Health is More Than the Number on the Scale
When it comes to assessing our overall health, paying attention to the number on the scale might seem like the most convenient and accurate way to gauge healthiness. However, in reality, weight has little to do with how healthy you truly are due to many factors such as body type, height, and even bone density/muscle mass.
Weight loss as a standard prescription for good health is not always the ideal recommendation, according to a study published in the Journal of Obesity. The article notes “data suggest[s] that a different approach is needed to foster physical health and well-being within our patients and communities.”
If you’re ready to look beyond that number on the scale, here are 8 signs you’re.
1. You eat a nutritious diet full of whole foods
What we eat plays a massive role in our health. If you’re filling your plate with fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and other whole, unprocessed foods, there’s a strong chance you’re pretty healthy. However, part of this is that you’re eating in moderation and according to your body type. While the average caloric intake for men is 2500 and women at 2000. This is a general recommendation and doesn’t take into consideration a person’s natural build, how much they work out and so forth. Eat healthy, but do so in moderation based on your body type. If you’re not sure how much you should be consuming in a day, chat with your doctor and a nutritionist.
2. You know when to indulge
Balance is important in every area of your life, and that includes food, too. Healthy people understand that they can still indulge in their favorite treats and unhealthy snacks, as long as they do not go overboard frequently. It is always about moderation.
3. Your bowel movements are regular
Regular bowel movements are another solid indicator of health, and if you’re “going” every day, at a rate that’s regular for you, because everyone is different, that’s a good sign your digestive system and the rest of your body are in healthy working order.
4. You move your body on the regular
Speaking of being regular, healthy people also move, exercise, and play regularly. “Exercise” will look different for everyone, so don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t running marathons every weekend. A 15-minute walk is a great way to get moving, and there are a surprising number of health benefits to a short jaunt outside. Don’t forget to lift weights. Men and women that lift weights on a regular basis provide an enormous health benefit to their body and health long term.
5. Your urine is clear
Clear urine is an indicator of hydration, something that’s extremely important for us Coloradans. Drinking enough water is a health-win that leads to clearer skin, improved digestion, and so much more.
6. You sleep soundly
Much like drinking enough water, getting enough sleep is another indicator of overall health and wellness. When you focus on sleep hygiene and are not exhausted, other pieces of the health puzzle can fall into place.
7. You don’t get sick constantly
If you’re always battling a cold or other illness, your immune system may need a boost. Healthy people who eat a nutritious diet, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and move regularly are less likely to get sick. This doesn’t necessarily account for those of us that suffer from seasonal allergies, so be sure to note the difference in your own bodies.
8. You feel emotionally healthy and resilient
Health is as much about our bodies as it is our minds. You don’t need to be 100 percent happy ll of the time, but healthy people have learned how to address their stress, acknowledge their emotions, and are more emotionally resilient as a result.
When you’re emotionally healthy that number on the scale won’t have as much sway over how you feel about yourself.