Janice Twesten, LMFT “What Does Healthy Mean to Me”

What Does “Healthy” Mean to Me?

“Healthy” is a word we hear all the time. It shows up in conversations, social media, fitness apps,
and grocery store labels. But what does healthy actually mean to you?
I have found that for some, it’s tied to numbers—a weight, a blood pressure reading, or daily step
count. For others, it might be about what you eat, how often you exercise, or whether you get
enough sleep.
But to me, healthy is less about rules and more about balance.
As a clinical therapist who has worked with eating disorders and disordered eating, I’ve seen
how damaging it can be when we treat health like an “all or nothing” mindset. We can easily fall
into the trap of thinking, “If I don’t eat “clean” today, I’ve failed,” or “If I skip a workout, I’m
lazy.” This kind of rigid thinking doesn’t promote well-being—it may lead to self -criticism.
Research shows that approximately 9% of the U.S. population (about 28.8 million people) will
have an eating disorder in their lifetime (ANAD, 2023). These disorders often thrive in
environments where food and body image are viewed through black-and-white lenses—where
self-worth becomes tied to being “healthy enough,” “disciplined enough,” or not feeling “thin
enough.” Therefore, can often lead to a narrative of “Not feeling Good Enough.”
But here’s the truth: health is not perfection. It’s not about never eating dessert, always saying
yes to the gym, or hitting a magic number on the scale.

Health is about honoring your body, your needs, and YOU!

Sometimes that means choosing the vegetables. Other times, it is enjoying pizza with your
family/friends without guilt. Sometimes it’s pushing yourself in a workout; other times it’s
resting because your body needs to recover. This is listening to your body.
As a therapist, I guide my clients in challenging the “all or nothing” mindset and replacing it
with curiosity, compassion, and flexibility. We work together to unlearn harmful beliefs and
build a more balanced relationship with food, movement, and our body image.
But this message isn’t just something I bring into the therapy room.

As a mother to teenage daughters, this philosophy is deeply personal. I want to model for them
that health includes nourishment, enjoying food, laughter, and listening to your body . I want
them to see me eat a salad and enjoy dessert. I want them to see me move my body because it
feels good, not because I “have to.”

I want them to understand that we are worthy—of love, care, and respect—regardless of what we
eat, what we weigh, or how we look.
Yes, “healthy” is a word—a construct, really. One that’s been shaped by culture, media, and diet
trends. But it doesn’t have to be a rigid standard we live up to.
Instead, we can redefine what it means for ourselves.
Does it mean getting outside for fresh air? Saying no to toxic relationships? Cooking meals that
you enjoy? Letting go of shame around food?
Health is personal. It evolves. And it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
For me, being healthy means living in alignment with my values. It means caring for my body
and mind in ways that feel sustainable and joyful. It means treating myself with kindness—not
criticism.

If there’s one message, I hope my clients and my daughters take with them, it’s this:
You do not have to be perfect to be healthy.

Let’s move away from fear, shame, and impossible expectations—and toward balance, self-
compassion, and freedom. That’s where real health begins.

With Gratitude,
Janice Twesten, LMFT
Founder of Evolve Therapy Group

If you would like more tips from Janice and to learn more about her practice, please visit:
www.evolvetherapygroup.com
Instagram: @evolvetherapygroup