When it comes to health and wellness, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing that weight loss is the key to achieving the body of your dreams. However, the concept of Health at Every Size (HAES) is quickly gaining traction as an alternative, weight-neutral approach to health and wellness that allows individuals to prioritize their overall wellbeing without placing an emphasis on the number on the scale. At Purple Sky Counseling, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their health and wellness goals through a HAES approach. Read on to learn more about the benefits of HAES, and how you can use this approach to prioritize your overall health and wellbeing.
What is Health at Every Size?
Health at Every Size is a weight-neutral approach to health and wellness that focuses on understanding and improving the wellbeing of individuals without placing emphasis on body size and weight. This approach acknowledges that individuals come in all shapes and sizes and that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to health and wellness. Rather than focusing on weight loss and dieting, HAES encourages individuals to find healthier eating habits and to engage in physical activity for the purpose of feeling better, rather than for the sole purpose of weight loss.
Benefits of Health at Every Size
There are numerous benefits to adopting a HAES approach to health and wellness. The primary benefit is that a HAES approach allows individuals to focus on their overall wellbeing without placing an emphasis on weight loss. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have struggled with dieting and other weight loss approaches in the past. With HAES, individuals are able to develop healthier eating habits and engage in physical activity without feeling guilty or ashamed of their bodies.
Additionally, HAES encourages individuals to focus on developing a positive attitude and outlook towards their bodies and health. This can help to reduce body shaming and negative self-talk, and can also help individuals to become more mindful and aware of their own needs and wants.
Finally, HAES can also help to reduce stress and anxiety associated with dieting and weight loss. Studies have shown that dieting can actually increase stress and anxiety levels, so a HAES approach can be beneficial for those who are looking to reduce their stress levels and feel more in control of their health and wellbeing.
Tips for Adopting a Health at Every Size Approach
If you’re interested in adopting a HAES approach to health and wellness, there are a few tips that can help to make the transition easier.
First, try to focus on developing healthy habits and behaviors, rather than on weight loss. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety associated with dieting and can also help to foster a more positive attitude towards health and wellness.
Second, try to be mindful of your body and what it needs. Listen to your body’s cues and be mindful of your own needs and wants.
Third, focus on finding physical activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. This can help to reduce stress and can also help to motivate you to stay active and engaged in your health and wellbeing.
Finally, remember that health and wellness come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t compare yourself to others or be hard on yourself if you don’t reach a certain goal. Everyone is different, and it’s important to recognize and celebrate your own unique journey.
At Purple Sky Counseling in Salt Lake County, we understand the importance of taking a weight-neutral approach to health and wellness. Our team of experienced counselors is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals through a HAES approach. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.