A Personal Journey to Achieve Optimal Health: The Feel Better Project

Core Concepts

Developing a comprehensive plan, named "Mission Epic Health", to address health concerns and achieve optimal well-being.

Abstract

The author, an enneagram six with a 7 wing, describes their tendency to make a plan when faced with a crisis or health scare. After a recent hospital visit, the author has decided to embark on a personal health improvement project called "The Feel Better Project", with the specific mission of achieving "Epic Health". The author explains that a mission must have a definite end point and measurable milestones. For the "Mission Epic Health", the author sets out to achieve a healthy BMI range, improve cardiovascular health, and adopt a balanced diet and exercise routine. The author acknowledges their history with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, and thus does not have a significant weight loss goal. The note highlights the author's proactive approach to addressing their health concerns, their desire to create a structured plan with clear objectives, and their commitment to a holistic approach that considers their past experiences and overall well-being.

Stats

According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, "little or no increase in relative risk for premature mortality is observed until one reaches BMIs in the upper 30s or higher." The author's current BMI is 37.7, as reported by the Apple Health app.

Quotes

"If my mission is to be epically healthy, then here are some markers."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Feel Better Project: Mission Epic Health

by Shaunta Grim... at medium.com 03-29-2024

https://medium.com/a-style-of-my-own/the-feel-better-project-mission-epic-health-1815f23b4aca

Deeper Inquiries

How can the author ensure that their "Mission Epic Health" plan is sustainable and does not trigger past disordered eating patterns?

To ensure that the "Mission Epic Health" plan is sustainable and does not trigger past disordered eating patterns, the author can consider the following strategies: Focus on overall well-being: Instead of solely concentrating on weight or BMI, the author can shift the focus towards holistic health, including mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Seek professional guidance: Consulting with healthcare professionals such as a nutritionist, therapist, or dietitian can provide personalized guidance and support to prevent relapse into disordered eating patterns. Practice mindful eating: Encouraging mindful eating habits, such as listening to hunger cues, savoring food, and avoiding restrictive behaviors, can promote a healthy relationship with food. Set realistic goals: Establishing achievable and sustainable goals that prioritize health and self-care over strict weight-related objectives can help prevent triggering past disordered eating patterns.

What other metrics or indicators, beyond BMI, could the author consider to measure progress towards optimal health?

In addition to BMI, the author could consider the following metrics or indicators to measure progress towards optimal health: Body composition: Tracking changes in body fat percentage, muscle mass, and overall body composition can provide a more comprehensive view of physical health and fitness progress. Blood markers: Monitoring key blood markers such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammatory markers can offer insights into internal health and disease risk. Physical fitness: Assessing improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness through metrics like strength training progress, cardiorespiratory fitness tests, and flexibility assessments can indicate overall physical health. Mental health: Considering indicators of mental well-being such as stress levels, mood, sleep quality, and overall emotional resilience can be crucial in evaluating holistic health progress.

How might the author's personal history and relationship with their body shape the specific strategies and approaches they choose to implement within their "Mission Epic Health" plan?

The author's personal history and relationship with their body can shape the specific strategies and approaches within the "Mission Epic Health" plan in the following ways: Emphasis on self-compassion: Understanding the impact of past eating disorders and body dysmorphia can lead the author to prioritize self-compassion, self-care, and positive body image in their health journey. Incorporation of mental health support: Recognizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, the author may choose to integrate mental health support, therapy, or mindfulness practices into their plan to address underlying emotional factors. Focus on non-weight-related goals: Considering the sensitivity around weight and body image, the author may opt for non-weight-related goals such as improved energy levels, better sleep quality, enhanced mood, and overall well-being to foster a healthier mindset. Flexible and intuitive approach: Given the history of disordered eating patterns, the author may adopt a flexible and intuitive approach to nutrition and exercise, allowing for individual preferences, listening to body cues, and avoiding rigid rules or restrictions.