Mirjam “Everything in moderation” is a phrase we’ve all heard time and time again. It’s often used to justify indulging in less-than-healthy habits, whether it’s regarding food, alcohol, or other things. But is this mantra as innocent as it sounds? The truth is that, when it comes to maintaining vibrant health, the idea of “everything in moderation” can be a misleading and potentially dangerous trap.
The moderation myth
The concept of “everything in moderation” implies that any food or activity can be included in your lifestyle as long as it’s done in reasonable amounts. It suggests that indulging in unhealthy products, labeled as ‘food’, or habits occasionally is acceptable as long as healthier choices balance it. In my opinion, this idea oversimplifies nutrition and health.
Mysteriousness of moderation
One of the major problems with the moderation approach is its mysteriousness. What exactly does “moderation” mean? The interpretation can vary widely from person to person, making it a flexible excuse for consuming unhealthy foods or engaging in detrimental habits.
For instance, consuming mock meat burgers “in moderation” might mean one or two burgers a year to one person and one burger per week to another. This vagueness can lead to underestimating your intake of harmful substances and, as a result, negatively impacting your health.
The hidden dangers of moderation
- Nutrient deficiency: Moderation often overlooks the importance of nutrient-dense food, more specifically raw fruit and plant food. When you consume nutritionally lacking products, you might not enjoy the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for vibrant health.
- Refined sugar and metabolic health: Refined sugar is a perfect example of something commonly consumed “in moderation.” However, even moderate refined sugar consumption has been linked to obesity and other metabolic issues.
- Addictive nature of certain products: Processed products, particularly those high in salt, refined sugar, and unhealthy fats, are designed to be addictive. Consuming them in ‘moderation’ can be a constant battle due to their addictive nature.
A better approach: informed, conscious choices
Instead of relying on the vague notion of moderation, I suggest you embrace an informed and conscious approach to health and nutrition. This involves:
- Education: Understand the nutritional content of the foods you consume and make informed choices based on this knowledge.
- Balanced diet: Strive for a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, leafy greens, vegetables, and a small amount of healthy fats. A high raw fruit and plant food diet is key.
- Eat enough: Make sure you enjoy large fruit plates and big bowls of scrumptious salads. Living food, such as fruit and leafy greens are lower in calories so it’s important to make sure to eat enough to feel satiated.
“Everything in moderation” is a well-intentioned but flawed mantra that can lead to unhealthy habits and contribute to disease. Instead of relying on this vague and potentially misleading guideline, take a more informed and individualized approach to your health. The key to vibrant health is not moderation for its own sake, but rather understanding the impact of your choices and making decisions that best serve your well-being. Remember, knowledge and awareness are keys to vibrant health.
