At UPCF, we believe that the smallest, thinnest, or leanest version of you does not necessarily equal the healthiest version of you. True health encompasses more than just the numbers on the scale or your physical appearance. It’s about cultivating a metabolically healthy body and adopting sustainable habits that enhance your overall well-being.
Metabolic health refers to how well your body processes and uses energy. A metabolically healthy body efficiently manages blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. Indicators of good metabolic health include:
- Consistent Energy Levels: You feel energized throughout the day without frequent crashes or the need for excessive caffeine.
- Responsive Hunger and Fullness Cues: You can recognize and appropriately respond to your body’s hunger, fullness, and satisfaction signals.
- Positive Relationship with Food: You enjoy a balanced diet without guilt, restriction, or overindulgence.
- Enjoyable Movement: You engage in physical activities that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to, rather than viewing exercise as a chore.
- Quality Sleep: You prioritize and achieve good quality sleep, which is crucial for recovery, mental clarity, and overall health.
- Effective Stress Management: You have strategies in place to manage stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies.
To achieve and maintain metabolic health, focus on cultivating these habits:
- Balanced Nutrition: Emphasize a diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive processed foods and added sugars. Research suggests that aiming for at least 30 different plant-based foods each week can significantly improve your gut microbiome, which in turn benefits your overall health and brain function.
- Consistent Exercise: Find a workout routine that you love, incorporating both strength training and cardiovascular activities. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Avoid distractions while eating and savor each bite.
- Stress Reduction: Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies you enjoy. Chronic stress negatively impacts metabolic health, as shown in research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Adequate Sleep: Prioritize sleep by aiming for 7-9 hours per night. Good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful environment, is crucial for metabolic health and overall well-being.
Pursue True Health, Not an Idealized Image. Learning how to take care of your body in a positive way is crucial. If your ‘dream body’ requires unhealthy habits to maintain, then is it really your dream body? Focus on building sustainable, health habits that support your overall well-being. True health means you have a high-functioning metabolism, consistent energy, a balanced diet, enjoyable physical activities, quality sleep, and effective stress management.