"When it comes to eating, you can sometimes help yourself more by helping yourself less"

Self-restraint at the dining table is often portrayed as a challenge, yet it is the key message embedded within Richard Armour’s words. While society frequently emphasizes abundance and the joy of indulging, true well-being and satisfaction stem from moderation. Reaching for a second helping or piling the plate high can be tempting, fueled by the enjoyment of food, peer pressure, or simply habit. However, by practicing mindfulness and listening to genuine hunger cues, one discovers that genuine nourishment does not always align with quantity.

Choosing to “help yourself less” is not an act of deprivation but rather a form of self-care. When resisting the impulse to overindulge, the body is protected from discomfort, sluggishness, and the potential long-term consequences of overeating. The process encourages a noticeable shift in perspective: food is seen as sustenance, not simply as a means of gratification or emotional comfort. Slowing down, savoring each bite, and being selective in portions allows for greater appreciation of flavors and textures, often translating into increased satisfaction. Paradoxically, less can indeed be more.

Moreover, this conscious approach to eating reflects broader life skills, patience, self-control, and respect for personal limits. By deliberately choosing smaller servings, an individual cultivates a sense of discipline and gratitude, recognizing that physical health and mental well-being are deeply interconnected. Over time, such habits become protective, reinforcing healthier relationships with food and promoting a balanced lifestyle.

The wisdom in Armour’s observation lies in understanding that having the freedom to eat does not require consuming excessively. By helping oneself “less” at meals, personal health is supported, enjoyment is prolonged, and an inadvertent lesson in restraint is taught. It is in these modest choices that lasting benefits for body and mind quietly accumulate, turning simple meals into opportunities for well-being.