WHAT IS MODERATION
If you’ve ever heard of the term “eat everything in moderation”, you probably noticed that this piece of advice isn’t exactly the most helpful for adapting a balanced approach to eating.
What one individual considers a “moderate” amount can be different from another’s. In addition, everyone comes from a different background of eating habits, relationship with food, nutritional needs, in a different place in their health journey, etc.
WHAT IS MODERATION?
Moderation in nutrition refers to the practice of consuming a variety of foods in appropriate quantities, avoiding excesses or deficiencies. It’s about finding a balance that meets your nutritional needs without overeating or restricting certain foods.
Instead of letting external factors, such as serving size labels, peer influence, or food rules, define what moderation looks like for you - try focusing on these principles instead:
FOCUS ON FOOD DIVERSITY: The term “eat everything in moderation” highlights the importance of food diversity. Aim to include a diverse range of foods in your diet that includes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, animal and plant-based protein sources, and healthy fats. Eating from all the food groups provides a broad spectrum of essential nutrients
TUNE INTO YOUR HUNGER AND FULLNESS CUES: Identify what your personal hunger and fullness cues look like. (You can use the standard Hunger Scale for reference!) As you work towards recognizing what hunger and fullness feels like to you, honor these cues to help you eat in moderation and to a point where you aren’t starving or painfully full.
ALLOW ALL FOODS TO FIT: Whether you are eating for nutritional value or for taste, both are okay! “Eat everything in moderation” means including foods for taste and satisfaction.
If you feel unsure of what an appropriate or moderate amount of food looks like for you, consider talking to a Registered Dietitian on our team to help you reach your nutrition goals. Remember, moderation can look different for everyone because every individual has their own unique nutritional needs and health or fitness goals.
