Embracing the Grey Area: Non-Diet and Health at Every Size (HAES)
Let’s dive into a concept that can feel a bit like navigating a grey area: rejecting diets while still prioritising health. As a nurse with nine years of experience, currently working in the ED, I know how crucial health is. But rejecting diets doesn’t mean we’re anti-health. Let’s explore this balance together.
Rejecting Diets Doesn’t Mean Rejecting Health
First things first, rejecting diets doesn’t mean we’re against health. It means we’re against the misinformation that confuses health with appearance and promotes unhealthy behaviors like fad and crash diets. What we’re promoting is evidence-based health practices that focus on long-term well-being, not just weight loss.
Understanding the Grey Area
The grey area of non-diet and Health at Every Size (HAES) can feel controversial and uncomfortable at times. It’s about body autonomy and making informed choices about your health without the pressure to conform to societal standards of appearance.
Healthy Behaviors I Practice as a Non-Diet Health Practitioner
Here’s a peek into some healthy habits I practice:
Move My Body: I engage in various forms of exercise four times a week, including strength training, resistance, cardio, balance, and endurance activities. It’s all about finding what feels good and keeps me active.
Walk My Dog Daily: Getting outside and walking my dog is a great way to stay active and enjoy some fresh air.
Stay Hydrated: I drink plenty of water and herbal tea throughout the day.
Prioritise Sleep: As a part-time ED nurse, I know the importance of getting quality sleep whenever I can.
Eat a Balanced Plate: Guided by gentle nutrition principles, I aim for balanced meals that make me feel good.
Mindful Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption: I pay attention to how much alcohol and caffeine I consume, keeping it within a range that feels right for me.
Engage in Self-Care: I have routines for self-care and stress reduction, which are vital for my mental health.
Stay Connected: I maintain healthy and regular connections with my friends and family.
Flexibility and Feeling Good
The key here is flexibility. I do these things because they make me feel good, not because I’m trying to make my body smaller. It’s about enjoying the journey of health, not punishing ourselves to fit a certain mold.
Promoting Informed Choices
As a non-diet health practitioner, I aim to promote informed choices about health. It’s about empowering you to make decisions that are best for your body and well-being, without the influence of diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the grey area of non-diet and HAES is about finding what works for you and focusing on behaviors that enhance your quality of life. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or controversial at times—this is part of challenging deeply ingrained societal norms.
Remember, health isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about what makes you feel your best, physically and mentally. So, embrace the grey area, make informed choices, and prioritise your well-being in a way that feels right for you.
Stay healthy and happy, friends! 💖🧘♀️🚶♂️
Be kind to yourself,
M x
