How do you know if you're healthy?

TheNextWest

Does it really have to be all about numbers- weight, BMI, etc? I mean, if you eat mostly healthy foods, get some excercise, make smart choices, and feel like you have control of your body... whether you are slightly "underweight" or slightly "overweight", can't you still be healthy?!

And how do you deal with people who think otherwise? As if it were really any of their business... (I'm obviously frustrated, but I really would like some other opinions on this). I am getting really tired of getting the "you're too thin" lecture- and I realize I don't look all that thin in my sig, judgers lol. But seriously, when did it become ok to ask someone how much they weigh? I know I have lost a lot of weight. And I am well-aware that I have body image/weight/food issues, as are my family & friends- so I don't want to be that girl. I am the smallest I have ever been and technically, my BMI says I am underweight. But I don't think I'm that thin. I'm thinner than I used to be. I'm thin for my height, but I feel like I'm still in a healthy range, and my weight loss has slowed/nearly stopped.

So, what do you do? What do you say to people who make inappropriate comments or ask intrusive questions? I'm so over it.

kittycarr

I get the big eye bulge too when people come to know that my goal weight is 110lbs. 

You look happy, you look healthy, your kids look both as well so you'll only get the "i wish i looked like you" looks of jealousy from me.

shopgirl_07

Well the rude, intrusive comments are no good if they're coming from strangers and acquaintances. But if they're coming from family and close friends maybe they're just worried about you.

You can be "healthy" with a lower BMI, sure. But the fact that you say you have body image/weight/food issues indicates that you're probably not healthy. At least not emotionally.

GrowingFamily

I think it's a combination of the numbers (which ARE important) and how you feel.  It's not one or the other, IMO.  I beleive that if some of the numbers are not exactly where they should be, you could still be "healthy" and feeling good.  It really depends on WHAT numbers are off, though...some are more important that others (like blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.).

I don't think it's ANYONE'S business what your weight is, other than you & your doctor.  I do agree with the pp, though, in that if your family/ close friends are concerned, that's a red flag for you.  Sounds like some counseling may be helpful, if you are not already doing that.  GL.

veloelle

Honestly, part of it can be jealously, which I might get flamed for. I've always been small, and that can really piss people off. When I was younger, I never had to work at my weight, but now you bet your skinny a$$ I work HARD to keep it that way (when not PG. Now is a diff story, lol)! Like kitty, I'm petite and 110 is a good weight for me, which is totally in proportion for my small frame. I've weighed more and less, and that's where my best body is, kwim?

You always look great in the pictures you post on here! And yes, I think you can be healthy and not be at the ideal weight for your height, either under or over. I think certain guidelines just want to put people in boxes and not look at the entire picture.  I've had some gym instructors that weren't super skinny, but they kicked everyone's butt in class.

FloF9

I understand what you're saying. I personally base it on the following:

1. do you do an annual check up EVERY year without fail - which shows your numbers are within the normal range.

2. do you get sick often each year?  If you get sick more than twice a year that may be telling you something

3. if you are chronically tired it may be telling you something.

4. when you do something strenuous does it make you sore for several days?

5. do you visually look healthy?  no spots, sores, pain or strange pallor about you.

6. do you eat balanced meals the majority of the time?

TheNextWest

Is it bad that I literally stuck my tongue out at some of the responses? lol.

It's just that it's all so complicated!

I do have some "issues", mostly stemming from my past in pageants/modeling and the stuff they drilled into my head about what was expected about my body. So I am ALWAYS trying "fix" my body.  I don't really do doctors, except my OB/GYN and my neurologist- both of which I see fairly regulary bc I'm so screwed up. But one has me on meds that mess with my hormones and I always gain a few lbs. and one has me on meds that makes me lose weight. On top of the fact that I've been a temporary single parent for the last 7 months during this deployment, which wears you down and I've lost weight from that. BUT, I'm a dancer and still modeling now and I need to stay fit for my work.  I am finally at number/weight that I'm comfortable with (although there are still things on my body I'm not happy with), and now everyone else seems bothered by it.

 

shopgirl_07

You sound very stressed. Which is understandable given the situation you're in. Have you tried counseling?

npeacock

Again - thank you to you and your family for what you are doing for all of us.

Numbers are not the only measure of how healthy you are. You are obviously very careful with what you put into your body, and so long as you are making good choices about that (balanced, regular meals and snacks), you are probably fine. I think NBC news just did a story on this how just because you are thin, doesn't mean you are healthy, and just because you are overweight doesn't mean that you are unhealthy. It's different for everyone, and no one can make that determination based on just what it says on the scale.

When people ask say, "you know, I haven't weighed myself lately, but I'm feeling really good." Or you could come back with, "IDK, what do you weigh now?" Either one should get them to back off.

K&KMOM

It is rude for people to comment on your weight whether you are thin or heavy.  I hate that people think they can comment on someone's weight if they are thin.  IMO, just as rude to comment on a heavy person's weight.