The Myth of Moderation

Over the years, I’ve heard so many people glorify moderation when it comes to healthy eating, but in reality, moderation is the myth that keeps us sick.

There’s the 80/20 rule – do things right 80% of the time and the 20% won’t matter!

Family members who say, “Oh come, on, relax! You can have just a little. It’s a holiday. Have some fun. Don’t be so uptight!” with a little condescending pat on your shoulder.

Michael Pollan’s advice: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Gag me. I love his work and have read all of his books, but this quote? Not so much.

Let me tell you what happens when I have a little bit of cheese. Within 8 hours my gastrointestinal tract is cramping. Give it another 36 hours and I am wheezing.

Let me tell you what happens when I have a little bit of margarita. I will drink the pitcher.

I am keenly aware that there are some things I have to say no to if I am going to say yes to a life worth living.

If moderation works for you and you are free from chronic inflammation, I salute you because you are a minority.

Moderation is a cop-out for many, many people.

Moderation is the mind’s way of rationalizing bad choices.

Moderation kills your spirit because it makes you weak and ordinary.

Moderation is the enemy of discipline, and if you are going to live in this world with your vitality in tact, then you must be disciplined when it comes to your diet.

While there are no guarantees when it comes to healing, I do believe in going all the way. You have tell the Universe that you want to be well, and one of the ways to do that is by avoiding the foods that cause you problems.

So as grandma’s rolls come by on a big plate or someone cuts the cheesecake for dessert, you literally have to view it as the Universe asking you: Are you serious about feeling your best? Are you serious about waking up tomorrow feeling alive? Do you really want to be free of your chronic disease?

I hope your answer is the same as mine: Fuck yes, I’m serious.

So don’t use the holidays as an excuse to eat inflammatory foods. Exercise your discipline. This is your permission slip to love yourself first and to say no to the foods that no longer serve you. The inner strength that you feel from taking a stand for yourself will seep into all areas of your life.

Discipline is a muscle that has to be strengthened by exercise and holiday meal time is your gym.

If you feel yourself about to give in, scared of hurting someone’s feelings, scared of looking like a weirdo, picture me sitting on your shoulder and cheering you on! You can do this.

But let’s say that you’re not so sure you can. History is not working in your favor. You view yourself as an undisciplined person. Ok. Here are two very simple things you can do to ensure success:

#1 Eat a hearty breakfast the morning of a big feast or event. Lots of fat and protein and very little to no carbohydrate. Way to many people skip breakfast on holidays, thinking that they are going to eat too much later. Well, you will eat too much later, if you skip breakfast! A hearty breakfast ensures that you will not have any blood sugar dips during the day, leaving you vulnerable to indulgences. You will be strong, steady, and clear headed. When someone tries to give you a slice of pecan pie, saying no will be easy.

#2 Bring a healthy alternative to typical family dinners. Pick the dish you look most forward to and recreate it in a healthy way.

Saying no to certain foods doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Eat a good breakfast, be prepared, and…

Enjoy your holidays in peace!

Love,

Charlotte

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