Health seems to be one of the most confusing topics we talk about. Everyone seems to know what health is, yet at the same time, no one seems to know what health is. Sometimes I have people tell me (after finding out I’m a Dietitian) “I eat very healthy”. What is most interesting is when I ask them “What’s healthy?” very few can give me an answer.
Cambridge Dictionary defines confusion as “a situation in which people do not understand what is happening, what they should do or who someone or something is”. Confusion happens when we do not understand. So, how can we remove the confusion of health? Let’s start with understanding the meaning of health.
Health, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), “is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Often people can focus on the physical aspect of health and ignore the mental and social aspects (thankfully, awareness of other aspects of health is increasing). However, health incorporates all three aspects which impact one another. Can you really have one without the others?
CAN YOU REALLY HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHERS?
Poor mental health impacts your physical and social health. Poor physical health impacts your social and mental health. Poor social health impacts your mental and physical health. They are all linked! If something is healthy, it will support physical, mental AND social wellbeing; and even that is different for everyone, because we are all unique!
Everyone’s healthy is different. Only you can truly understand and decide what healthy is for you. So next time you are wondering if something is healthy or not, ask yourself – “Does it support your physical, mental and social wellbeing?”
We are all on the journey of understanding and discovering our health. Many people may tell you what is (and is not) healthy for you without knowing you. Remember, you are the expert of you and you can decide what’s healthy for you. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Finding the right health professional for you will mean having the support and guidance to help you develop clarity of your health so you can make confident healthy decisions for yourself long term.
If you have found yourself fallen into the confusion of health and diet and want help to get out of it for good, send me a message and we can organise a call to see how I can help you take back your health.
Looking for something easy to make and yummy and nutritious to eat, try this Vegetable and Lentil Soup recipe.
Stay tuned for more tips and inspirations to help you discover your own yummy balance.