Nutritionist: Moderation Rule Does Not Apply to Alcohol

The widely cited dietary guideline of "moderation in everything" fails when applied to alcoholic beverages, according to nutritionist Dr. Natalia Lyskovskaya. She warns that this rule does not extend to all food and drink categories, specifically excluding alcohol from its scope.

Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption

Lyskovskaya asserts that alcohol damages health even in small quantities, making the concept of moderate consumption irrelevant for this substance. "Any dose of alcohol harms the body," she stated. For other food items, she recommends a simpler approach: maintaining a diverse and balanced diet unless specific health restrictions apply.

Guidelines for Balanced Nutrition

The expert advises against arbitrarily excluding specific foods or entire dietary groups without medical justification. Individuals who do not suffer from chronic illnesses or excess weight should not eliminate items from their intake unless directed by a physician based on a clinical diagnosis. To construct a balanced meal plan, Lyskovskaya suggests referencing the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate and principles of the Mediterranean diet.

According to these guidelines, half of the plate should consist of vegetables and fruits, one quarter of protein, and the remaining quarter of complex carbohydrates. While seasonal produce is recommended, the dietitian notes that consumers are not required to limit themselves exclusively to seasonal options.