When Enough is Enough

Unless you have been on Mars for the past few years I'm sure you have noticed the huge health craze lately. While I feel like it is definitely important to take care of yourself and eat nutritious food and get enough exercise, sometimes I wonder if we take it too far.

As I scroll through social media I see people making themselves completely miserable. Scolding themselves for indulging in one small sweet treat, beating themselves up for failing, and forcing themselves to engage in a physical activity they hate over and over and over again. What is the point? Shouldn't we enjoy the journey to better health and fitness?

I've found myself caught up in the craze to be incredibly fit. When I was in high school I struggled with this more than any other time in my life. I couldn't sit and watch a TV show without alternating between sit ups, crunches, and push ups. I stayed up late working out in my bedroom so that my family wouldn't tease me about it. I couldn't ever relax because I felt like I had to constantly be moving. My senior year of high school included cheerleading practice every day, a weight training class during the day, and then hours of exercise at home. It was too much.

I met up with a health counselor at a coffee shop when I was 17 years old and we talked about this.She had given a presentation in my culinary arts class and she got in contact with me after class. I was aware of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia but never really thought about myself as having a problem. I ate plenty but I had an obsession with exercise.

Luckily I grew out of this in college after a very conscious effort on my part. Very few people know about this besides my husband but I feel like it is important enough to share with others.

Don't make yourself miserable! It is okay to indulge in something sweet. It is okay to choose a night in instead of every night at the gym. I definitely endorse a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity, but it is not worth making yourself miserable.