Weight Loss MYTH #3: Everything in Moderation

​The theory behind "moderation" is that unhealthy foods are only bad for you if eaten in excess and that balance is key.  Where this goes wrong is that sometimes even a small amount of unhealthy food can do horrible damage, as in the cases of trigger foods and of food allergies.  Also, this philosophy promotes using willpower, which you may have experienced, is a losing proposition in the long term.  ​

​Plus, foods that have been scientifically engineered in laboratories to keep you craving for more are quite difficult to eat in moderation.  Like Pringles, "Once you pop, you can't stop."  

Frankly, if "moderation" worked, you would probably already have perfect nutrition, a killer body, and wouldn't need this article!

Follow the 85/15 Rule

I believe in striving to follow the 85/15 rule when it comes to food and nutrition. It does not promote moderation, but instead allows for making exceptions on special occasions.

The 85/15 Rule:  The numbers 85/15 are percentages representing the amounts of nourishing foods (85 % healthy) and depleting foods (15% unhealthy) you allow in your diet. 

The theory is that if the large majority of foods in your diet are nourishing, then having a small amount of depleting foods will not do much harm because your body will have ample stored reserves of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  This may eliminate any guilt, feelings of deprivation, compulsions, or stress associated with personal food choices. This way of eating also allows room for exceptions on special occasions and alleviates feelings of social isolation due to diet choices. Anything extreme is never a good idea anyway.

Gradually shift your percentage of healthy foods higher and higher until it is the new norm in your routine.  

(Click HERE to read a more in-depth explanation of the 85/15 rule.)
(Click HERE to fully understand the difference between nourishing foods and depleting foods.)

​Ask yourself, "What am I really hungry for?" 

​There really are only 2 answers: FOOD or FULFILLMENT.
 
If it's food, then eat a nourishing meal.  If it's fulfillment, then work on other parts of your life that may have a void that needs filling.   Holistic health is about more than just food, it's about nourishing your mind & spirit, also.  Read some of my older blog posts for topics like sleep, marriage, and motherhood & stress.

​Perspectives on Cravings:

• Refined junk foods have been engineered by scientists so you will crave them. Now there is a cereal actually called "Krave".  The companies put in refined oils, sugars, and salt in specific amounts so you'll crave it and buy more and more.  

• We all have trigger foods (we can't stop eating) and buffer foods (foods we eat that will stave off a mega binge).   Learn what YOUR trigger and buffer foods are.  Don't go anywhere near your trigger foods.  Use buffer foods when you feel a craving.  But, are you really hungry?  Better yet- have a buffer activity that distracts you.  Your craving may pass.

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• As mentioned in this article you may crave the foods you are allergic/sensitive to.  It seems counter-intuitive, but in order to protect itself, our body gets an adrenaline rush when we eat foods we're allergic to.  You can get hooked on that rush without even knowing it!  The most common food sensitivities are dairy, wheat, corn, sugar, soy, eggs, and peanuts.

I had this exact experience with almonds.  I ate them incessantly, like candy, but was having asthma-like symptoms.  I even was prescribed an epi-pen.  An allergy test showed I'm allergic to almonds! I can breathe much better now.  (Allergies can manifest in many forms, not just respiratory.)  -Jenny

• If your cravings for sugar or refined carbs are super intense, taking the amino acid L-glutamine is good to stop a craving in its tracks.  It makes the brain think it's gotten glucose.  Here's a good article about it and how to use it.  (Disclaimer: Always consult with your personal physician before taking any new supplements.)

Source Naturals L-glutamine powder   OR
Optimum Nutrition Glutamine 1000mg capsules

• Did you know that stress has the same impact on your body as eating sugar? Stress causes cravings for the wrong foods, particularly salty, high fat and sugary snacks. read my article: Your Health & 10 Simple Ways to Lower Stress.

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The good news is, once you have established and maintained a healthy diet full of nourishing foods and a lifestyle with good habits, you will actually crave healthy foods and be repelled by the junk foods you once craved!!
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​For further discussion on food cravings, including food addiction:  
​Here's a great article from the blog Authority Nutrition. 

Plus, if you missed Weight-loss MYTH #1 or MYTH #2 (and they are biggies!), please go back and read my posts.

Now read ....  
(Part 4) Real Weight-loss: Au Naturale Nutrition Style!
Real, practical applications for weight loss - Starting with a focus on your health! PLUS- a completely FREE book for YOU!