The 80/20 Principle

   With all the buzz around keto, vegan, paleo, and animal-based diets, not much has been talked about the 80/20 principle. It's a diet unlike other diets, because it encourages balance over restriction. The 80/20 really isn't a diet at all, but a lifestyle, in which one eats balanced meals centered around whole foods 80% of the time and the remaining 20% of less nutrient rich foods. Nutritionist Kerry Torrans says, "There is no list of specified foods, it can be adapted to fit within your own preferences." This means you can still eat all the food you love but leave the less healthy foods for a treat. The question is: is this sustainable in the long term, and is it actually beneficial for your health?

   Because you still get to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation, and not just one night of the week like diets centered around restricting than having one cheat meal a week, users have noted that they have an easier time sticking with the 80/20 than other plans. "The 80/20 offers a flexible realistic way of eating," Torrans says when talking about this approach to dieting and lifestyle. "It may help you develop new healthy habits." So, you can still have your cake and eat it too, just not every single meal, every single day.

   The next question is: is it beneficial for your health? The short answer is: Yes. It is beneficial for your health for the main reason being that it encourages healthy eating most of the time with room for an occasional treat. Beyond food, the lifestyle also encourages taking account of other lifestyle factors as well, such as sleep, exercise, proper hydration, stress, and listening to what your body needs. Dietician Stephanie Blackwell talks about this in an article," Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied." This approach helps to encourage a healthier relationship around food and can make you less stressed when it comes to mealtime. 

   Overall, the 80/20 principle is a great way to encourage healthy habits without total restriction. You can even practice the 80/20 if you're vegan, vegetarian, animal based, keto, or whatever your preferred eating style is. The flexibility of it fits into many people's hectic lives and specific dietary preferences. It's not a fad diet or juice cleanse promising you quick results. It's a mindset and lifestyle shift towards making healthier choices, listening to your body, and nourishing your body. 

Sources:

Goodfood.com

Healthfirstgroup.com