The 80 / 20 rule

We are very good at putting our minds and bodies under pressure and I think when we are trying to achieve healthy happy bodies we have to feed it the best nutrition we can afford, move as much as we can fit into our schedules and not beat ourselves up when we over indulge.

Often when we set off on a new healthy venture with such enthusiasm it’s all or nothing. For example this year Billy (who loves Maccy D’s) decides he is only going to eat raw food and never drink again starting January 1^st. However, he is living in Ireland and it is freezing, he can’t cook and all of his friends meet up every week in the pub. This leaves Billy, very cold, hungry, and depleted from only eating raw carrots, apples and bananas and a Billy no mates.

I’m not saying a raw diet or being tee total is bad, much the contrary I think we all should eat more raw food and drink less. However, throwing yourself in 100% is a recipe for disaster, setting yourself up for failure. Don’t worry I have been there on many occasions being so strict with what I eat that the next thing is that I have devoured a whole loaf of gluten free bread (which wasn’t even nice by the way) and half a jar of peanut butter. I know, you're probably thinking this girl is grosse but we have all been there, be it with a tub of ice cream, followed by a packet of biscuits, pizza…..or whatever.

Remember Bridget Jones? 

You don’t have to be perfect all the time.  Many people believe that one piece of cake you had over the weekend caused you to blow your diet. Physiologically this never happens but from a psychologically point it happens all the time. People will often completely fall off the wagon and quit their healthy eating plan when they think they have eaten something they shouldn’t have.

The important thing to remember is we are only human and there are times when you’re going to slip up…it's ok! All you have to do put it behind you and move forward.

So what is this 80/20 rule? You may be familiar with the 80/20 rule in a business context like 80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients. In a similar fashion, the 80/20 rule is a great guideline which can be applied to what you eat and drink.

I think if we all tried to consume whole, natural foods 80% the time and left the other 20% for sensible moderation we would have far less health problems in the world.

So what is your 80/20? 

My 20% is open for things like a wine, dark chocolate, yummy raw chocolates treats… or even better coconut chocolate treats, home baked chippies or pop corn..... yummmmmmmie!!

Bottom line is don’t freak out and panic if you slip up. Simply get back on track and move forward.