Do you have restriction or restraint in your food choices? 

This may seem like just a matter of semantics, but it’s so much more than that. It is a matter of your mindset and approach to how you treat certain foods in your life.

Restriction is completely limiting yourself. It’s thinking that you really CAN’T eat any Oreos because they’re high in calories, not “clean” (whatever that means), and you’ll gain all of your weight by eating them. You think to yourself, “I’ll re-gain everything I’ve lost with just a few cookies, so I’ll restrict myself forever!” But then you proceed to binge on the Oreos the next day like I discussed here.

Restraint is best summarized with the concept of moderation. You think about balance. Such as, “I CAN eat all of these Oreos if I really wanted to, but I know I probably won’t feel awesome afterwards, so I’ll just eat two Oreos.” You allow yourself the slight indulgence minus the guilt associated with it. “What harm can a couple of Oreos really cause me?” Not much harm at all.

Restraint allows you to find that happy medium or middle road to eating with moderation.

Restraint is in the magic land between restriction and going off the deep end. You don’t binge on the whole freaking bag of Oreos.

Restraint allows you to be gentle with yourself and indulge a little if you’re in the mood for a damn Oreo. 

Too much restriction, on the other hand, can lead to a lack of success with your nutrition and performance goals. This is due to the need to have “cheat meals” or binging yourself into oblivion, like here.

Ultimately, we’re all human and we will ALL have cravings or a feeling that we want to enjoy a beer, donut, Oreo, or whatever else we feel like eating or drinking. This is normal! It’s called life. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to indulge a little, with moderation. (And without stuffing your face.) Enjoy a little taste of life, with restraint, not restriction.

Restraint tastes divine because that’s the taste of freedom from having a fear of food. 

So, what is it for you? restriction or restraint?


INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

If you’re interested in learning more about nutrition and how to increase your overall wellness and mindset through food, reach out. Comment below or email me, and I’d be more than happy to help you make sense of it all. 

If you’re interested in having your macronutrients personally calculated for you to meet your goals, I can help. Or you can have a customized nutrition plan built just for you (without the macros — macros are not for everyone) all paired with attentive coaching. Check-out my Services page first to see what I offer. Message me and we can arrange a time to chat for a free consultation.