This is a blog about excess. And because it is a Kartini blog, it is about food. How can we find our balance in this country with one large contingency harping — yes, harping — on how we are all more obese than anyone imagined while another contingency stridently promotes anti-dieting messages (like mine)?

There are loud voices for vegetarianism, veganism, there are discussions about wheat allergies, milk allergies, yeast allergies, hip-to-waist ratios, longevity and caloric restriction, school lunches, food additives and food as a national security issue. Who can find the balance?

And then there’s this: My husband and I were looking for a place to eat in Denver. We are early risers and wanted breakfast while visiting this city where my husband grew up. We found a restaurant, the sign looked pretty good. We sat down among many diners, the place was apparently quite popular. And then I saw the breakfast menu. One item in particular stood out: A pancake flight of four (yes four!) huge pancakes crusted with crushed oreo cookies, topped with hot fudge sauce AND marshmallow fluff AND “fresh” whipped cream. To this nightmare of excess and sugar/fat/sodium/food additives/preservatives customers were enjoined to “add” a side of sausage or bacon or ham steak for $2.99. Maybe you could wash it down with a big gulp of diet coke for your morning caffeine?

Where do you start?