Midlife Reality Check: Rethinking the Myths of Kale and Cardio as the Measure of Health
Written By Kristin Wood
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Cut Through the BS and Navigate the Maze of Wellness
Ever felt like you're drowning in a sea of health advice? Join me as we navigate the maze of wellness myths and misconceptions to uncover the truth about what it means to be healthy. Itâs time to unravel the complexities surrounding your quest for health. Itâs a journey filled with twists, turns, and more kale than you can shake a stick at. Or is it?
Face it, the quest for health can feel like a wild roller coaster ride. From trendy diets to miracle supplements, the wellness industry bombards us with conflicting advice. But amidst the chaos, have you ever stopped to question what âhealthyâ really means?
Healthy is a word that gets thrown around a lot. Itâs a word that I use all the time with clients, and itâs a word that can have countless interpretations.
What does it mean to you?
And more importantly, how do you measure it?
Letâs Get Real About What Determines Health
For years, I equated health to the number staring back at me from the scale. Then one day I added in the hip-to-waist ratio as a second metric to determine if I was on track with being my best self.
But as someone genetically predisposed to a body type of no waist (and no rear), I realized there was no way I was going to win with the hip-to-waist metric.
But it was out there. It was a measurement that would be taken at the yearly health check-up my employer provided. I had to try to pass the test. Iâm not a quitter and I strive to come in with excellent scores.
I remember starving myself before the check-up to drop anything I could to possibly get me a good ratio. It never worked.
It took an âoh shitâ moment from life for me to realize there were things that could happen that skinny wouldnât save me from. Thatâs when I began thinking about measurements like blood pressure, resting heart rate, and cholesterol levels.
I wanted to be aware of the quality and quantity of sleep I was getting and the effects a wonky blood sugar balance was creating in my body. I discovered that the scale is only scratching the surface of health. True health goes beyond numbers.
Exploring How Unhealthy are You
Iâm interested in how you determine your health. At the bottom of this article, youâll see a âcontact meâ button. Seriously, find it and share with me how you determine your health.
Last week I opened up about my journey to overcome injuries and reclaim my health. For me, when I think of the word âhealthyâ itâs not JUST about hitting certain numbers, but also the ability to do everyday tasks without strain. My goal is to be able to do the things I love effortlessly, tackling life's challenges head-on.
Even if itâs just being able to squat to get something off the bottom shelf at the grocery store and stand back up without the assistance of the cart.
Itâs an action that Iâve mindlessly done weekly for a very long time. I knew it was getting uncomfortable to do and then one day I was squatted and had an oh crap moment. I couldnât pop back up.
Itâs the little everyday mindless actions that you donât notice until you canât do them that are great gauges of health. These are the markers that can stimulate what you call willpower so that you stick with a plan.
For you, feeling strong, resilient, and able to tackle everyday tasks with ease could look like being able to keep up with your grandchild at the park. The strength to push the merry-go-round until theyâre dizzy, or fit on the slide so you can go down double with them. Thatâs the kind of goal that sparks more motivation than a number on the scale.
What are those everyday markers of health for you?
The Quest for Your Right Path to Health...
I speak to clients about having clear goals that relate to everyday health markers vs. these random numbers from measuring devices.
And once you have a few in mind youâll be ready to go. But ready to do what?
The only way youâll move closer to your goals is through consistent action.
Let's cut through the noise and get real: there's no one-size-fits-all solution to health. The key is finding what works for you â what you enjoy, what aligns with your lifestyle, and what you can stick with long term.
Forget the latest fads and trends. Your solution comes from doing the âdang thingâ. And the âdang thingâ is the thing that you love and commit to it wholeheartedly. It might even be something you stop doing!
This is where my "Escape the Diet Drama Quiz" comes in. It's not just another quiz â it's your personalized framework for a healthier, happier you.
Youâll receive a framework that fits your personality. That fits how you show up and take action in life, naturally. The actions that you commit to are actions that align with you, therefore letting consistency feel like a breeze.
Click below to get started and access your QUIT-PROOF PLAN âŹïž
Healthy and Happy Life: Redefining Wellness
Perhaps your marker is as simple as a solid poop (yes, seriously!)
A client of mine struggled with IBS and a trip to the grocery store or getting her hair done was overwhelming. She was scared sheâd have an episode and not make it to the bathroom. For her, a health marker was solid poop. Achieving regular bowel movements was a game-changer that transformed her quality of life.
Remember, health is not defined by a number on the scale. It's about feeling vibrant, energized, and capable of living life to the fullest. So let's ditch the diet drama, redefine what it means to be healthy, and embark on a journey to wellness together.
I know exactly what it feels like to see yourself slipping away with every action that you realize isnât possible for you. But I also know the incredible feeling of reclaiming those abilities and thriving again. It's absolutely amazing.
The number on the scale is not what defines health; it's merely a societal construct that we've been conditioned to prioritize. There are countless actions you can take to nourish your body and soul, regardless of what the scale says.
And here's where my "Escape the Diet Drama Quiz" comes in...
It's more than just a quiz â it's a personalized framework designed to help you pinpoint the shifts that will make a real difference in your life.
So I challenge you to reflect on your health markers and identify any everyday tasks your current level of health may be holding you back from. It's never too late to make positive changes, and my quiz is the perfect starting point on your journey to optimal wellness.
You don't have to wait...go get your personalized QUIT-PROOF plan now âŹïž
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