Just like millions of other people, it's January and I'm re-inspired to revitalize my health. But along with this re-found desire to get into healthier lifestyle has brought up questions.
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We often see in magazines, instagram, workout videos, etc... of people who are just as ripped and chiseled as humanly possible. They're all promoting a healthy and often extreme lifestyle which, in and of themselves is not bad! However, there is a common misnomer with this mentality.
Healthy does not necessarily mean having a perfectly sculpted body.
It definitely can be Greek god-esque but that's not an all-inclusive definition.
Healthy means living balanced. (Something I've, personally, had a terrible time with). Healthy living has a few set ground rules like:
- exercising 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
- monitoring caloric intake (as well as other proteins and minerals)
- making sure food/drink choices are done in moderation.
These are just a few but most health experts would probably agree these are standard across the board.
But, notice what those three things implicate. They don't suggest an ideal body type/weight/shape. They suggest overall health and health looks different from person to person.
A middle age woman who has a moderately active job/life will have be differently affected by a health regiment than a 21 year old man who runs track at school and preps meals every week. Both bodies will probably physically appear different but one is no more healthy than the other. It's like saying Apples are more red than oranges are orange.
Our bodies can be healthy and still have a layer of fat. Our bodies can likewise be unhealthy with too little fat. Just like food, health regiments need to be balanced. Just because a person works out 3 times a day doesn't make her "more healthy". She might just as well gain muscle faster and raise her metabolism levels but her health is not defined by gym visits.
For me, my health will include eating less and more balanced. Coupled with hitting the gym a few times a week, it won't be too long before I a.) see physical changes b.) feel better (aka "more healthy") and c.) get into a new homeostatic diet.
All of this to say, it's important to distinguish health from looking like The Rock.
Now, if your goal is to look like The Rock or, for the ladies the Tony winning Broadway actress Cynthia Erivo, then go for it! Rarely does someone look at a ripped person like them and say "they're unhealthy". HA! Just like healthy for me signifies change in diet and lifestyle patterns, for you it may be getting the healthy aesthetics too! If that's the case, go forward, friend. Get them gains.
I wish you all the best with your endeavors and wish me luck on mine!
Cheers,
ZER
