Measure your wellness progress by how much better you sleep, your improvements in daily mood, increased physical stamina, or your capacity to manage stress.

The body-positive wellness movement is heavily supported by the framework. HAES argues that health outcomes are more closely tied to behaviors (like sleep, stress management, and activity) than to Body Mass Index (BMI). By focusing on these behaviors, individuals can improve their vitals—like blood pressure and cholesterol—without ever changing their weight. Conclusion: A Journey, Not a Destination

However, a new question has emerged: Can you care about your wellness without falling back into the traps of diet culture?

: Exercise should be about feeling strong, energetic, and happy rather than "earning" food or punishing yourself for what you ate.

Reducing the internal critic and cultivating a supportive inner dialogue.