought *healthy* was about perfection. While I never had an official eating disorder, I definitely participated in disordered eating, which I’m sure many women unintentionally do when they’re flooded with so much information and trying to find a balance.
There was a [very short] time in college when I ate a few Quaker granola bars for each of my meals and snacks. It wasn’t for weight loss or anything like that, but they tasted good, were inexpensive and I thought they were *healthy*. Going for an entire day without a fruit or vegetable is anything but. When I was trying to lose weight, I tried a variety of crazy diets (all of which I’ve written about on the blog) and there was a time when my life was very sugar-free, fat-free, low carb and chemical-laden. I tried so hard to be what I thought was *perfect*, almost all of the time, which I now know isn’t a fun or healthy way to live.
I eventually realized that “healthy” is IMperfection. Not being afraid to skip a day at the gym, eat indulgent desserts without regard to calories or fat, and cutting yourself some slack… not just with fitness and eating, but with life. Taking time for a nap, a pedicure, a snuggle sesh, or a glass of vino and great chat with a friend.
On the other hand, I think it’s so important to make fitness and nutrition a priority, without taking it overboard, for long and happy lives.
So what’s the difference between healthy and unhealthy?
Is it the intention behind actions? The comfort in not always being *perfect*?
What does healthy mean to you??
I’m OFF work today, so it’s time to run amuck in Orlando. And by that, I mean do laundry and get groceries before dance tonight 😉
See ya later today!
xoxo,
Gina
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Healthy to me is taking care of myself so that I can take good care of my family.
It has been difficult for me lately because I struggle with anxiety, and it has been at it’s worse. I am learning it’s okay to ask for help with my health. So on top of taking time away from my family to work out to release stress, I’m also going back on some meds. :/
Healthy to me is taking care of your body in a way that works right for you. What is good for one person may not be right for you. Honoring your body is an important part of being healthy. Your body is your responsibility and taking that responsibility seriously enough to take care of yourself an to make yourself feel good. That is healthy to me.
To me, healthy means balance. We all know that we should exercise, eat healthy, and meditate or take time for ourselves; however, doing it and wanting to do it are two different things. Healthy is not extreme. Healthy is a balance of working out and recovering; a balance of fueling your body with foods it needs to work optimally while having dessert (and not feeling guilty); and finally, carving time for yourself to bring inner peace and cultivate a vision for your life – whether that be through meditation, going to church, or hitting the pavement. We all have a way to find our zen.
I love this post! Thank you for starting/continuing this conversation. I had an eating disorder for 10 years. After being in and out of the hospital I finally entered recovery after spending time in a wonderful residential facility at age 19. The difference was this facility was for women who WANTED recovery and wanted to be healthy. It was necessary to be surrounded by that positivity for me to get the help I needed.
So now I’m still learning what “healthy” is to me. I don’t own a scale anymore, I want to base my health on how I feel (how my energy levels are, etc). I also avoid “diet” foods- I use real sugar and would rather have a whole, unprocessed item than one full of calorie- free chemicals.
There are so many effed up ideas rampant in our society about “health & fitness” that are anything but healthy! So glad that this is being talked about and to see so many wonderful comments that are full of self-love rather than self-criticism!
Healthy is eating real food that fuels your body while maintaining balance, having treats as treats. Making being active a part of your day and finding what you love to do. And feeling good about yourself and able to do anything you want to do.
Healthy isn’t perfect. My healthy is setting a good example for my daughter. Exercising when I can-I aim for 6 days a week. Healthy is indulging sometimes. Healthy, most importantly, is honoring my body!
Healthy to me is being able to go on vacation and maybe indulge a little bit while still being ok with having squeezed in just one workout (like I just did) instead of 5 or 6! Its about being able to let go and take a break when you need it as long as you are ready to jump back on the wagon when you get back to the real world. I was too busy having fun with my family to worry about eating perfectly or working out every day!
Healthy to me means everything in moderation and listening to my body!
Healthy is doing what makes you feel good, happy, confident and capable. I believe that really listening to your body and catering to the physical, emotional, psychological dimensions of health is extremely important (can’t really have one without the others).
healthy to me is being content at the end of the day with all that I have accomplished is sufficient (healthy-wise, family-wise, friend-wise, etc…)
Healthy is a give & take. Listen to your body, fuel it & your mind but don’t beat yourself up on the slips and enjoy every day
Healthy to me means trying to be a better person for yourself and everyone around you.
Healthy to me is having a balance between nutritious and “fun” foods, and hour-long workouts and movie nights with my family. One little thing or even a whole week of so-called bad choice will not derail you forever!
Healthy to me is being aware of how I treat my body. Eating things in moderation, not depriving myself of some foods and desserts. Exercising and taking care of myself being active in some way everyday. But also resting and taking days off. Healthy is a lifestyle.
Healthy means a balance of everything; fun, responsibility, love, laughter, sweets, cleans eats, family and friends. I think healthy means inside and out, top to bottom. When I feel my healthiest I am making choices that are right for me – it is not about being good with eats and working out every day. It took me some time to realize this, but it is freeing to live in your healthy truth!
