We are aware of the definition of health (as defined by WHO as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity), but do we have the definition of healthy? Especially for a healthy body?
Beauty and body standards have changed so many times over the years and with social media, we are more than ever bombarded by content creators, musicians, actors, models and fitness trainers, all of them giving their definition of a healthy body and how to achieve it.
Even though now the discussion is more present and very open to those that considered themselves boys and men, women and girls are the ones that more often are criticized for their weight, shape and general image. If I go to a party, as a black African woman I will get more comments on the kilos I have potentially gained compared to my fellow black man. The same thing, less often, if I lose too much weight (are you sick? Do you have any problem) or if I have a leaner body that shows my muscles (you look like a man).
It seems that everyone has their own definition of healthy and it is hard to keep up with the expectations. But the thing that often us women we forget, is the most essential thing in these stories and where we should focus our attention: ourselves.
When we follow a professional trainer, we can definitely learn exercises, healthy recipes and how to meal prep and stick to a plan. But we often make the mistake of copying instead of adapting.
In fact, we often forget that our lives are totally different from the content creators, models, professional trainers and the list goes on. For most of these people, creating posts, going to the gym, and creating meal plans is their main job. They are paid for that. And as said, it does not mean that a personal trainer does not have other activities to do. Absolutely. But as we give to our main job the majority of our time because it pays our bills, the same is for these trainers and other famous people and celebs in keeping their bodies to such standards and sharing with us their journey and results.
All this is to say: do not be too hard on yourself and give yourselves grace.
Even because, I will never get tired to stress the fact to you all ,my sisters and brothers, it does not exist an objective healthy body and healthy lifestyle!!
Each of us has our own type of body and our own healthy lifestyle! For someone running every day 10km is perfect, for someone else could give so much stress and tiredness; someone will lose 20 kg in 4 months and for other 5kg in the same amount of time it still amazing.
Remember: most of the scientific criteria and measures as the most popular BMI, do not take into consideration the multiple factors that influence someone’s health: fat, muscle, hydration, mental well-being, genetic conditions, ethnicity, food intolerance, metabolic disorders and so on. And these factors should be considered when you create your life habit.
Do not get me wrong: certain behaviours, certain food, and certain body composition even if they will make you feel good, will still put you at risk of disease compared to others. That is not debatable!
But there is more to fit a size S than to be healthy. In fact, a better term that incorporates intersectionality is well-being, and it has a more broad range of meanings.
How is your well-being? What does it incorporate?
Start from that to define your healthy self.
The Feminist Health CIC 