Finding the Middle Ground

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2007
Finding the Middle Ground
5
Tue, 03-18-2008 - 11:59am
Find the Middle Ground
What's your favorite treat? Come on now — if you could eat your way out of a room filled with one kind of food, what would it be? Cake? Potato Chips? Chocolate? Cheese? Ice cream? When you know that you can never have just one potato chip, it's tempting to swear off that food forever — especially now that you're focused on improving your health, diet, and physique. But as many of us have found out from experience, labeling something as "forbidden" makes it all the more appealing!

A critical step in renouncing the destructive, all-or-nothing mind-set is knowing how to walk the line between self-denial and self-indulgence. It is the middle ground that offers the best foundation on which to build your new life. Denying yourself little pleasures such as an occasional glass of wine or a chocolate truffle will only make you feel deprived, frustrated, and ultimately hopeless about maintaining your discipline. A temptation is a lot less powerful if it isn't totally forbidden. This is where moderation comes in.

There is room for all foods, no matter how "bad" they are; it's just a matter of being conscious and careful of how often and how much. It's fine to have a piece of cake now and then, just not every day, and not the whole cake.


Jullian Michaels...The Biggest Loser Trainer


Be like a postage stamp.

Be like a postage stamp.  Stick to it until you get there.

Bob Proctor

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-27-2004
Tue, 03-18-2008 - 4:14pm
I really needed this. Moderation is a concept I'm still struggling with. This article is a big help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2003
Tue, 03-18-2008 - 4:22pm

Donuts, definitely donuts.

Judy 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Tue, 03-18-2008 - 6:50pm

I watched that show too and thought the 4 rules, though basic and common sense in many ways, are really good. I've

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2007
Tue, 03-18-2008 - 8:48pm

I just had my favorite last week and broke my rule too - I should have just had 1/2!!!

 

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2001
Tue, 03-18-2008 - 9:14pm
Wonderful advice!

Be the change you want to see in the world ~ Mahatma Gandhi