I would eat healthy at times and pig out at times. But I never

"I would eat healthy at times and pig out at times. But I never had to go on a strict diet plan." These words, spoken by Tori Spelling, reveal a profound truth about the human experience: the balance between moderation and indulgence is the key to a healthy life. In a world that often demands rigid adherence to rules and extremes—whether in diet, work, or life itself—Spelling's words remind us that flexibility and balance are the true pillars of well-being. By embracing both discipline and freedom in her eating habits, she reveals a path that honors both the body and the spirit.

In the ancient world, the wise philosophers and healers spoke often of balance and harmony. The Stoics, led by Epictetus and Seneca, taught that a person should live in accordance with nature, which means embracing a life of moderation—not excess or extreme self-denial. For the Stoics, true strength came not from rigid control, but from the ability to govern oneself with wisdom and flexibility. They understood that life is not about the constant pursuit of perfection, but about the ability to adapt to circumstances with equanimity. Spelling, though living in a different time and context, echoes this ancient wisdom by rejecting the rigid structure of a strict diet plan and instead embracing a more balanced approach to nourishment.

Consider, for example, the story of the ancient Greeks, who were famous for their athletic competitions, particularly the Olympic Games. Their physical prowess was celebrated, but they did not live by extreme rules of eating or exercise. Instead, they practiced balance—they trained diligently for their events, but they also understood the importance of rest and feasts. They knew that life was not a constant pursuit of perfection, but a harmonious blend of effort and enjoyment. The great philosopher Aristotle taught that the path to happiness lay in the golden mean—the balance between excess and deficiency. Spelling’s approach to eating—combining healthy habits with occasional indulgence—mirrors this timeless ideal.

But it is not just the ancient philosophers who understood the importance of balance. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, believed that the key to health was in the natural rhythms of life, in moderation in all things. He famously stated, "Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food." This insight speaks to the idea that our physical and mental well-being depend not on extremes, but on the right relationship with the world around us. Just as we are meant to breathe freely, sleep peacefully, and exercise in moderation, so too are we meant to eat—sometimes with great discipline and sometimes with great joy. Spelling’s attitude toward food—eating healthily at times and allowing herself moments of indulgence—aligns with this principle of natural balance.

In modern times, we have become obsessed with the idea of perfection—perfect bodies, perfect diets, perfect lives. The rise of extreme diet plans, often promising rapid results or unrealistic transformations, has led many to see food as the enemy rather than as nourishment. Spelling’s approach offers a refreshing alternative to this rigid and often harmful mindset. She teaches us that health is not about abstinence or deprivation, but about understanding that life is a series of choices, and that those choices can be both disciplined and joyful. This is not to say that we should abandon healthy habits or live recklessly, but that we should embrace the ebb and flow of life’s pleasures without guilt.

The deeper lesson here is freedom—the freedom to embrace life as it is, with its moments of indulgence and moments of self-control. This lesson can be applied to many areas of life, not just eating. In every pursuit, whether it be work, relationships, or personal growth, we must find a path that honors both effort and ease. Life is not a battle to be won by the strongest or the most disciplined alone, but by those who can move through it with grace, flexibility, and balance. By finding a middle ground, we allow ourselves to thrive without the crushing burden of perfection.

In our own lives, we must remember the wisdom of Tori Spelling and the ancients: that true well-being is not achieved by extremes, but by a healthy relationship with ourselves and the world. Let us nourish our bodies with healthy foods, but let us also enjoy life’s pleasures without guilt. Let us move forward with purpose and discipline, but also with an open heart that allows for the beauty of spontaneity. Just as the ancients understood the need for balance in all things, so too should we strive for a life where moderation is our guide and joy is our companion.