In a world saturated with images of ultra-fit and ultra-lean bodies, the perception of what it means to be “healthy” has become narrow and often unattainable. The situation is not helped by the fact that many of these images are digitally altered, presenting a version of a strong and lean physique that is virtually impossible to achieve. The pressure to conform to these unrealistic ideals can profoundly impact our mental health, fostering feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
As some of you may know, I participated in two bikini competitions within a year. While I fared decently in both, I soon realized that in order to truly succeed in a larger field (by which I mean placing in the top three or even winning), I would have to continue with the rigorous diet and demanding workouts I had been following for over a year – and that was not what I wanted.
During this process, I came to the realization that while I had drastically transformed my body composition within a relatively short time, I had also tied my self-worth to the size of my body, even more so than before. I had lost sight of how to simply live and still maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although I had shed weight and gained muscle, I had neglected other crucial aspects of health.
I also reminded myself of the initial reason for embarking on this lifestyle change: to achieve better health so that I could explore and travel for years to come. My desire to attain an exceptionally lean physique had overshadowed this goal. And I’ll admit, the praise and admiration I received from others along the way made me feel special.
We must remember that true health encompasses not just physical well-being, but also emotional, mental, and social wellness. It involves feeling a sense of purpose and meaning in life. When our focus becomes fixated on what and how much we eat, when our obsession centers around having flat abs, a firm butt, and a “perfect” body, can we truly consider ourselves healthy?
Let’s not forget that different levels of health exist. Health manifests in various shapes, sizes, and forms. The key lies in discovering the level that is right for you. Embracing diversity in health enables us to break free from narrow definitions and appreciate the unique journey that each of us is on. We can celebrate and acknowledge our own successes, as well as those of others, recognizing that they extend beyond the mere size of our bodies.
Imagine how amazing it would be if we could fully embrace this mindset!