What Does It Mean to be Healthy?

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and do not give recommendations or health advice intended to diagnose, treat or cure. This post is entirely based on my own experience and research. Every body is different and I am only able to tell you what works for me. If you have concerns about your own health and what you should be eating, please consult with your dietician or doctor.

Hey everyone! If you watched my last What I Ate Today video you might have seen me talking about what I think “healthy” means. If you haven’t seen it, the video is below (skip to 5:45).

I have been a bit annoyed with the online vegan & health community lately. I feel like there is so much information and misinformation out there about nutrition, the last thing we need is people telling us our food isn’t healthy enough for whatever reason. It is completely normal to eat a variety of foods, and not be some picture perfect “clean” eater or whole foods vegan or whatever other label exists. There is enough to be stressed about in life without worrying at every meal that we are not eating the “perfect” foods for the most “optimal” health. Your body knows what it is doing. It can adapt in ways you never imagined! Therefore, if you eat a balanced, varied diet with a focus on plants, you will be just fine.

I’m not sure where this intense fixation on health came from (I think to some degree it was always there, but the internet is increasing the obsession with health exponentially).

I also think it has to do with a fear of gaining weight. I don’t get it. If you gain a bit of weight, you can also lose a bit of weight. It is completely natural to gain and lose weight throughout your life. It’s not the end of the world to gain a few pounds- I PROMISE. Most of the time if you eat a regular, balanced, varied diet and do moderate exercise, your body will be very stable and regulate your weight well. However, if you gain or lose a few pounds here and there, it really is not a big deal. I know what I am saying isn’t rocket science or a brand new concept. I really do think many people have lost their way when it comes to eating, though.

All I want is for people to remember that food is fuel. It is something you eat when you are hungry to give your body the energy it needs to function. Yes, some foods are more nutritionally dense than others. But there is no need to stress and restrict and miss out on life because you are too afraid of eating something unhealthy. Try to keep a balance in life, I really think it is one of the keys to happiness :). To finish on a high note, below are some photos of my favourite vegan “junk” foods.