This diet, that food, those pills-ahhhhhh-it gets so confusing trying to figure out if the food you heard last week was great for weight loss is still good for weight loss this week or if it has suddenly turned into a taboo food that will pump you up into a blimp. I am always one of the first ones (okay maybe I am not out of all the millions of people in the world but I think I am) to jump on the- this will make you skinny bandwagon if it sounds even remotely reasonable ( I am not even going to get into all the ridiculous things I have tried). So, now that I am older and wiser (I wish the wiser were true) I know there is no miracle diet that lasts forever.Tonight while I was reading my book, "Eat, Shrink and Be Merry" by Janet and Greta Podleski (for some reason I like to read this cook book and pretend I am really going to cook-that will be the day) I came across the 80/20 rule. This is simple, reasonable, healthy and still allows you to dive into your favorite foods once in awhile. Below is their take on how to stay slender and trim-
"Moderation, moderation, moderation. Most foods in moderation are okay. Most foods in excess- even some healthy foods-are not okay. It's our excesses that can lead to problems. Obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease are not the result of eating "unhealthy" or "taboo" foods every once in a while. They're usually the result of regular consumption of unhealthy foods-day in and day out, year after year. A helpful and realistic healthy eating guideline is the 80/20 rule: Eighty percent of the time, try choosing foods that are nutritious, high in fiber and low in bad fats. Twenty percent of the time, eat what you wan and let yourself and an indulgence. Craving chocolate ice cream? Scoop up a small serving and savor every spoonful. Then get back on the healthy eating track for the rest of the day. It's not every morsel of food you eat that's important-it's what you do consistently, over the long haul that really counts."
This is pretty much how I eat on a daily basis. I try to eat healthy and then I allow myself my "taboo" (I like that word) foods. If I did not have self control I would eat the "taboo" foods all the time and be huge. I think this is a reasonable way to stay slim as it works for me!
P.S. Halloween is a hard time for the 80/20 in our house as we just bought tons of chocolate so after just polishing off 3 mini Hershey chocolate bars (and feeling very guilty) I am going to strive for 70/30 until Halloween ends and this chocolate is gone (God willing it will not all be "gone" to my stomach).
37 comments:
I have never heard of the 80/20 rule. Sounds like a winner to me. I'm going to link your post to my blog. I like your Halloween rule also. Thanks for sharing this helpful information with us. :-)
About Halloween, if I mention 80/20 Rule...my kids would probably ask if that meant they could eat 80 pieces of candy in 20 minutes! (Can we say sugar coma?) OY!
Cheers!
This is great advice and it is much more realistic. I am going to give this one a try for sure. As you said, everything in moderation. :-)
Thanks for sharing! I havent heard about this rule.
On Halloween I suggest you to go 50/50, and then the following 5 days 90/10, and then continue back on 80/20... !
Good luck!
I started long ago eating super-healthy during the week, and on Friday nights splurging at dinner then one dessert on Sunday afternoon. For me I just have to make sure I've planned ahead for meals and snacks to keep myself from over eating.
Thanks for the useful information.
We stay strict Monday through Saturday - then on Sunday we indulge if we want.
It's true ... if you know you can have something ... you don't crave it so much.
And ... after doing so well M-S ... your much more likely to eat your indulgence foods in moderation.
For Craig & I, it's all about a lifestyle change.
Great post...this is how I try to eat!
You are so right in everything you say. Moderation is the key in all things, not just food. But what amazes me most about all those nice folks out there who want to lose weight is that for some reason they will not, or cannot stay on a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. I read a great book several years ago titled "Fit for Life". This little book tells you not only the benefits of fresh fruits and veggies, but also how to eat them. Eat fruit in the morning, and then for lunch and dinner mix concentrated foods with high water content veggies, etc. It's simple, it's delicious, and you will absolutely feel better and lose pounds. Guaranteed! PLUS, you can have your chocolate once in a while, or, if you like, you can have a pizza, taco, or even a steak. It's up to you. But follow Heal Nut's advice - MODERATION.
The bottom line is that there are really three absolutes in this life: death, taxes, and the health benefits derived from properly eating fresh fruits and vegetables! So go for it.
Unfortunately, I am one of those folks who has a great deal of trouble following a healthful diet. I try, but I fall off. So I know how difficult it is. But I keep trying.
Sorry for sounding preachy. I just got fired up.
Another great, thought provoking, energizing post Health Nut.
Happy trails.
have a great weekend.
By the way, I'm south of Topeka right now and enjoying the nice weather. When I lived in Topeka way back when, I always went to Oak Park Mall in Overland Park since it was the biggest and closest mall around at that time.
Moderation. Imagine that.
Oh yes, and if you don't mind in my latest post, I referred you as THE best source on the internet for up to date healthy eating tips ect.
Jesse
anyway, like you, i undulge mysel with the taboo once a while, i have frozen yoghurt right now for myself :) hihi.
I really appreciate it!
Thanks! :)
J/ (goteeman.blogspot.com)
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