Extreme Moderation

[Guest guest]

Earlier posts today (Body Image and CRON, Eating Behavior Modification) bring us back to the notion that there is a fine line between starvation and a strict CRON program. At the heart of the matter lie a few parallel questions: How close should we flirt with starvation in order to reap the life extension benefits of CRON? Is the best CRON program strict or moderate? How do you know if you're CRONing or so starved that you're CRAZY?

I was privileged to share dinner this weekend with and Roy Walford and several of their friends. (More on that in a moment.) I overheard say something that really struck a chord. The above questions had been circulating the room when addressed the difference between CRON and anorexia. She pointed to the lovely spread of CRON entrees on the dinner table and said, "THIS is life GIVING. Anorexia is life TAKING."

That pithy common-sense wisdom is what really struck me the most about being in the company of the Walfords--THAT, and their love. If they happen to read this, I don't mean to embarass them with my gushing, but to report my observations about two people who have greatly influenced my thinking. Dr. Walford is one of the sweetest souls I've ever met. During dinner, I was thinking of that old children's story about "warm fuzzies" when his CAT showed up, all warm and gentlemanly and BLUE-EYED just like Dr. Walford. , too, is such a comfortable, kind person. No pretentions. The whole home is so SANE and yet so unique, so SENSIBLE and yet so fun. I left that night realizing that CRON can fit easily like a pair of old shoes.

Dr. Walford wrote that the words "revolution" or "miracle" in titles of diet books "are always dubious." Ain't that the truth? So maybe a good CRON program is anything but revolutionary or miraculous. Maybe it's just plain, common, sensible life-giving food choices in smaller portions, with a bit of continuiing education thrown in to make room for improvement. So maybe moderation IS a good thing. But "moderation" sounds so dull and boring, and nobody likes to be boring. I'd rather be "revolutionary" and "miraculous." So then, how about EXTREME MODERATION? Anyone?

Hugs,

Suz