The good and bad of "balance"

The word “balance” seems to get thrown around a lot when it comes to health and wellness. The danger comes when balance is used as an excuse to justify behaviors that are actually very harmful to your health. It’s used as a way to make ourselves feel better. The habit of ‘striking a deal’ with ourselves: “I’m going to be a couch potato today and then I’ll workout tomorrow… balance.” And then you say the same thing the next day. There is a difference between listening to what your body needs and just plain being lazy. Or allowing outside influences to distract and deter you from your goals and what you value. Like when someone talks you into skipping your workout to go out to the bar. Or makes you feel guilty for ordering a salad, baked potato, grilled salmon and water at dinner instead of the nachos. Practice the muscle of standing firm in your convictions and staying committed to your goals. Your body sees food like alcohol or candy as poison and there is no need for poison in moderation. Your body and mind would be much better off without ever having alcohol or candy. There are areas in life where balance isn’t actually necessary. Now, I understand the extremes one way or the other can be dangerous. However, it is also dangerous to justify our actions with balance. How often have you heard someone say “oh just one _____ won’t kill you”. It can be a slippery slope if this is the narrative each day. It’s rarely only one. The health journey is like climbing a mountain. It is an uphill battle. For myself, it took time to get to a place where I no longer crave junk food. For a long time I could not for the life of me say no when there was an opportunity to have a sugary drink or a sugar filled dessert. Alcohol is another story I’ll write about someday but I completely cut it out of my diet about 3 years ago. As for my sweet tooth, I found healthier dessert options. Over time, my taste buds changed and I crave healthy foods. I’m not tempted every time there is dessert around. However, if I’m at a wedding for example, I will have a piece of cake if I want it, if it sounds/looks good. It’s a special celebratory occasion. I don’t feel guilty if I have the cake and I don’t feel I have to eat it just because it’s there. Sometimes I might have a bite and decide my healthier option at home actually tastes better and I don’t feel the need to eat more. We could call this balance. You’ll find your own definition of balance. I used to get so frustrated with myself that I could not say no or would have a second dessert. And then I’d feel guilty and wish I hadn’t eaten that. I’m using this example to point out that if you’re struggling as much as I was, there is hope for you too. I make conscious decisions now about what I put into my body. I eat what I know will make me feel my best. I see food as fuel for my workout and for my mind to keep me at my best. I am now in a place of freedom where I don’t beat myself up for having the dessert, but my mind and body has changed so much that I honestly don’t even want it. It was more of a mindset shift than anything, and then the taste buds followed. That’s what I help my clients do- bring the stories in their head to light. Analyze why they are getting frustrated or can’t seem to accomplish their goals and then help them overcome the barriers. When you’re the only one living in your head, it’s hard to make lasting changes by yourself. It’s okay to let someone else in and finally find the freedom you’re craving. Click here to fill out an application to work with me. - CS