Weight Maven

In the same vein as yesterday’s post, I’ve lately been thinking that no matter which diet you choose to follow (paleo, LC, vegan, etc), there is something to be said about how you eat … and how your eating fits in your life.

I suspect this is partly what Yoni Freedhoff has in mind when he talks about Calling for an End to Nutrition as Religion, his latest for US News. He writes:

Nutrition as religion demands perfection, yet perfection is an impossible goal. Remember, food is not simply fuel. Since the dawn of humankind, food has been used for comfort and celebration, and if your newly found dietary religion forbids foods you enjoy, my bet is you’re not long for that diet.

The easiest question to evaluate any dietary plan or religion is simply, “Could I happily live like this for the rest of my life?” where the most important word in that question is “happily.” If the answer’s “No,” you’ve either got to get comfortable with adding in some sinning, or find another way to go.

I’ve been thinking that a “one meal at a time” approach has a lot to go for it. A la Anne of Green Gables — “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.” — each meal is always fresh and another opportunity.

Here’s a first draft of what I think this could look like:

• Not hungry, but can’t wait to eat? Don’t eat as much.
• Make the best choice(s) possible.
• Include protein, carbs, and fat.
• Enjoy your meal.
• Give yourself props!

In a later post, I’ll share my rationale for each of these. But I’m curious … what do folks think? Good, bad, indifferent?