What is healthy? Is it being a vegetarian, drinking green juices, doing yoga, cleansing, exercising five times a week, or shopping organic? What makes someone’s lifestyle a healthy one? I realize it is totally subjective, but still, is there one approach that is better than the other?
I have spent most of my life searching for the most nutritious foods, the healthiest forms of cooking, and the best workouts, all so that I could deem myself a “healthy” person.
After years of fad diets, waiting until a Monday to start my new and improved lifestyle, or restricting myself until the point of bitterness and self-loathing, I finally found it!
Balance. Yep, that’s it, balance is what makes me healthy. I eat everything; I drink green tea AND enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee with creamer, I roast seasonal vegetables, eat a juicy burger with fries and a beer, I love kale prepared in any way, and I am at the mercy of anything chocolate.
I exercise (which I prefer to call “moving my body” it’s just less offensive to my psyche) as often as I can. Some days are vigorous and sweaty, others are just about stretching and breathing, and of course there are the days I just attempt to move my body in some way, shape or form. Regardless of the style, all of it honors my attempt and desire to keep my blood pumping.
I honor my feelings, and feed my cravings. And you know what, I am happy. I feel strong, empowered, and liberated. I do not restrict myself of anything, quite the opposite, I indulge in every part of life; the food, drink, and movement. I strive to be mindful through all of it. I have realized that “healthy” is more how you feel, than what you actually do, and I do it all. I am the healthiest I have ever been simply because I have found my balance.
I wasn’t really sure how to capture balance through photography, so I thought I would take a few photos from my week. It mostly captures what I prepared and ate, because how the heck am I supposed to take a photo of myself in a pilates or cardio class? But I did capture my favorite workout; it was a very long hike I took with my daughter. We wore matching necklaces and tennis shoes, brought tons of snacks, took about 15 stretching breaks, and ran a lot! It really was the highlight of my week (well that, and a burger I had that was on a Hawaiian bread bun, deliciousness, we’ll discuss that later).
Balance equals a happy and healthy me.
What makes YOU feel healthy?
