At Sunshine Coast Dietetics, we encourage the 80%/20% philosophy.
Simply, that means that 80% of the time, food and lifestyle choices should be the best you can manage – great unprocessed healthy food choices and daily exercise.
But we also understand that life is to be lived to the fullest and that can mean having treat foods, a rest day from exercise — and this is the other 20%.
Attempting to follow a plan 100% every day is just setting yourself up for disaster…
We all have holidays, special functions to attend, family occassions or even times where we may feel we just need a little treat and we encourage you to enjoy these situations and indulge in a treat.
The secret is not to overindulge.
Planning your treat works best, whether it is your food choices at a dinner or a wedding, or how you will approach the holiday you are about to take.
Or even a weekly planned treat such as a morning tea on Friday or a chocolate on Saturday nights!
These tips may help you to not exceed your 20%….
- The point of great quality is most important. Treats must be savoured and really enjoyed! Always buy the best quality you can afford.
- Enjoy your treats! DO NOT FEEL GUILTY They have the same calories whether you enjoy them or not so make sure you love every mouthful!
- When you buy your treat only buy in a single serve, that reduces temptation to keep going and eat far more than just the 1 serve you were planning on!
Living by the 80/20 rule will allow you to enjoy your healthy lifestyle choices and more importantly sustain them, rather than feeling deprived by following a strict diet.