The beginning of this year, I’m focusing on all things moderation. From how to incorporate it into your eating, the health benefits, and how to teach moderation to kids. It’s also the topic for my next book: How to Raise a Mindful Eater.
I get the impression that people either don’t believe moderation is possible or that it is the process of only allowing a small amount of a palatable foods. Like limiting it to two cookies.
But after combing through the research, practicing moderation myself and talking with others, I know that moderation is not only possible, but has more to do with mindset than anything else. In other words, being a moderate eater starts with how you think, not what you do.
So with this in mind, here are what I believe are the 5 top thinking patterns of moderate eaters. (more…)
Hi Maryann, I find that your research and thinking consistently focuses on powerful levers for behavior change. Moderation is a great proxi for competent or intuitive eating, because to achieve it all of the 10 + decisions one makes for one “eating event” are involved. How one is able to apply the above five qualities to planning, choosing, shopping, cooking, keeping schedule, involving kids, utilizing the social benefits of communal eating, mindful eating, modeling eating behavior and letting the child decide whether to eat or not and how much from what is offered will cumulatively decide whether one can eat moderately and raise an intuitive eater. Parents have widely varying skills and ability in making these decisions and that is why advice concerning only a subset of those, (such as eat more broccoli) will never get anybody to more moderate, intuitive eating. I am looking forward to reading the interviews. Best as always, Eszter
Thanks Eszter!
I loved this article! I have been adjusting the way I eat since last fall due to a medical diagnosis. The doctor’s office initially recommended an HCG or Whole 30 diet and as soon as they started talking it was not the answer for me! I decided instead to be honest with myself about what and how much I was eating. It has been challenging but so worth it! I am so much healthier now mentally and physically! I look forward to the rest of the series!
I’m glad to hear that Deetz. It sounds like you were able to trust yourself and it has paid off!
Great article! A new year, a new me… Its harder than it sounds. I think these tips will do me good in the long run. We have an article that you might enjoy. Going alongside with these points, it can help the “newcomers” to this lifestyle choice ease into it a bit easier. A little more body, ALOT more mind!
http://www.organwiseguys.com/blog/moderation-in-moderation/
This is fantastic, Maryann! I adore other RDs that are able to make a great case for moderation. You’ve done a great job of breaking it down!
I am so thankful I found your website. My husband and I are raising our great grandchildren, 6 & 8 years old and have had some challenges getting them off purely sugar diets and adding in healthy choices. We have had to compromise in this area of pleasure because they have so many other problem areas to address. The support of your website really helps me to cope. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Thanks Sally! Glad you’re here!