When we visit the doctor, ninety percent of the time it's because we need someone to take a look at our aches and pains, fatigue, lingering cold symptoms and so on. It's enough to get one wondering if our definition of health is merely the absence of these symptoms. As a nutritionist, I, of course, spend a lot of time helping people live up to their own ideas of what healthy means to them and in light of March being National Nutrition Month, I thought I'd share with you my idea of optimum health.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn how the World Health Organization (WHO), defined "health" in 1948 (they have never felt the need to update this, either): "A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

Bingo! I love this definition because it seems to me that as a society we have gone so far from this WHO definition that now merely the avoidance of cancer, heart disease or autoimmune issues means we are healthy. In my opinion, health is not merely the absence of disease, it's feeling fabulous most days (6.5/7 days), having a positive mental attitude, a good appetite and healthy bowel movements. On the other hand, feeling "just OK" or not getting the seasonal flu does not equal good health. We should expect more from ourselves and we deserve and should expect to feel fabulous most days of the week. Feeling fabulous means:

• Good sustainable energy all day long
• Avoidance of cravings and bad habits
• Positive attitude
• Two to three bowel movements per day (Really! You should have one bowel movement after each meal, in an ideal world)
• Energy for exercise
• Healthy relationships
• Strong spirit, sharp mind
• Good sex drive

In my early twenties, I suffered from major hormonal imbalance and I felt like crap. Now, most days, I can check off all the above points, but believe me it takes effort. I'm not obsessed with counting calories or placing dietary restrictions on myself, I don't exercise like a maniac, I drink red wine and eat dark chocolate. Living a life of moderation is key.

Lastly, I want to share what "healthy" means to a couple of clients of mine who were not feeling fabulous every day until they made a few changes in their lifestyle habits: "Health to me, means feeling my absolute best at all times. Having energy all day, waking up singing and feeling happy," says Candice who cut out soy milk from her diet, started power snacking and eating blood sugar-balancing foods. Similarly, Steve, cut out coffee in exchange for green tea, drank a little less alcohol and ate a more balanced breakfast instead of his typical bagel and cream cheese, says, "Health to me is a feeling of vibrant positive physical energy, strength, and well-being that gives me the ability to enjoy life at the highest level."

This kind of health can be yours, but it's completely up to you, how you choose to define health and then set out to achieve it.


Joy McCarthy, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach of Joyous Health, loves to inspire others to eat well and live well. Joy is the resident holistic nutritionist at 889 Yonge, a Yoga & Holistic Lifestyle Spa in Toronto. Joy welcomes your questions or comments.