Everything in moderation…I’ve never fallen for that one! As I’ve heard Dr. Michael Greger say, founder of NutritionFacts.org, “Would you like to have moderate heart disease or moderate diabetes?”
The bottom line is some things need to be eliminated from your lifestyle and/or environment for you to be in tip-top physical condition.
The problem is that the “moderation” theory requires discipline. It’s difficult to resist dangerous foods and drinks that you love when they’re all over your home. For instance, I rarely keep alcohol in my house. If I do, I’ll “moderately” drink scotch and wine every day, which would produce some “moderate” health problems for me.
On the other hand, elimination is too harsh for some people. The thought of never having those “comfort” foods or drinks readily accessible makes them feel that life isn’t worth living. I’ve heard a million times, “You’re gonna die anyway, so you may as well have fun before you get there!” That philosophy doesn’t help the here and now.
That said, I’m now of the belief that “integration” is the key to success. For instance, since I started my food prep/cooking class, I learned how to make a few sweet desserts without flour, oil or added sugar, plus they’re all raw. I consider them to be far better or healthier than anything I could buy. By integrating them into my lifestyle more than six months ago, I haven’t brought any restaurant, bakery or supermarket desserts into my home.
Integration can gently nudge you in the direction you know you need to go. It can overcome the lack of discipline necessary for moderation while eliminating the harshness you fear from elimination. An easy start is to always have a large bowl, filled with all your favorite fruits, always in your house. Put it in a place where it jumps out at you every day.
That will put you on the right path.
