Saturday, January 16, 2016

Skinny Vs. Healthy


My dad always says that years ago he made the best New Year’s Resolution, one that he’s never broken… to never make another New Year’s Resolution. He thinks he’s so clever, but really, how many times do we make resolutions January 1st and before the month is out we’ve already given up.  Especially when that resolution has to do with losing weight and getting in shape. I know I’m guilty of it. Multiple times over.


Let me ask you this though: What do you think of exactly when you think of “getting healthy”?  When you imagine “getting in shape” do you have a specific “shape” in mind? Do you dream of looking like a certain celebrity or fitting into a certain size?

 Take it a step further. Why do you want to lose weight/get in shape/get healthy? Is there someone you want to impress? Are you trying to live up to the expectations of a family member or loved one? Do you feel like you must do this for some reason?

 Now, go pick up a magazine, or go to an entertainment news website. Browse through the images – what do you see? Do the models in the ads fit your mental image of “healthy”? Do you dream of looking like one of those celebrities? What is it about them that you most envy?
If you’re like most of us longing to be healthy, you see thin, fit, beautiful people.  When we dream of being healthy, we equate that with being skinny.  I mean think about it… Victoria’s Secret models are made out to be the very embodiment of beauty. They’re all thin. All the athletes and actors that make the front cover of magazines are ripped… we’re talking zero fat to be seen on their lean bodies.  Even cartoon characters fit into these body images (sorry, Disney, you know it’s true). These body types are deemed beautiful in our culture.

 So are we seeking health or are we seeking beauty?  In today’s society those words have become interchangeable. We want to be beautiful and attractive so that we can find love, escape ridicule, ward of bullies, be popular, and live up to the expectations of others. We’ve been brainwashed to believe that healthy = skinny.

                Healthy ≠ Skinny.

​Really. It doesn’t. Yes, if you are healthy you are more likely to be skinny, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a certain dress size.

                Skinny ≠ Healthy.

​It’s true. You can be skinny and not be healthy. Ever heard of anorexia? It’s an extreme example, sure, but that doesn’t make it any less true.
What people are really seeking, more often than not, is beauty… to look a certain way. That doesn’t make it a bad thing. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve your appearance and take care of yourself.  But why are you doing it? To fit in? To be accepted? To be loved or to impress others? Or are you doing it for you, to feel better about yourself?
There are some great benefits to making changes for you rather than for others.

1.       Taking time for you (not neglecting yourself):
Of course many of us have people in our lives that we care for, and often we will put the needs of those loved ones first. That’s great, but at what cost? Do you neglect your own needs for their sakes? When I take time for myself I feel better about myself. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well (see point #3).  Caring for myself can even be a stress relief, and we can all use a little of that!

2.       Confidence:
It’s more than just a Demi Lovato song!  No really, there is a difference between being conceited and being confident. With the first you are vain and consumed with self, often at the expense of others. But with confidence it’s more of a positive self-assurance. And confidence is attractive. People tend to be drawn to those who are confident in who they are and look life in the face rather than staring at the ground and shying away from whatever comes their way. How do you gain that confidence? Love yourself. The more you love yourself and care for yourself, the more that confidence grows and shines from within. 

3.       Emotional health and well-being:
The more you care for yourself and love yourself, the more you’ll find not only confidence radiating through your being, but happiness as well. There have been studies done on the power of positive thinking in various aspects of life. Just think about what that can do to your self-esteem and how that in turn would impact your very health! Have you ever noticed how someone who is happy seems to glow? That’s not just a figure of speech! Positivity actually affects all areas of your health and well-being.

4.       Physical benefits of getting healthy:
For anyone who has read my previous posts you already know how this has impacted my life. Ever since going vegan I've felt so much better physically. I sleep better, I generally have more energy, I find that I can think more clearly, and all in all I just feel so much better. This isn't just true for me. It's been proven true over and over again by vegans around the world and in various studies. Check out "Forks Over Knives" for more examples and information. 

5.       Setting a positive example for others:
        All of these benefits work together to not only improve yourself, but the people around you will see the changes in you as well. They may just be happy for you and what you’ve achieved or you could even inspire the same changes in them. You'd be surprised how much the changes you for you actually influence others. Positivity has a ripple effect that has the ability to go farther than you can imagine. Do you have kids? Think of how this could impact them for the better as they grow and start forming better, healthier habits as a result of your own self-improvement. You’re still doing this for you, by in the end you are doing it for those you love as well.

So as you work toward your goals for the New Year take some time to reflect on what you are doing and why. And remember, if you slip up or have a bad day, tomorrow is a new day. Forgive yourself. Believe in yourself. Love yourself. You deserve to be the best possible version of you!







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