The unexpected benefit of eating in moderation

I was going to say “calorie restriction” instead of eating in moderation but then wondered if “calorie restriction” describes correctly the way I’ve been eating.

I noticed my kids say a number of times “Our dad doesn’t eat” or some variation of it. They are usually referring to how rarely I order the main course when we go out. I always have something light, like a salad. The other day we went to a sushi restaurant. I had a beer and an edamame. At home too — for dinner, I make myself a salad.

I do avoid overeating at all costs. As a passionate runner, I don’t want any extra weight. My wife says I’ve become too thin. But I still wouldn’t apply the expression “calorie restriction” to my food choices. Certainly, I’m not on any diet. I eat well in the morning, have something light for lunch, like a bowl of cereal, and in the evening eat vegetables, and sometimes fish or chicken. Whenever I’m hungry, I’d have a protein bar. Considering I run 70 miles a week, I am probably running a slight constant calorie deficit. But I’d rather do that than overeat.

Anyway, I wanted to mention a new experience that has entered my life ever since I completely overhauled my running and eating habits about 18 months ago.

Enjoying food like never before! When I get to my evening meal — whether it’s a salad or something fuller — I enjoy my food like never before. “Like never before” is an understatement. It’s like every night I sit down to experience a 500 dollar dinner at a…