You have just described the truly healthiest way of eating. It is nearly identical, if not completely identical, to Dr. Atkins maintenance phase diet.
We lost much weight when we followed this way of eating years ago. Unfortunately, we slipped back into eating the foods our brains were patterned with since our youth, and the weight returned. Even though we feel better following the good way of eating, our brains remember our old “comfort” foods and keep reminding us of what it wants! I wish I had the same persistence to keep with it as I did years ago. Good luck to you, HM, I am sending good wishes your way!
That is why she allows a meal or day to cheat. You don’t feel deprived.
Eat what you want at holiday dinners and return to diet later.
I’ve learned to take small amounts of the forbidden foods and fill the plate with good stuff.
It works and I don’t feel deprived.