The 80/20 Rule

What is the 80/20 Rule?

1. The Pareto principle (also known as the 80–20 rule, the law of the vital few, and the principle of factor sparsity) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.
   
   It can be difficult to lose weight if you follow a diet that heavily restricts all sweets and treats. The 80/20 diet rule allows you to indulge once in a while while still focusing on losing weight. This diet rule teaches you more than just how to manage your weight; it helps you to better understand moderation and balance. 
   How can you apply it to your life?

Food.

1. You know it's challenging to eat clean all the time. Work parties, BBQs, restaurants, holidays... all those things make clean eating a bit of a challenge. But if you can work toward eating clean the majority of the time you are going to see a difference in your body and in how you feel.  In addition , if you keep an eye on your portions you can effectively manage your weight

Exercise.

Yes, it's easy to fall out of your workout routine when you travel, or you have family in town, or a rerun of Orange is the New Black has you glued to the TV, remember to get right back and into it! Don't let a break from your exercise routine become a break-up from exercise. Push toward that 80 percent. Even 30 minutes of exercise a day is sufficient

It's easy to remember.

When things are easy to remember, they are easy to do. Plus, you can easily turn this rule into a question to keep you on track: Are the majority of my choices today healthy? If they aren't, start making some healthy decisions pronto. If they are, terrific! 

It's a lifestyle rule, not a fad.

It is not a quick fix or some type of fad diet. You can easily adjust it to your life and live by it and also not restrict yourself

You don't have to be perfect.

It is OKAY if you caved and had a sausage sandwich for breakfast but had a healthy and balanced lunch and dinner

When the majority of your decisions are healthy you can fit it in with your lifestyle

I guarantee if you exercise on most days and eat clean most of the time, it will work. You will be at the weight you want to be at and you will be healthier. The 80/20 rule is a doable, healthy lifestyle plan that you can enjoy! As always, speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition.