How much discipline (i.e. simply saying "no") for a one year old? Wanting to avoid too little or too much!

[Elwyn]

What level of discipline did you find worked most well with your one year old?
I have read somewhere online that it can be good to limit the number of things you say a strong and clear "No" to because if you are constantly saying "No", it all becomes a bit vague and diffuse for the child and they start to ignore.
I do not want to discourage my toddler's inquisitiveness and exuberance but worry that I am not giving him enough guidelines and that perhaps children benefit from clearer "rules". I say no to things that are dangerous or if he is hurting someone (e.g. biting) but what about lower level things?
An example would be throwing food over side of highchair. I tend to ignore since no danger involved but should I be saying "No throwing food" in a serious voice?
What about wrapping arms round my legs when I am preparing food? Should I be untangling him, depositing him little way away and saying "No, mummy needs to be left free to prepare food" rather than picking up and giving cuddle (which leads to same thing happening as soon as he is placed on the floor again)?
The way I see it, children need more discipline as they get older and develop more understanding but can you "make a rod for your own back" by being too lenient when they are younger (1-2 years)?

I avoided saying no for the first year or so of dd's life. I used distraction or said yes you can do that, later. Or, other ways of saying no without saying no. I saved 'no' for serious dangerous things. It did seem to work as dd responded to the 'no' when I used it. Also, when saying no, you need to mean it.

Agree with pp. No for hitting/ biting and danger.

Like the other posters I generally avoid saying no at all. For food throwing I tend to go for 'food goes on the plate' as this tells her what she should do with her food rather then just throwing it if she doesn't want it. She's now 16 months and pretty good with food, though currently she likes to hand over her half eaten morsels to me, which is delightful.

With the holding legs while cooking I point her at something else she can do so give her a cupboard to play in and tell her I am doing hot things so she can play with the pots.

I think giving an alternative is key or they don't know what they should do instead of the bad thing.

I totally agree with the above posts. No is for hurting others or avoiding danger (although it's the parent's responsibility to keep danger away, not the baby's to not touch). Otherwise distract! I don't think you can expect a one year old to leave you alone to prepare food, it's just unrealistic. Let them help you or give them another activity to keep them busy (dish of water on the floor to play in works well).

The thing is your toddler cannt be reasoned with. Far too young. If they're being annoying eg while you're cooking, then set up a space for them in the kitchen (either Highchair with toys or a little play table). I did this with ds. With dd, who's now 20 months, I pick up and cook one handed as know in a year she'll be playing with her big brother so less in the way!

Food off the Highchair - show her what to do ie put in the bowl. Usually that happens when they're tired or finished so I clear up and end the meal.

Distraction is my main weapon of choice though!

No for serious/important things.

Other stuff - distract, redirect, say what you want not want you don't want.

Reduce the number of things you say no too. If you don't want her holding your legs while you cook, put her in a playpen/sling on your back/gate on the kitchen door.