Black-and-white behavioural change is almost always easier than quantitative change, because the cognitive burden of a prohibition is far less. Counting calorie

Black-and-white behavioural change is almost always easier than quantitative change, because the cognitive burden of a prohibition is far less. Counting calories is rational but time-consuming, complex, error prone and open to self-deception; an absolute prohibition on starchy carbs is arbitrary but much easier to stick to. Not drinking at all on weekdays or drinking only with meals is cognitively much easier than restricting yourself to 14 standard drinks per week. Most religious laws are absolute prohibitions or absolute mandates - no foods are mostly kosher or halal, no foods become haram or treif merely because of quantity. None of the ten commandments are quantitative or subjective. Being a frummer is burdensome and inconvenient, but it's also remarkably straightforward. Strict and absolutist behavioural rules are easy to understand and apply.