The 80/20 Approach to a Healthy Diet

Have you put on weight recently? You’re not alone. Stress and holidays can sap our mental strength and willpower and cause us to seek comfort in food. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, when you follow the simple plan outlined below, you can easily get your body back on track, take control of your cravings, and—as an added bonus—feel less stressed!

Adopting an 80/20 mindset means sticking to your healthy daily diet 80 percent of the time and allowing yourself some limited indulgences the other 20 percent of the time.

Your regular routine allows you to maintain a healthy weight while those little “cheats” help you curb cravings and manage stress and stress eating without feeling guilty.

Since even small amounts of the comfort food we crave tend to be loaded with calories, sugars, starches, and fats it’s important to have a “Recovery Plan” in place to keep you on track.

The “Day After” Recovery Plan

Don’t feel guilty after allowing yourself to enjoy a tasty treat. Instead, take action!

Take a walk after dinner. Start the next day off with a nutritious breakfast and a workout. Invite a friend for moral support and companionship (even virtual dates count).

Actively combat the bloat and fatigue you might feel after indulging by countering your 20 percent days with plenty of veggies, lean protein, and fiber. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

This clean combination will help you quickly recover from any leftover lag you might feel after indulging and gets your mind refocused on your personal health goals.

The Lasting Results Plan

Reacting to a 20 percent indulgence day is a great way to minimize the impact on your regular routine and help you physically and mentally recover from any stress, holiday, or special occasion eating you may have done. But if your goal is to lose weight and maintain your health for good, incorporate the tips below into your 80/20 routine.

1. Fast Twice a Week

Fasting for at least 14-hours twice per week is an easy way to reduce calories and help your body reset its natural chemistry. It might sound difficult, but 14 hours isn’t that long. Simply stop eating after an early dinner, sleep overnight, then either skip breakfast or have something light mid-morning to get you through until lunch and you’re done.

Want a more effective fast? The Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet® can help you curb cravings and eliminate hunger pangs so you can go a full 48 hours without food. Plus it tastes great. The Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet® is a blend of fruit juices including apple, pineapple, orange, apricot, and banana. That slightly sweet flavor combination is important because it helps satisfy your taste buds and get your mind “on board” with the fasting process.

Follow up with a reduced-calorie diet for two additional days to see increased benefits. Men would limit their daily calories to 600 and women to 500. This powerful weight loss and health-maintenance combo can help you reach your goals any time of the year.

*Always consult a physician before beginning any weight loss program.

Make Your Meals Count

Think high in fiber, nutrient-packed, low in calories but big on taste! Check out the recipe section on our blog for great meal, snack, and dessert options that don’t skimp on flavor.

Fasting Has Added Benefits

Purging Toxins
The food we eat and products we use often have harmful chemical additives that leach into our bodies. A fasting detox helps your body to naturally filter this “toxic load” out and get your body back in balance.

Brain Boost
Many people who undergo a detox cleanse report improved brain function. Chemically “resetting” your body can increase memory, decrease drowsiness, and improve sleep patterns.

2. Move Every Day

Set a goal of moving every day for 30 minutes (or challenge yourself to at least 7000 steps). This will not only help you burn calories, but aid your digestive system, and decreases stress levels—which all keeps you motivated.

Dieting Isn’t All or Nothing Anymore

Yo-yo dieting is not a recipe for long-term success. You can’t simply cut out the comfort foods you love completely and hope to maintain such a strict diet 100 percent of the time. Revamping your relationship with your body and the food you eat is sustainable with the 80/20 healthy balance approach. Plus, the built-in flexibility allows you to easily manage stressful situations and occasional temptations. With powerful tools like The Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet® at your disposal, you can hit your weight loss goals and make a healthier lifestyle easy to maintain.