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In a world obsessed with numbers on the scale, it's important to shift the focus to true health. Health is not just about what you weigh. It’s about how you feel, how your body functions, and how you thrive. Let’s start measuring health by things like good energy levels, strong immunity, deep and restful sleep, good digestion, a pain-free body, balanced mood, and mental clarity and stability, good recovery etc.
A weight-centric approach often leads to obsession and stress. A health-first approach brings joy, freedom, and vitality. And yes—weight loss comes as a natural side effect.

Below are few tips which I believe are key for long term Health ;

Adopt a Multidimensional Approach to Health

Health is complex, and everything in the body is interconnected. You can’t fix one thing while ignoring the others. It’s important to focus on all dimensions of health, such as nourishing food, regular movement, proper rest, sleep quality, stress management, mental and emotional well-being, and letting go of addictions. Addressing all these areas together is key for true transformation, as neglecting one aspect will never lead to lasting results.

Sustainability -The Key to Lasting Health

It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing what you can consistently. Sustainable habits lead to long-term success. Unsustainable ones bring burnout, frustration, and disappointment.
Choose:
• Listening to your body’s needs vs. Ignoring signs of stress and fatigue
• Balanced, long-term habits vs. Short-term fixes and fad diets
• Self-care as motivation vs. Guilt, punishment, or looks
• Whole, nutrient-dense foods vs. Restriction and elimination
• Enjoyable movement vs. Overtraining and non-recovery

Work on the Root Cause—Not Just the Symptoms

Your body is always communicating with you. Symptoms are not the enemy—they are signals. Whether it’s fatigue, pain, skin issues, or poor digestion, don’t mask them with pills. Tune in, listen to your body, and support it in the healing process. Healing begins when you address the root cause, not just cover up the signs.

Rooted in Nature and Simplicity

True health is simple—not complicated or extreme. Eat whole, unprocessed food, like choosing an apple over an apple fritter. Move naturally throughout the day, because one hour at the gym isn’t enough if you spend the rest of the day sitting. Follow your body’s natural rhythms by establishing a consistent sleep routine, and spend time in nature, whether it’s walking in a park, hiking, or just enjoying a garden. Nature is the best healer.

Finally , health is the foundation for every area of your life—whether it's your career, family, relationships, or passions. When you focus on nurturing your health, everything else falls into place. Let 2025 be the year you choose true well-being—focusing on health as a whole, not just weight. By prioritising health, vitality, and balance, you'll unlock a better quality of life for yourself and your loved ones. Let's make it happen!

For years, I saw a young woman jogging each morning as I dropped my daughter at the school bus stop around 7 am. She wore a saree with her pallu tucked in at her waist, paired with running shoes, and had a radiant smile on her face. She always looked fresh, as if she’d just stepped out of the shower, greeting everyone she passed with a nod. Day after day, she was there—never missing a single morning. Although I never knew her or spoke to her, she left a lasting impression on me that I won’t forget.

Women pass through different phases of life, from menarche to pregnancy, childbirth, and eventually menopause. The roller coaster of hormonal changes, combined with family responsibilities, can make it hard to focus on self-care, even more so if they aren’t working professionally. In most Indian households, women also take on a lot of household chores early in the morning. Yet, this young woman managed to get on the road for her daily jog, at that hour, every single day. Even though she may not have had the  liberty of typical workout clothes, she didn’t let that stop her from getting her daily run . Her commitment stood out because, no matter what, she made her health a priority.

We, on the other hand, often fall into the trap of excuses. Whether it’s claiming to be too busy, too tired, too hot , too cold , or simply not feeling like it, we tend to put off exercise for another day. We wait for the “perfect” moment when we have enough time, energy, or motivation. 

This woman is an example that  shows that consistency and commitment are the only things that really matter. Her example reminds us that health and fitness should be a priority, no matter how busy or chaotic our lives become. Staying active is crucial for our overall well-being. Regular physical activity isn’t just about maintaining physical fitness; it also has a multitude of other benefits. It lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, boosts energy levels, strengthens muscles, and keeps our bodies functioning well. Beyond the physical perks, exercise improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It helps us sleep better, enhances cognitive function, and sharpens focus.

