Health at Every Size, HAES
Health At Every Size (HAES) is a movement that teaches us that health does not come in one body size. Genetics and culture can greatly effect a persons bone structure, body size/shape, and weight. For this reason, HAES encourages people to fight societal pressure that weight loss equals health. It is an all inclusive movement, encouraging and normalizing all body types, every body can be healthy across a wide range of weights. 1,2
“Ideal body type” is a phrase that pops up from time to time on social media, this can often bring feelings of shame to those who don’t fit the so called “ideal body type”. In reality the “ideal body type” is the one that allows you to feel strong and energetic, it allows you to lead a healthy life, not based on weight. 1,2
Try to avoid comparing your body to that of others, especially those on Instagram, TV or magazines. Often times even those people don’t look like their pictures.
Below are the principles, taken from the National Eating Disorders Association:2
- Accept your size. Love and appreciate the body you have
- Trust yourself. Support your body in naturally finding its unique appropriate weight by honoring hunger and fullness cues
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Fulfill your social, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Find joyful movement, become physically active in ways that bring you joy
- Eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full
- There is room for all foods, enjoy nutritious meals plus enjoy foods that bring you joy
- Embrace size diversity. Humans come in all shapes and sizes!
Instead of weight or size being the main determining factor of health, this focuses on how you feel.
Do you have energy to get through your day?
Are you constantly hungry or overly full?
Are you sleeping?
Are you able to enjoy time with friends and not worry about food?
How is your relationship with food?
One of the most important things to remember is that everybody is different, there is no one size to beauty or health. Celebrate genetic & cultural differences by celebrating body diversity.
References:
haescommunity.com
nationaleatingdisorders.org
