The quality of our diet is not defined by a single isolated choice (such as preferring jam to avocado); allowing oneself pleasure within a balanced overall pattern fosters a healthy relationship with food without compromising our well-being.

noli's read

The advice that overall diet quality takes precedence over an isolated choice is robustly supported by modern nutritional science. Systematic review reports serving as the basis for the US Dietary Guidelines (USDA) confirm that it is long-term dietary patterns and nutrient synergy that influence vitality, not a food item in isolation. Furthermore, research on eating behaviors validates the importance of flexibility over rigid approaches to food categorization. An observational study by Smith et al. (1999), published in *Appetite*, even associates flexible control strategies with a reduction in overeating impulses and better weight regulation. Finally, a 2021 randomized controlled trial (RCT) shows that, at equivalent intakes, a flexible approach to eating generates less psychological stress and better long-term adherence than a strict meal plan. The creator's statement is therefore in perfect alignment with modern science regarding life balance.

the sources

1. 1Stewart TM, Williamson DA, White MA 2002
2. 2Neumark-Sztainer D et al. 2007