Module 2: How to Eat Healthy and Still Have a Social Life
Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too!
Life is full of special occasions that involve food and it’s important to plan ahead. If you feel like crap from eating too many sugar cookies at Christmas, how great do you think your overall experience really will be? You probably won’t have energy to play with your little nieces or nephews or have meaningful conversations with the people who matter. You will most likely be in a food coma and will be completely worthless.
So how can you live healthy and still have a social life? I use a little secret called the 80/20 Rule. This means that 80% of the time, you make healthy lifestyle choices and 20% of the time you make room for the things that you love. It will allow you to make these social experiences such much more rewarding and meaningful. Be mindful of how much and how often you indulge and remember that no one gets pleasure when they over-do things. Sure, eating a piece of chocolate cake may give you instant gratification, but it won't bring you long-term health and happiness.
So how can you live healthy and still have a social life? I use a little secret called the 80/20 Rule. This means that 80% of the time, you make healthy lifestyle choices and 20% of the time you make room for the things that you love. It will allow you to make these social experiences such much more rewarding and meaningful. Be mindful of how much and how often you indulge and remember that no one gets pleasure when they over-do things. Sure, eating a piece of chocolate cake may give you instant gratification, but it won't bring you long-term health and happiness.
- The 80/20 rule allows you to never feel guilty.
- It’s about planning ahead and making everything count.
- 20% gives you 4 meals out of the week where you can splurge a bit.
- Don’t waste your 20% on something that is so not worth it.
- Use the one bite rule—if it’s not worth it after one bite, get rid of it.
- Be mindful of when to say no, and when to give in. If your Mother In Law offers you her famous cheesecake during the holidays, give in for the sake of the relationship. I promise you won't ruin your long-term goals by eating one piece of delicious cheesecake. If you have 2-3 pieces, that's a whole other story. Don't over indulge, plan ahead, make it count, and enjoy these special moments. After all, life is about balance.
