What does 'Health' Mean to you?

As a Nutritionist, I am constantly amazed at all the different ways that people perceive the idea of health, and what they consider to be 'healthy'. Some people see 'health' as having more energy, or not getting the flu every winter. Others stand in a place of illness and see health as being free of that illness, or living without symptoms. For some, we look at our health from a place of prevention. What I do today will affect me in years to come.

And what about healthy living? For some, healthy living means getting a pizza or a McDonalds burger that has lettuce on it. Or buying the low fat ice cream instead of the regular kind. Many feel they can eat whatever they like provided they take a handful of supplements daily and do a little exercise, or that buying a cereal that has a super food powder in it is their good deed for the day. Some won’t eat anything that isn’t raw, or is from an animal, some only eat fruit.

Health means different things to so many different people. I was recently in Sumatra and noticed our very nice hotel had a Health Spa. We went to reception and asked the receptionist where it was. We told them we wanted a massage. We were escorted by someone from reception across the road, up the stairs and into what looked like a nightclub. I walked in to see about 20 men, scotch and cigarettes in hand, lounging around under neon flashing lights. My partner and I laughed hysterically as we left (the men also found it particularly funny). Now Sumatran hotels clearly have a VERY different perspective on health than I do. 

I find a lot of people hold the opinion that health is hard to achieve, that its expensive, that it takes alot of time. There is an enormous number of people, who whether they realise it or not, dont believe they deserve health. They don't believe that they should treat themselves well. They're punishing themselves, holding themselves back from the best of life because of something they think they did, or didn't do, at some point in the past.

The way you see health, and your relationship to it, will determine how successful you are at achieving it.  What does health mean to you? You see, you need to know this, and define it, if you’re ever going to attain it. It can help you understand why your weight loss attempts arent working out, or why you havn't done anything about your high cholesterol.

How will you know if you’re ‘healthy’ if you haven’t clarified what ‘health’ is for you? Does being healthy mean being at a certain weight? Does it mean having the energy to play with your kids all day? Does it mean going to the toilet more regularly? Maybe it means being fit, exercising regularly?

Try finishing the following sentences and see how you feel about health. If you’re interested, my answers are below.

I feel best when...

I feel worst when...

I’m happiest when...

I know I feel healthy when...

I believe healthy eating is...

I believe bad eating is...

Cooking good food is...

To me health means...

Chris’s answers

I feel best when I’m eating clean food, in its natural state, getting enough sleep, exercising often. It energizes me, puts me in a good mood and I enjoy it. I feel best when I’m being more social and not working too much

I feel worst when I’m overworked, not getting enough sleep. I feel pretty crappy when I am too social, go out too much and indulge too often. I don’t like eating badly because it affects my energy and makes me grumpy. I also feel bloated, sluggish and guilty.

I’m happiest when I can relax and enjoy good food and good company. I’m pretty happy when I’m at my ideal weight of around 55kg’s, much over this and I feel podgy and wobbly. I’m happiest when I don’t feel pressure and stress from work. When I’m on top of everything and being organised.

I know I feel healthy when I’m around my ideal weight, when I see healthy food in front of me and I’m exercising a lot. When I don’t get sick all winter and I don’t look tired in the mirror. I feel like I’m healthy when my joints don’t hurt, when I’m eating badly they ache. I feel healthy at the moment because I’m working 12+ hour days 6 days a week and I still have the energy to go to the gym and get through my day.

I believe healthy eating is eating foods in their natural state. I don’t believe eating processed and refined food too often is healthy, although I believe in balance, and indulging at the right times. I believe healthy eating is colourful and I try and eat a balance of colours every day. I believe it is drinking lots of water. I believe healthy eating is about experimenting and enjoying your food, and the people you share it with. I believe preparing healthy food for my partner is a sign of love. I do this for him because I want him to reap the same benefits I do.

"You know, all that really matters is that the people you love are happy and healthy, everything else is just sprinkles on the sundae" Paul Walker

I believe unhealthy eating is eating foods like bread, pasta, rice, junk foods and takeaway. I know they’re bad because they make me feel unwell. I believe unhealthy eating is a cop out for people who are after the easy way out. It takes longer to prepare your own food than to order takeaway, but you pay for the takeaway in time later, when you’re unwell.

Cooking healthy food is fun! Its great to try new food and find recipes that are delicious and healthy. Its rewarding when other people enjoy the food I make. I get stressed if I have to rush so I deliberately always allow myself plenty of time to prepare my meals. I prepare everything first and organise it into little bowls. I'll combine into 1 bowl ingredients that get thrown in at the same time and line all my bowls up in the order that they go into the dish. It is rediculously anal and everyone laughs but it takes the stress away and I can relax and enjoy cooking.

To me, health means having the energy and strength to live my life the way I want. It means not worrying about the common diet related illnesses that I see people struggle with day in and day out. It means enjoying good food and good company. I would never want to sacrifice either. It means caring for those around me and knowing I'm doing the right thing by them.

So, there you have it that is my view on health and healthy eating. What’s yours? And now that you have answered those questions, what do you do with the information?

Well, I would suggest you analyse it and set your goals around what makes you feel happy and healthy. If it’s exercising by the water, then make that a priority. If both exercising and spending time with your kids makes you feel healthy and happy, why not combine the two? Walk the baby in the stroller along the beach, take the kids to the local tennis court and play a few games.

If you've realised that you are someone who believes that eating healthily is too hard, why don't you try looking for ways to make it easier? There are plenty of resources that provide tips of eating well when you're busy, on fast snacks to prepare, plenty of books on cooking meals in under 30 minutes, or only using a handful of ingredients. 

If you know you feel like you’re healthy when you eat a piece of fruit a day, set it as a goal to do it daily, or twice a day.

Focus on the positive things you can do to improve your health and happiness today. Set your goals and your energy around doing the things that make you feel good, like you’re living your life the way you choose.