Being “body positive” is something that SIMI PHARMACY absolutely supports. You are worthy of respect and consideration, whatever your size, shape, skin tone, gender or physical abilities. Feeling good about yourself pays off in good health, mental and physical.
There’s no denying that a healthy diet plays a big role in keeping you at your best. “Healthy” means more than just the number of calories you consume every day. Healthy eating is about how much you eat … and about what you eat … and even about when you eat. The link between food, weight and health is clear … but it also complex.
As medical research goes deeper into what we eat and the effects of specific foods and nutrients, some long-accepted ideas are being discarded and new factors are being discovered.
Medical experts used to put out charts that presented fixed weight ranges correlated to height, gender and age. Some charts also adjusted “normal” weight ranges for factors such as body type. We learned how to calculate our BMI (body mass index) and watched to see that our number was between 18.5 and 25 – the ”normal” range — and didn’t creep up to an obese 30. Today, BMI is regarded as a flawed and inaccurate tool. It tells something … but not enough. Medical researchers want a measure that also assesses different kinds of blood markers and metabolic parameters. The focus has moved away from fixed numbers on a chart, or on the bathroom scale, to a more complete assessment of wellness.
At one time, we were advised that 2500 calories was the daily standard for men and 2000 was right for women. Today, we recognise that optimum calorie intake must allow for a person’s build, body chemistry and how physically active they are. An ideal calorie intake for YOU might be more. Or it might be less.
The relationship between weight and health is still valid but doctors and medical researchers have become less rigid about it. A person can be fairly “well upholstered” and still be healthy. But there are several ifs…
If their diet includes all colors of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, plenty of fiber, unsaturated fats and whole, unprocessed foods.
If they are “self-limiting”. This means that a person may enjoy a rich dessert or bag of chips from time to time, but they don’t “treat” themselves as a routine or frequently.
If they don’t suffer chronic constipation. When the digestive system is working the way it should, it’s a good indicator that the rest of the body is also working well. A healthy person does not have to resort to laxatives.
If they remain hydrated. One way to keep digestion on track is to drink plenty of water. (This also pays off in a clear complexion.) If their urine is clear, it’s a sign of good kidney health.
If they are not sitting all the time. A “spare tire” is no bar to exercise. Tone up with a brisk walk every day.
If they are getting good sleep. Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep indicates that something else may be wrong. This is true whether the person is underweight, overweight or normal. A feeling of fatigue when there has been no particularly arduous activity or when the person has slept for six to eight hours also points to trouble.
If their immune system is in good nick. A healthy person, chubby or otherwise, doesn’t come down with sniffles and a fever every time some little germ floats by.
If they are emotionally resiliant, able to see things (and themselves) in perspective. Some stress is good for us but persistent anxiety takes its toll on the body. And vice versa: poor physical condition inevitably influences a person’s outlook and responses to life.
A person who on the right side of these indicators can look in the mirror and say “I’m good!“
With a salute to all our beautiful patrons, SIMI PHARMACY says
STAY HEALTHY AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE