Summary

The article discusses the nuanced difference between fitness and health, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches to achieve individual health and fitness goals.

Abstract

The author of the article shares personal insights and professional experiences to underscore the distinction between being fit and being healthy. They argue that while fitness often focuses on physical appearance and performance, true health encompasses a broader spectrum including mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. The author advocates for the importance of understanding one's unique body, needs, and goals, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach. They encourage self-exploration and self-acceptance, suggesting that readers should ask themselves what they truly want from their health journey and what sacrifices they are willing to make. The article emphasizes that health is not solely about physical fitness but involves a holistic approach, including the consideration of micro-nutrition, genetics, and lifestyle choices. The author, while not a certified nutritionist or mental health professional, offers their perspective as a health coach, urging readers to be kind to themselves, to continue striving for their personal version of health, and to support one another in their health journeys.

Opinions

The author believes that the body can distinguish between different types of nutrients on a micro level, contrary to the belief that "a carb is a carb."
They express that many physically fit individuals may not necessarily be healthy, as health is a multifaceted concept that includes more than just physical appearance.
The article suggests that finding what works best for an individual's unique circumstances is more important than following generalized advice.
It is highlighted that health and fitness goals and the sacrifices made to achieve them should align with personal values and happiness.
The author points out that achieving a certain level of fitness, such as a six-pack, is not the ultimate goal for everyone and should not come at the cost of overall well-being or enjoyment of life.
There is an emphasis on the importance of being loving and compassionate towards oneself and others in the pursuit of health and fitness.
The author encourages readers to continue to seek information, maintain a supportive community, and never give up on their health journey.
They remind readers that health and fitness are personal journeys and that everyone has the potential to be healthy, fit, and happy in their own way.

Some Personal Truths about Fitness & Health

Some things I have learned along my journey on this path around the sun.

Despite what some people may like to broadcast or boast, being Fit isn’t the same as being healthy, that’s for absolute sure!

I have met, and worked with, many a physically fit and impressive appearing person and athlete in my life and profession. I have met, and worked with, the exact opposite too.

In my experience, many are only, or at least majorly, concerned with their Macro-nutrition and make claims that a carb is a carb is a carb and the body cannot tell the difference and yadda yadda yadda… They eat entire boxes of donuts, bagels, pizzas and whatnot to themselves.

Some will agree with this approach, and even some data will agree too. To a certain extent, it is true; however, it is also false — hopefully more on that later, but here is a big beef of mine:

If we really think our bodies are so unimpressively unintelligent that they cannot tell the difference on a micro level — you are absolutely fooling yourself! On a Macro level, sure (possibly and I would even still argue sometimes), but definitely NOT on a Micro level!

Plenty of people of all kinds of life, experiences, fitness & health levels, education research and whatnot will agree and/or disagree, and many levels in between; however, the most important thing is…

FINDING OUT WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU, YOUR BODY, AND YOUR GOALS!

We are all the same and we are also all uniquely different. We have different genetic factors and pre-dispositions, body compositions, metabolisms, Epigenetics, endurance, stamina, agility, abilities, capabilities, and on and on the list can go. What is attainable and possible for one person might never be true for some one else — buuuuuut, something else might be that isn’t for the other… Embrace yourself (literally and figuratively)!

Ultimately, you need to ask yourself basic questions like:

What do you want from your life, your body, your health, your ___?
What are you willing to do or try to figure out what works for you?
What sacrifices are you willing to make for your goal(s) of health, wellness, fitness, ‘extreme’ fitness, work, life, etc. and do you really believe it will be worth it?
Will achieving your goal(s) make you happy, is that a goal?
How much time and/or money will you have to spend on research, food, equipment, fees, etc.?
What is the timeline? Is this a forever thing or temporary? Is it a Lifestyle?

And so on…

On the Flip side…

Being Healthy isn’t necessarily always being super fit, but it does usually take physical activity health and fitness into consideration.

Take me for example. I consider myself to be healthy. I take my physical fitness into consideration. I also take into account my well-being mentally, spiritually, emotionally, energetically, as well as physically (and even financially).

Okay, who am I to say anything. I am not a supremely successful athlete. I haven’t written any books (yet). I’m not internationally known or even less than that…

I am female. 5 foot 6 inches tall and weigh between 145–155 pounds depending on the day, time of day, having just eaten or gone to the bathroom, etc., I have about a 28 inch waist, thick strong legs, shoulders people love to comment about, and breasts that are more typical on an old Greek/Italian statue before our hormones became such amuck — meaning 34-A and almost non existent.

I have been on the cusp of revealing my 6/8 pack for decades and I might never get there, but that’s okay with me (ish). Don’t get me wrong, I would love that (and other things), but I am not going to count calories, spend hours a day at the gym, and watch every piece of Macro food that comes into my mouth — I care more about the Micros (for the most part) and I want to enjoy other aspects of my life. I care about being fit and HEALTHY, and I have mostly accomplished that. Could I keep going, keep improving, keep chasing? Abso-fucking-lutely!

I will continue to try and improve or at least maintain, but most of all, I will try to be loving and compassionate to with and for myself and others. I will continue to offer love, support, and cheering for all those doing their best, starting out, frustrated, hurting, etc., and I will do my best to offer you information, perspective, and HOPE!

You can do this. You can be healthy. You can be fit. You can be happy, successful, joyful, sexy, strong, fast, quick, agile… YOU CAN! Just don’t give up on yourself, your goals, your body, your journey!

Now, go kick ass, and perhaps most importantly

— Be Kind & HAVE FUN!

Note: This article is a compilation of my own life experiences, research, testament, opinion(s), etc.. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, legal, or clinical services. Although I, the author, have personal and professional experience in the health and wellness field, including health coaching, am not a certified/licensed nutritionist or mental health professional. I, the author, am neither a medical nor mental health advisor — as with any and all recommendations, please do your own due diligence.

With love light blessings, and a prayer for a brighter happier healthier tomorrow…

Your Idealistic HolisticNerd ~ ❤ Mind ❤ Body ❤ Spirit/Soul ❤ ~

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Although I have personal and professional experience in the health and wellness field, including nutrition, I am not a certified/licensed nutritionist. I am a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Herbalist, LMT, Health & Wellness Enthusiast, etc.. The information contained in this, or any, article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disorder disease. I, the author, am neither a medical nor mental health advisor — as with any and all recommendations, please do your own due diligence.