What is the 80/20 Rule?

One of the biggest pitfalls of being on a restrictive diet is, well, the restriction. You may be excited that you’re losing weight, but you really miss that cheesecake and ice-cream and all the other foods that makes you feel euphoric.

The 80/20 rule approaches healthy eating with a message of moderation – 80% healthy food choices and 20% less healthy options. This method is feasible for all, allows variety of food and avoids deprivation. This rule is great for people who do not like following strict food guidelines or don’t have the time to balance complicated macronutrients. This plan permits you to appreciate guilty pleasures on a regular basis without making you feel like as though you are “cheating”.

Tips to consider:

• Do not overindulge: Your 20% days must be done in moderation or it will result in weight gain.
• Portion limit: You still need to pay attention to your portion even if you are eating whole food. Overeating whole foods will also result in weight gain.
• Work out: Working out helps to balance out the extra calories that you consume on your 20% days.