Consistency Is Not the Same as Perfection

Consistency Is Not the Same as Perfection

By: Marcy Schoenborn

Reach out to me:  Click Here

These two ideas often get lumped together — and they shouldn’t.

Consistency is biological.
Perfection is psychological.

And the body responds to one far better than the other.

What Consistency Actually Means

Consistency means you repeatedly choose foods that support healing.

Not once.
Not occasionally.
Not when it’s convenient.

But most days, most meals.

This creates:

• stable blood sugar

• predictable digestion

• calmer stress hormones

• improved nutrient absorption

The body thrives on predictability. When meals arrive regularly and are built from nourishing, whole foods, the nervous system relaxes and repair processes turn on.

That’s how healing begins.

What Perfection Is (and Isn’t)

Perfection is not about nourishment — it’s about control.

Perfection looks like:

• rigid food rules driven by fear

• anxiety over minor deviations

• all-or-nothing thinking

• guilt after eating

This state keeps the nervous system activated. Elevated cortisol and adrenaline interfere with digestion, blood sugar regulation, sleep, and hormone balance.

Ironically, perfection can block healing — even when food quality is high.

Why Structure Heals Better Than Flexibility

Most people don’t need more flexibility.
They already have plenty of that.

What they lack is:

• clear meal expectations

• reliable food patterns

• meals with a purpose

Structure removes decision fatigue. When you know what a meal should look like, you stop negotiating with yourself all day. This lowers stress — and stress is one of the biggest barriers to healing.

Structure is not punishment.
It’s support.

Meals Should “Do Their Job”

A healing meal isn’t about being impressive.
It’s about being effective.

A meal should:

• provide quality protein the body can digest

• include fiber and micronutrients

• deliver enough energy to feel calm after eating

• support stable mood and focus

When meals consistently do their job, cravings quiet down, energy improves, and the body stops sending distress signals.

That’s not perfection.
That’s proper nourishment, repeated.

Why Clear Expectations Matter

Vague advice creates chaos.

“Just do your best” sounds kind, but it leaves the body guessing.
“Healing meals most of the time” provides direction without obsession.

Clarity creates confidence.
Confidence reduces stress.
Reduced stress allows healing to proceed.

The Bottom Line

Consistency is choosing foods that heal you — again and again — because your body needs repetition to repair.

Perfection is driven by fear.
Consistency is driven by understanding.

Healing doesn’t require obsession.
It requires structure, clarity, and follow-through.

And when meals consistently support the body, healing becomes a natural outcome — not a constant struggle.

References

1. McEwen BS. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. N Engl J Med. 1998;338(3):171–179.

2. Ulrich-Lai YM, Herman JP. Neural regulation of endocrine and autonomic stress responses. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009;10(6):397–409.

3. Cryer PE. The barrier of hypoglycemia in diabetes. Diabetes. 2008;57(12):3169–3176.

4. Adam TC, Epel ES. Stress, eating and the reward system. Physiol Behav. 2007;91(4):449–458.

5. Gibson EL. Emotional influences on food choice. Physiol Behav. 2006;89(1):53–61.

6. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. National Academies Press; 2005.

7. Baumeister RF et al. Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource? J Pers Soc Psychol. 1998;74(5):1252–1265.