Health at Every Size Philosophy

Health at Every Size (HAES) Philosophy

The Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophy is rooted in the belief that health is not determined by body size or weight but by overall well-being, which includes physical, mental, and emotional health. This approach emphasizes a holistic view of health that focuses on behaviors, self-care, and acceptance rather than weight loss or appearance.

Our nutrition therapy incorporates the HAES principles to help individuals build a positive relationship with food, engage in joyful movement, and cultivate body respect, regardless of size or shape, while also empowering you to advocate for yourself in medical contexts. This approach is also highly applicable for making lifestyle changes and supporting nutritional therapy for both chronic and acute health conditions.

Schedule an appointment with our Nutritionist today to learn how we can help you.

Step 1: Shifting the Focus from Weight to Health

The first step in embracing the HAES philosophy is to redefine health beyond weight and body size. During our initial sessions, we focus on:

Emphasizing Health Behaviors

Shifting the focus to actions that promote long-term health, such as balanced eating, mindful movement, and stress management, rather than focusing on achieving a specific weight or body type.

Body Respect and Acceptance

Encouraging you to honor and respect your body, fostering a mindset of self-acceptance regardless of its shape or size.

Rejecting Diet Culture

Helping you unlearn harmful societal beliefs about dieting, weight loss, and body image that can lead to shame and dissatisfaction with your body.

Building Self-Compassion

Supporting you in developing a kind and compassionate relationship with yourself, which is foundational to improving overall well-being.

Step 2: Promoting Healthful Eating and Joyful Movement

In the HAES approach, health is about nourishing your body in a way that is enjoyable and sustainable, not about restriction or punishment. These strategies include:

Intuitive Eating

Encouraging you to listen to your body’s cues of hunger, fullness, and satisfaction, fostering a more positive and empowering relationship with food.

Mindful Eating

Teaching you how to be present during meals, slowing down to enjoy the experience and connect with the body’s needs and preferences.

Movement for Joy

Encouraging physical activity that is enjoyable and aligned with your body’s capabilities, rather than focusing on exercise as a means of weight control.

Balanced Nutrition

Promoting a balanced diet rich in diverse whole foods that support overall health, without labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”

Step 3: Long-Term Support for Sustainable Health

Health at Every Size is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing commitment to self-compassion and sustainable health behaviors. Through regular follow-ups, we help you:

Track Progress Beyond the Scale

Monitoring your physical health (such as energy levels, digestion, and mobility) and mental well-being (such as body image, stress levels, and emotional health) rather than focusing on weight.

Overcome Challenges

Addressing any societal pressures, negative body image thoughts, or past dieting experiences that may surface as you embrace a HAES approach.

Refine Your Approach

Adapting your health behaviors to your changing needs, lifestyle, and goals, while staying aligned with the HAES principles.

Foster Resilience

Building confidence in your ability to care for your body in a way that supports long-term health and well-being.

Advocating for Yourself

Empowering you to confidently advocate for your health needs in medical appointments, ensuring that your health is viewed holistically and not just through the lens of weight or size.

Our Approach: Compassionate, Science-Based Care

The HAES philosophy is supported by a growing body of research that shows weight-based approaches to health often fail to deliver lasting results and can cause harm, including disordered eating, poor mental health, and weight cycling. Instead, we focus on behaviors and well-being, which have been shown to improve health outcomes in people of all sizes, making this approach effective for a range of chronic and acute health conditions.

We take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you embrace a mindset that prioritizes health over weight, fostering a more positive relationship with food, movement, and your body. The goal is not to change your body size but to improve your overall health and well-being, fostering self-acceptance and body respect.

Let us help you embrace the HAES philosophy and prioritize health, joy, and well-being over societal expectations. Reach out today to begin your personalized journey toward a healthier, happier relationship with yourself and your body, and empower you to advocate for your health in all areas of your life.

Request an appointment to start your personalized nutrition journey.

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