In the long run, staying active promotes longevity and slows the aging process, helping us stay independent and mobile well into our later years. It also strengthens social connections, whether through group workouts or family activities, and creates a balanced, fulfilling life.

So, what’s really stopping us? More often than not, the obstacles we face are self-imposed. We don’t need perfect conditions or fancy equipment to get moving. We just need the will to start and the determination to keep going, even when it gets hard or inconvenient. This woman’s dedication serves as a reminder that if she can make time for her health, so can we.

The question remains: What’s your excuse?

Are you constantly worried about what and how much you eat? Are you constantly counting calories, weighing food or worried about your next meal? Or are you obsessed about your weight or appearance?

This obsession with food and weight often stems from a place of fear or control, where one feels their worth is tied to their diet or appearance and takes away from the natural enjoyment of food and life itself. Instead of focussing on this one should be focussing on good health.

Health is a lot beyond your weight. Instead of focusing on calories, focus on other parameters of good health. Good energy levels, good immunity, good mental health, regular periods, better digestion, clean bowel movements, good sleep, good recovery, no aches and pains in the body, healthy skin and hair etc.

Calorie counting ignores the nutritional value of food, disregards satiety and hunger cues and is also time consuming and tedious. Constantly tracking calories can create a rigid mindset, leading to anxiety around food choices. Instead, mindful and intuitive eating, focussing on nutrient density, building healthy habits and mindset of moderation are always more sustainable. Tuning into your body's needs and understanding that energy requirements can fluctuate based on activity levels, stress levels, sleep, menstrual cycles etc help develop a healthy relationship with food.

I have come across gym trainers or perfectly thin and lean people who are not actually in good health. They have low immunity, fall sick frequently and energy levels are sometimes lower than normal people. That would not be a healthy person though they look fit and healthy. And contrary to that people who might not be ideal weight or size but might be healthier otherwise. Also, if you need to lose excess weight it will never be only about food. It will be a combination of your stress, sleep, hormonal balance and a lot of other factors.

Lastly, if you are constantly obsessing about your next meal or counting calories all the time, when and how do you find time for other areas of your life like hobbies, relationships, career and overall growth in life? The key message is to have a relationship of nourishment and balance rather than control and restriction and focusing on overall health and other aspects of your life instead of weight alone. 

Have you ever wondered what truly drives you? What gets you out of bed each morning with a sense of excitement and direction?

That driving force is your purpose, and it's more than just a feel-good concept – it's a vital ingredient for a healthy and fulfilling life.

 A strong sense of purpose isn't just good for the soul; it's also incredibly beneficial for your physical and mental well-being. People with purpose tend to make healthier choices, engage in activities that bring joy, and cultivate stronger relationships. It often encourages stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, exercise, better sleep and social connection, all of which contribute to a longer, happier life.

Purpose isn't just good for your body; it's also a powerful tool for maintaining cognitive health. A sense of purpose can protect against cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By encouraging lifelong learning, social engagement, and mental stimulation, purpose helps keep your mind sharp and engaged. Especially for the elderly, engaging them in some daily responsibility with a purpose like taking care of grandkids, helps them feel wanted and keeps their spirit and overall health better.

In essence, a sense of purpose is like a guiding star, leading you towards a life filled with meaning, resilience, and joy. It encourages healthy habits, reduces the risk of chronic illness and enhances mental clarity. By embracing your purpose, you unlock the potential for a truly fulfilling and vibrant life.

Incorporating purpose into life transforms it from a chore into a powerful motivator that increase both longevity and quality of life. It brings depth and meaning to the daily choices individuals make for their well-being. It can change in different stages and phases of life but something that drives you is important at any age.

Find yours and see how you see betterment in every sphere of your life.