Most women, especially those invested in working out, are always chasing a specific appearance that will make them feel as though they are defined as “healthy” people. According to a study, exactly more than half of the women in America try to lose weight every year. Women especially are constantly bombarded with the idea that to be “healthy” we must achieve this specific appearance. When in reality it is not uncommon to find those that look this way are in fact not actually healthy on a functional, hormonal and nutritional level. It makes you take a step back and wonder what is actually the true definition of health. While health can not be defined it can be greatly supported by a few major players in the game such as; hormone health, digestive health, mental health, skin health, and being able to maintain a healthy weight without going on crazy diets and exercise regimes. 

As a woman, one of the most important markers of your overall health is your monthly cycle. Having a regular menstrual cycle is a sign that important parts of your body are working as they should. The menstrual cycle provides important hormones to keep you healthy. It also prepares your body for pregnancy each month. During this time of menstruation, your body is signaling that it is safe enough to ovulate, which is a good thing! This means your body is not under massive amounts of stress and your body feels safe. Oftentimes, when women jump into wanting to chase a specific appearance goal they begin to lose weight in a way that stresses the body out, and therefore your cycle and hormones are compromised. Losing your cycle for long periods of time will cause major consequences in the future such as; threatened bone health, cardiovascular risks, infertility issues, hair loss, and mental health issues. Think of your monthly cycle as your monthly health report to keep your hormone health in check. 

Another area to look at for prioritizing your true health over your physical appearance is your digestive system. This one is a trendy topic within the social media world especially. Many women begin a journey of wanting to look a certain way and the first step is cutting out certain food groups, counting calories, and going on crazy fad diets. This will oftentimes lead to digestive disruption and just cause more stress on the body. One reason is, diet foods are oftentimes filled to the brim with additives and artificial sweeteners that wreak havoc on the gut and just cause more inflammation and bloating. The second reason is STRESS! Stress can cause you to get bloated and back up like no other. Also, cutting calories and increasing exercise is a major stressor on the body and will sometimes have an adverse effect if your body is not nourished properly. It is very important to analyze your digestive system and decide if it is truly in a healthy place. A few checkpoints would be; are you going to the bathroom at least once a day with ease and no pain, are you experiencing bloat or distention after anything you eat?  Do you get gassy often? These questions and many more are just the beginning of declaring your body’s overall wellness. 

Your skin health is another area to look at when considering your body’s true wellness over your appearance. Usually, your skin is a good indicator of telling you what might be going on inside your body. It’s like a little friendly reminder that your body might need some support internally. For example, hormonal acne and cystic acne signal that the body might have a hormonal imbalance. It is normal to have a few zits pop up at times, but it is not normal to have consistent cystic acne that is painful. Also, breakouts that occur on the face can be a good indicator of poor digestive health. It is possible to reach a point of glowing skin when you nourish your body correctly. 

Lastly, being able to maintain a healthy weight year-round is a great indication that you are prioritizing true wellness over your appearance. Maintaining a healthy weight for you and your body is SO important this helps your body function the way it should and create a safe space for you to thrive in. Your hormones can produce the way they should, your digestive system can function properly and your skin can glow the way it is supposed to! Many women get themselves into this place of being super stressed all the time which can trigger their bodies to stay in flight-or-fight mode. This is where we begin to see your true health decline and even see your body fight back by holding onto everything. It can become a vicious cycle. By prioritizing your body’s true health and nourishing your body properly you will not only feel your best, but you will look your best!