Cravings - Enjoy in Moderation?

If you've ever found yourself staring at the bottom of an empty bag of chips (or pint of ice cream) after telling yourself you'd just have one serving, you know how difficult it can be enjoy your favorite treats in moderation. 

Nevertheless, plenty of experts will tell you that's the best way to keep your food cravings in check and prevent overindulging later. However, while that logic is still sound in some respects, a new study shows that eliminating food cravings during weight loss is more nuanced than that. 

THE RESEARCH

This study, published in the journal Obesity, monitored 367 overweight participants (their average baseline weight was around 207 pounds) over the course of two years. All participants stuck to a highly restrictive diet, and researchers monitored their body weights and craving levels at baseline, six months, and 24 months.

Eat Within Moderation? What Does That Mean?

“All foods fit a healthy lifestyle—within moderation.”

You’ve probably heard the mantra countless times. 

The problem with statements like this is that they leave it up to you to decide what “moderation” means. One person’s scoop of cookies and cream ice cream is another person’s pint. 

And recent research suggests that people tend to interpret the “moderation” advice as license to eat whatever they want, rather than a reminder to reign themselves in.