Redefining Health: Beyond Looks and Diet Culture
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Chapter 1: Understanding Health
Are you truly healthy?
Diet culture has significantly shaped our perceptions regarding food, our bodies, and the interplay between the two, ultimately altering our understanding of what "health" means. For many, the focus has shifted from the essence of health—how you feel—to how you appear. This notion does not reflect the reality for numerous individuals, including ourselves. Health cannot be accurately assessed based solely on LOOKS, DIET, or CLOTHING SIZE. The inclination to judge others in this manner is a topic worthy of deeper exploration (spoiler: it stems from diet culture).
Section 1.1: What Is Health?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines health as:
"The state of the body and its freedom from illness, or the condition of being well."
In contrast, Merriam-Webster describes health as:
"The condition of being physically, mentally, and spiritually sound, particularly the absence of physical ailments or discomfort."
Given these definitions, how does one’s appearance become a valid criterion for assessing health?
Can you visually determine if someone is free from illness? No.
Can you ascertain whether someone has a sound mind, body, or spirit just by looking? No.
Can you tell if someone is suffering from physical disease or discomfort? No.
Ultimately, health is often both unseen and deeply personal. For instance, when I reflect on my health, I consider the following:
- Body: Am I capable of performing activities I enjoy? Do I experience any pain while doing so? Do I require more medical attention than a yearly check-up? Is my body effectively utilizing vitamins and nutrients?
- Mind: Am I thinking clearly? Am I engaged in learning or exploring new ideas? Do I remember essential tasks? Is my mental health stable?
- Spirit: Do I have supportive friendships? Am I involved in my community? Do I have a spiritual or philosophical practice? Am I content with myself?
Our health encompasses all these aspects and more, yet body shape or size is conspicuously absent from this list.
All bodies possess the potential for health, just as all bodies can experience ill health. There is no singular "ideal" body shape or size.
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