Focus on Lifestyle and Health, Not Rules and Scales
In our society, it's common to feel like a slave to the number on your scale. A high BMI (Body Mass Index) is often considered a failure in the medical community. And a low BMI is regarded as your ticket to happiness and a lifetime of good health. Regardless of how you feel about your health, that number will be plugged into a formula and will dictate what is considered "healthy" for you.
But what happens when the number on the scale or the result of the BMI formula doesn't reflect what you're actually experiencing?
After immersing myself in the world of wellness, I've learned a crucial lesson again and again: health is not defined merely by a number on the scale or a BMI chart. It goes beyond that. Your weight doesn't narrate the full story of your health; it's merely a single chapter in a multiple volume series, and there are many other important factors that weigh in (so to speak).
This blog post aims to uncover those other factors, shining a light on a more holistic approach to health and wellness that prioritizes lifestyle and overall well-being and resilience over strict rules and scales.
The Problem with Scales
Did you know that two people can weigh the same but have completely different body compositions? This oversight is just one of the reasons that weight and BMI are ineffective indicators of health.
BMI, The Scale, and You
Now scales aren't inherently bad, despite what it might feel like sometimes. In fact, they are useful for monitoring weight change over time, but that's just one small piece of the overall picture. Here are some examples of what the scale misses:
Body composition: the percentage of fat and muscle in a body
Fat distribution: where a person carries their fat (abdomen, hips, thighs, etc)
Bone density: Measures of bone health and risk for conditions like osteoporosis
Metabolic health: This includes cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and blood pressure
Emotional wellness: An immeasurable but vital aspect of overall health
Fitness level: How well your cardiovascular and respiratory system function
Nutritional status: The quality of your diet, including any deficiencies or excesses of essential nutrients
Sleep quality: Sleep impacts everything from mood to immune function and is a key part of health
Hydration status: Sufficient hydration is vital for different bodily processes
Stress levels: Chronic stress can negatively impact various aspects of health, including heart health, digestion, and mental health.
BMI has similar issues. The BMI formula is based on weight and height averages, because it was created to be used as a general health indicator for large groups of people. It does not account for factors such as muscle mass, body fat distribution, age, or the other factors mentioned above.
In other words, it doesn't account for the individual. And when you're dealing with individual health, that's kind of a big deal.
Lifestyle Choices for Holistic Health
So, what should you focus on? With so many factors contributing to how you feel and how your body functions, a holistic view of your lifestyle is a more accurate way to view your health. Four areas you can focus on are:
Nutrition: Fueling Your Body Naturally
Instead of focusing on restrictive diets that focus solely on calorie counting--and often result in drastic ups and downs in weight--aim for natural, whole foods that are beneficial to your body. Leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can give your body the nourishment it needs.
Physical Activity: Beyond Weight Loss
This is an important topic that I'm going to discuss in another blog post soon, but moving your body is about so much more than weight loss. And formal exercise programs are not the only way to benefit from it.
Incorporating physical activity that you enjoy into your day to day life is key. This could include walking, swimming, yoga, or anything else that makes you feel good and gets your body moving!
It’s also important to note that what we expect from our body can change, for example as we age, during menses for women, or when we’re feeling under the weather. We need to support our bodies in different ways during these transitions.
Emotional Wellness: The Unseen Aspect of Health
Modern science has very clearly shown that emotional wellness has a big impact on our overall health. A powerful example of this is stress, which puts a strain on your body in the short and long term, and can cause severe health problems such as heart disease, chronic pain, and so much more.
Practices such as meditation, journaling, therapy, reading, and crafting are a few examples of activities that can help you reset.
Sleep and Rest: Rejuvenation for the Body and Mind
Speaking of resetting, getting enough quality sleep is key in helping your body heal and restore itself, giving you energy throughout the day. Developing a good sleep routine can also help set you up for success. Learn all about sleep here.
Embrace the Journey, Not the Destination
Remember, health is not a destination but a journey. There is no single factor that signifies "good" health. It looks different in everyone, and it's an ongoing process of making consistent lifestyle choices that promote overall wellness. So enjoy the journey! Make small changes and observe how they positively impact your wellbeing.
And if you need guidance on your journey, I'm here to help. Schedule your Discovery Call today to explore how we can work together to empower you in making big strides toward lasting change.
What lifestyle change do you think would make an impact on your overall health today?
Sources
Why the Number on the Scale Means Less Than You Think by Penn Medicine News
How Stress Affects Your Health by American Psychological Association