In the quest for a balanced diet, the adage "everything in moderation" is often touted as a guiding principle. But what does moderation truly entail in a world brimming with fast food, sugary snacks, and processed meals? The interpretation of moderation varies widely, with some individuals indulging in fast food monthly, others weekly, and some daily. This raises the question: are we genuinely promoting health, or are we merely excusing poor dietary choices?
Moderation is a subjective concept, lacking a universal standard. For one person, moderation may mean a monthly fast food treat, while for another, it could be a daily occurrence. This lack of clarity can lead to inconsistent dietary habits and confusion about what constitutes a healthy diet.
The term "everything" is equally contentious. There are items on grocery store shelves that some argue should never be consumed, as they are more chemical concoctions than actual food. The stance one takes on the "everything in moderation" mantra may hinge on whether they believe certain products qualify as food at all.
The Case for "Never" FoodsWhile there is no definitive right or wrong, some advocate for designating certain foods as "never" foods, eliminating them entirely from one's diet. This approach challenges the moderation paradigm and suggests that some foods may be detrimental to health regardless of the quantity consumed.
A Personal Take on Dietary ChoicesHere is a subjective categorization of foods into three groups: "eat in moderation," "never eat," and "eat regularly."
Some food categories, like fast food and cereal, can be ambiguous. Healthier options exist within these groups, such as Chipotle or organic bran flakes, which may be acceptable on occasion. The primary concern is with foods high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats.
The concept of moderation is highly individualized and can be a slippery slope when justifying dietary choices. While some foods can be enjoyed in moderation, others might be best avoided altogether. It's essential to use personal judgment and listen to one's body to determine the healthiest choices.
Eat This For A Healthy Summer Skin
Warmer weather is finally upon us, and with that, it seems everyone is trying to look and feel their best while taking advantage of the outdoors. Weight management is certainly a huge part of that, with everyone trying to increase their exercise and improve their diet, but surprisingly skincare is another topic I hear come up all the time.
Easing Menopause with Diet
Oh menopause. This season of life is so often regarded as a very challenging time for women, one filled with hormonal upheaval, mood changes, temperature dysregulation, and undesired fluctuations in weight. Basically, it sucks. But does it have to? The one area that can have the biggest impact, particularly in not only easing symptoms but also in delaying menopause, is diet. What you put in your mouth every single day really matters, and it matters not only during menopause but years before you even go through the “change.”
Can Diet Calm an Anxious Mind?
What is anxiety? Many confuse it with stress, but it’s actually more than that. Whereas stress is the body’s physical response in the moment to a situation, anxiety differs in that the physical response continues far after the situation is over. Anxiety. It’s a common ailment. When my clients list their medical history, anxiety is often on the list. It seems to be more prevalent than ever.
