Eating in moderation… We find out what it ACTUALLY means for us

We've all been told since we were young to eat in moderation – but for so many women, eating in moderation is something completely different. 

For one woman, moderation might mean having just one can of Coke per week. For another it could mean ordering a medium pizza instead of a large; and for another it could mean putting down the fork when full. 

And according to Women's Health, technically they're all right. 

While telling someone to eat in moderation may be non-specific, it could actually enable you to watch what you eat without a food diary or nutrition tracker. 

No two women have the exact same calorie count or nutritional needs, nutritionist Jamie Mass tells Women's Health. 

"We all come to understand what moderate eating is from a different starting point. How you grew up, your family and friends, and even the messages you get from advertisements impact what overeating and moderate eating mean to you."

And Jamie believes that eating in moderation trumps any other dieting habit. 

"When women focus on eating the correct portion size – whether it's indicated by a nutritional label or a diet plan – they ignore their body's personal needs."

"That been said, moderation should be the result, not the focus, of every meal. Otherwise moderation can become restriction."

And we all know that restricting ourselves from eating our favourite foods NEVER last in the long run. 

"Deprivation isn't good for our mental health and can lead to not-so-moderate food choices later on," says Jamie. 

She suggests that we take time with our meals and ask ourselves, 'Am I really hungry? Or just bored, tired or stressed?' 

Then check back in half-way through our meals and think, 'Do I need anymore? Do I feel satisfied?'

These questions will automatically help you to eat in moderation – and reach your ideal weight.