Is Everything in Moderation Setting You Up for Failure?

If you’ve read more than one post on this here site, you’ve probably come across the phrase “everything in moderation.” We use it all the time—and live that philosophy—because we believe that there are no foods that should be completely off limits. I think I’ve used this analogy before, but it’s like when a server at a restaurant tells you a plate is really hot. What do you want to do? Touch the plate. If I get it in my head that I can’t have something, what do I want? That. SO MUCH THAT.

But for us, enjoying healthy foods much of the time and allowing for splurges, well, it takes away the power of the Uncrustable (or insert your guilty pleasure of choice). If you know you can have it, it becomes less tempting. And heck, sometimes allowing yourself to have it will help you discover you can live without it. I’m not even kidding when I say that more than 10 years (!?) after high school, I still cannot have a packaged Rice Krispie treat or an ice cream sandwich because I had one too many at the a la carte line.

I came across this article recently with the idea that the “everything in moderation” philosophy can keep you from hitting your goals. Sure, moderation can be a slippery slope. A little of this and a little of that can quickly become a lot of this, that and the other. But for me, if I tried to go too clean and eat too perfectly, I’d probably spaz and do the opposite of moderation. The nutritionist says that the philosophy gives a little looseness in the diet that gives you a way to add small things in on a daily basis. And I’m sure she’s right that it doesn’t work for everyone. But for me, it’s that looseness that keeps me on track and keeps me from feeling deprived.

How about you? Does “everything in moderation” become a way to overindulge? Or does it give you just enough wiggle room to stay on track? —Erin