To me, healthy is about balancing the various types of health – mental, physical, emotional, social – and enjoying doing so. Sleep, stress, fun, etc. are so, so important and shouldn’t take the back burner to nutrition and exercise!
Finding a happy balance with all that’s going on in terms of eats, exercise, work, and family time is what being healthy is to me.
Healthy means taking care of myself so that I feel my best everyday, which for me includes not only physical healthy through healthy eating and exercise but also mental health by incorporating things that make me happy like playing with my daughter, spending time with my husband, and relaxing while reading or watching mindless tv!
Health means balance in all areas of my life!
Healthy to me means living in a way that I enjoy, but that still allows me to have a lot of energy and as little stress as possible.
Healthy means finding happiness and peace in your life. Physical health is absolutely important but you can be the fittest person in the world and still be stressed out and unhappy. I think mental health can be more difficult to attain and is just as important as your physical health.
My idea of healthy right now is definitely “everything in moderation.” I’ve dealt with some control issues and slightly restrictive eating patterns in the past, and while I was definitely eating a “healthy” diet during this time, my attitude about food was not healthy. Now I’m much better about listening to my hunger cues and eating what I want, but focusing on fruits and veggies and small amounts of treats!
Healthy to me is regular exercise. For me it is the key to everything including motivation to keep a clean diet, energy and happy endorphins.
Being healthy to me, means being of sound mind, body and soul. It means taking care of myself through exercise, eating well, having time for myself, making a difference in what I do, spending time with my family and friends and being happy with who I am.
To me healthy means feeling good inside and outside. I like my body to feel fueled and strong. I also like to feel good about the choices I make, to enjoy food and to enjoy the foods that I love in moderation. I don’t believe that depravation is healthy….
Healthy means making the right choices in eating and exercising, daily. It’s a lifestyle choice!
Healthy to me is finding BALANCE- eating good, exercising, and getting enough sleep 🙂
Healthy to me is maintaining balance in all areas of my life, and feeling my best 😀
Healthy is everything in moderation, feeling good and having FUN!! 🙂
Healthy to me is everything in moderation. You need balance in life …..especially while working training and family life….
Strength and balance.
To me healthy is doing all I can to eat well, exercise and take care of myself. At the same time, I want to take time to nap, have some chocolate and just be normal. I want my kids to see mommy have a balanced life. My 3 year old knows mommy’s workout time and she knows when I have rest time.
Healthy is being able to keep up with the demands of my life (as a wife, mom, dog mom, employee, friend) and having the energy to do it and feel good about it!
Healthy to me is listening to my body, embracing who I am and working hard at whatever I do. I think healthy is a balance between the emotional, spiritual, physical and social aspects of life. namaste.
I think being healthy is making the best choices you can in any given situation (so it may vary by hour, day, etc.) that will help you feel/be well (physically and emotionally) in that moment and beyond. Sometimes that means eating ice cream, sometimes it means eating a salad. Sometimes it’s a super intense workout, and sometimes it’s a nap.
Healthy is feeling good in your skin/body. It’s not an ideal weight or looking model thin. It encompasses being good to your body’s, being mentally and emotionally healthy by accepting to be surrounded by positivity and putting yourself first.
Healthy to me is the ability to not let food control you. To see food and exercise as important facets of a positive healthy lifestyle. Healthy is being able to not beat yourself up if you choose to sleep in instead of going for a 5 am run. Healthy is choosing workouts and foods that makes you feel your best. Healthy is finding a balance between fitness, food, and life. Healthy also means that you take care of your mental health as well. Even if you think the best way to help your mental health is by eating chocolate 🙂
Healthy is taking care of yourself body and spirit by nourishing and exercising the body and soul and being kind to yourself physically and mentally.
Health is taking care of yourself – finding things that excite, energize, and nourish you. I think it’s important to find ways to let go of stress and prioritize good habits.
Healthy to me is balance…with eating, workouts, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, in my relationships…very much a holistic approach to over all wellness. I feel my best, happy and healthy, when I’m focused but not overwhelmed or obsessed.
Healthy is a balance of food, fitness and fun.
Healthy for me is living and loving myself and others the best that I can
Healthy is all about balance: faith, family, & feeling great
How fitting, I looked at this recipe this morning!
Healthy means loving my body and it’s imperfections, treating all foods as equals and taking time to rest and play
Healthy to me means waking up full of energy and living each day in the moment. Also balancing food + fitness with life so they don’t threaten to take over!
Healthy means taking care of you. It’s a balance.
Healthy is making the best food, and lifestyle choices for me and my family’s future.
It’s all about balance!
I love this post and discussion. Healthy is taking the time to take care of yourself mentally and physically. Healthy is balance and proper nutrition that will help take care of yourself and those you love. Healthy is making the choices that suit your lifestyle, choices that will help you and not hinder you.