What Does “Healthy” Mean?
We often think about “healthy” as if it has one definition. Eat right, move more, sleep enough, repeat. But is it really that simple? Health is extremely personal and context-dependent; therefore, how someone defines healthy is likely different from person to person. What feels healthy for one person may not feel healthy for another and is why my view of health is never one-size-fits-all.
I encourage everyone to write their own definition of healthy. Doing this can help provide clarity around what matters the most to you and illuminate your priorities.
Some people define health as energy and strength. Others define it as mental clarity, emotional balance, or the ability to manage stress. Sometimes, it might mean being able to cook a meal without feeling overwhelmed or having enough time to rest. It can be freeing to know that the way you define health is valid even if it looks different from someone else’s.
Health is shaped not just by choices but by the resources and environments available to you. Your neighborhood, your access to fresh food, the support systems around you, and your work and family responsibilities all shape what is possible. Viewing health through this lens helps you see why some days feel easier than others and why comparing yourself to others can be misleading.
Core Insight
There is no finish line for health. No award for being the healthiest person. It is a process of understanding what supports your well-being and finding ways to make it sustainable. Social determinants of health, such as income, education, neighborhood safety, and access to nutritious food, influence the choices you can make. Recognizing these factors helps you stop blaming yourself for circumstances outside your control and start identifying areas where small changes can have a meaningful impact.
For example, if your schedule is busy and you don’t have affordable access to fresh produce, don’t skip the vegetables or fruits. Try preparing simple meals in advance or choosing convenient frozen vegetables or fruits. Doing what you can with what you have.
Health also evolves over time. What matters to you in your twenties may not be the same in your fifties. Life circumstances change, and your definition of healthy will continue to shift. Embracing flexibility helps habits feel sustainable, without feeling guilty about “getting back” to your old self.
Reflection
Consider what being healthy means for you. Is it energy, strength, emotional balance, or simply feeling present in your body? How does your environment support or limit these experiences? Take time to reflect and allow yourself to create a personal vision of health that is realistic and empowering.
If you want practical tools to start shaping your health in ways that feel achievable, my e-book provides simple, realistic steps for meal prepping. It focuses on creating systems that fit your life rather than imposing rigid rules. You can also work with me directly to design a plan that meets your needs and preferences.
Let’s create something LOVELY.
💗Lisa