How Much is Too Much?

As this has come up recently in my life, I wanted to discuss a topic that is rarely discussed regarding health and exercise...how much is too much? It's a good thing to want to stay in shape. It's a good thing to want to eat healthy. It's a good thing to want to keep a healthy schedule and life-style. But how much is too much? Or is there such a thing? In the US, there is a concept that ''if some is good, more is better.'' But is that always true? When I was in high school I bought 4 king sized Butterfingers candy bars...and I ate 3 in a sitting. That was a bit much. Not only does it sound like too much hearing it...I KNOW it was too much because I felt sick afterwards and, furthermore, have never liked Butterfingers since. We hear of those who are always at the gym or who won't even come close to eating certain foods for the sole reason that they have decided it will keep them skinny not to eat it. To be honest with you, I've been that person...and still am at times. I've been the guest who refuses what is offered in someones home because I am THAT set on having a good figure. Or I've been the one pushing myself to workout even when it's hurting my body...because I'm THAT set on being skinny. OK, so it's good to be healthy. Let me be the first to say it's admirable to have standards. Maybe, for example, you decide not to keep soda in the house except on special occasions. Or you decide to exercise 5 times per week for 1/2 hour. Good...that's all very good. But how much is too much?

For everyone, too much or too little might be a bit different. However here are a few guidelines that I've found helpful in figuring it out for myself.

1) Priorities...yup, make a list. Staying healthy is a good thing. But if it jumps above relationships, above caring for others, above every other thing in your life, maybe it's off balance. Exercise is good...but if it is higher on the priority list than, for example, letting an injury heal, maybe it's gotten out of control.

2) Is my ''healthy'' lifestyle my way of controlling my life? If so, why? If so, how can I get things back into balance so I can live my life, not as a control addict, but as a health conscious person who has their priorities straight and doesn't make health a god?

3) Is my healthy lifestyle being used as a way to love others, or as a hindrance from loving them? If my friend makes brownies just for me on my birthday and she offers me a piece, what is the most loving thing to do? Do I need to eat the whole pan? No. But, usually, it shows her far more love if I eat a (properly portioned) piece, than to turn it back into her face and say I don't eat that sort of thing (Please note, this is NOT a discussion about allergies, but preferences. If it's a true allergy, rejecting the food graciously may be the best decision).

Hope that's helpful. Until next time...