Why I Reject the Term "Healthy" as a Dietitian

The word 'healthy' leaks our conversations, a cloud passing through social media, social outings, and even encounters with strangers at coffee shops or restaurants. While it might be expected that, as a dietitian, I frequently use this term, the reality is quite the opposite. 'Healthy' is a word I consciously avoid, and there are several reasons behind this choice.

Despite its dictionary definition, society has molded the term 'healthy' into a judgmental lens. According to Oxford Languages, 'healthy' means being in good health, not diseased, and indicative of or conducive to promoting good health. Well, to truly understand, we need to know what "health" means. It is defined as the state of being free from illness or injury.

While health is objectively about being free from illness or injury, the current usage of the term often involves subjective judgments. Declaring someone as 'healthy' or 'unhealthy' has become a loaded statement, intertwining morality with appearance rather than assessing one's actual state of health.

Think about the following examples: A woman above a size 4 may be labeled as unhealthy, but is she free of illness or injury? Similarly, features like cellulite and stretch marks may be deemed unhealthy, yet they aren't illnesses or injuries. What about the woman who is a size 0, but behind closed doors, purges and restricts herself, hating her body. Someone who hits the gym three days a week might be viewed as less healthy than a person going six days a week. Abs might suggest health, but what if they are achieved at the expense of being underweight with nutritional deficiencies? Women constantly in the gym with flat stomachs may seem healthy, yet they might be grappling with irregular periods and persistent low energy.

The scenarios are endless, as each person's definition of 'healthy' takes on a unique meaning. I am sure we have all become victim to the judgement of what healthy means, whether it was from someone else or our own minds. While it's okay for people to have distinct health goals, the issue arises when these standards are projected onto others. Assessing someone's health solely by appearance is impossible, even as a trained professional. As a dietitian, I delve into my clients' lifestyles, habits, and biomarkers rather than relying on superficial judgments.

Shifting the focus away from the term 'healthy,' I guide my clients toward embracing overall balance and wellness. This shift not only enhances their relationship with food and self but also aids them in achieving their individual health goals. The next time you find yourself or someone around use using "healthy" in a judgemental way, gently remind yourself (or the person) of the true definition. It is not our place to judge others, and we often need to be kinder to ourselves, as well.