Introduction:
When it comes to health, society tends to emphasize the achievement of a particular weight or body size as the ultimate measure of success. However, the true essence of well-being lies in feeling good, rather than fixating solely on the numbers on a scale. In this blog post, we explore the reasons why feeling good should be prioritized over actual weight loss and how it can lead to a more holistic and sustainable approach to health.
- Self-Esteem and Body Positivity:
Weight loss doesn’t necessarily equate to improved self-esteem or body positivity. In fact, the obsession with achieving a specific weight can often lead to negative self-image and perpetuate an unhealthy cycle of body dissatisfaction. Focusing on feeling good promotes self-acceptance, self-love, and a positive body image, regardless of the numbers on the scale. - Mental and Emotional Health:
Feeling good goes beyond physical well-being and encompasses mental and emotional health. Engaging in activities that bring joy, practicing self-care, and cultivating a positive mindset contribute to overall happiness. Prioritizing feeling good allows us to address the underlying emotional and psychological factors that impact our well-being, leading to long-lasting positive changes. - Sustainable Approach:
Many weight loss programs focus on restrictive diets or intense workout regimens. While these methods may lead to short-term weight loss, they are often difficult to maintain in the long run. Prioritizing feeling good emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes that promote healthy habits without compromising mental and emotional well-being. By focusing on feeling good, we can adopt a more balanced and flexible approach to health, making it more likely to continue on this journey in the long term. - Quality of Life:
Weight loss alone does not guarantee an improvement in one’s quality of life. True well-being involves experiencing vitality, energy, and a zest for life. By focusing on feeling good, we shift our attention to factors such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, all of which contribute to an improved quality of life. Feeling good allows us to be active participants in life, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of a specific weight or body size. - Health Beyond Numbers:
Health is a multidimensional concept that includes not only physical but also mental, emotional, and social aspects. When we prioritize feeling good, we acknowledge the importance of these various components in the achievement of optimal health. By adopting a holistic perspective, we can better address the interconnectedness of these factors and make choices that truly support our overall well-being.
Conclusion:
While weight loss may be a valid goal for some individuals, focusing solely on the numbers on a scale often disregards the more important aspect of feeling good. By shifting our focus to feeling good, we can foster self-acceptance, improve our mental and emotional well-being, adopt sustainable habits, enhance our quality of life, and take a holistic approach to health. Ultimately, feeling good empowers us to create a healthier relationship with ourselves, our bodies, and our overall well-being.
At 12 Weeks we use an integrated approach that offers coaching around balanced nutrition vs. restricting food, encouraging mindful and intuitive eating, increasing activity, and promoting positive body image.
If you need any help or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
We are here to help you create a future-ready workplace wellness program.
Author: Emma Carpenter
Sources:
Risk Factors for Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescent Girls: A Longitudinal Investigation. Attie & Brookes-Gunn, 1989; Stice & Shaw, 2002
Bacon, L., & Aphramor, L. (2011). Weight Science:Evaluating the Evidence for a Paradigm Shift. Nutrition Journal, 10(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-9
Grabe, S., Ward, L.M., Hyde, J.S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: a meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin; 134(3): 460–476.
Gillen, M. M. (2015). Associations between positive body image and indicators of men’s and women’s mental and physical health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25682474/
