Does The 80/20 Rule Actually Work?

Everything in moderation. That has become the new mantra in weight loss circles. If denying yourself the odd indulgence can lead to binging later one, it makes sense, right? But does this idea actually work or might it be giving you a false sense of security?

What exactly is the 80/20 rule? Basically, the idea is that you will make healthy food choices 80% of the time and leave the other 20% to indulgences. This method gives you the freedom to have a treat now and then while keeping yourself on a nutritious path most of the time.

There is no guarantee that this will work for you, but it can certainly help to guide your eating habits. When your life gets insanely busy, counting calories can become one more thing you have to do, the 80/20 rule can simplify your diet for you. If you are someone who needs rules to follow or tends to adopt super restrictive diets, this method can give you permission to not be “perfect.” No one is perfect, why not adopt a plan that allows for that?

Registered dietitian nutritionist, Jenna Braddock, makes this important distinction: the 20% is not the ‘bad’ part of your diet. She says, “it is not a bad thing to enjoy a food purely for enjoyment sake. In fact, when the 80% of your eating is happening, the 20% becomes a VERY healthy component of your diet.”

 

She prefers to think of 80/20 as a principle and not a rule. She explains, “rules are rigid and unforgiving. Principles are flexible and gracious.” And because life is constantly demanding you be flexible, your diet should be flexible right along with you!

In order to decide what principles will work best for you, Braddock suggests making a list. She says to write down your favourite foods or food events that you encounter on a frequent basis. Maybe you have lunch out once a week with an important client, or maybe you love the pastry at your favourite bakery. Next, make a list of the indulgences you face on a frequent basis that aren’t worth it to you. Like having cake at the office birthday party or having a fancy flavoured latte instead of straight coffee. Now compare the lists and prioritize. This will now inform your 80/20 principle. If you REALLY love danishes, for example, take a pass on the donuts in the break room so you can enjoy a danish once in a while.

Although the way this principle looks for you and the ways in which you apply it are incredibly individual, it is important to be intentional. Braddock says it is important to “actually plan out what that 20% looks like.” Look at your week, see what might pop up and plan accordingly.

For a plan that takes the 80/20 rule into consideration, check out the BodyRock Meal Plan!

Source: Fitfluential

 

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