Approaching your health and wellness goals with the right mindset and attitude can help increase your chances of success by many folds. A lot of times, people drop off the wagon not because they don’t have the right information, tools or even the willpower – they fail to achieve their goals because they were unable to change the way they think about themselves, their situations, and how they deal with their fears.
I want to introduce to you the 90/10 Rule. Eat well and healthy 90% of the time, and let yourself indulge without guilt 10% of the time. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip – this kind of guilt and self-blame does not help you stay on track. Unless you have a severe food allergy or sensitivity or a condition such as celiac, the 90/10 Rule can be beneficial.
Deprivation is not a sustainable way to make changes that last. You may be able to go cold turkey on your favorite food for two weeks, but want happens after your “diet” is over? Most people will probably binge, feel bad, and give up. Allowing yourself to eat what you love, and possibly finding healthier substitutes to satisfy your taste buds, is how you can make healthy changes that will bring you benefits for a long time to come.
Here’s what you can do
What is your favorite food that will make your day? Include a moderate amount in your plan so that you don’t feel deprived. Also, can you upgrade your favorite food? For example, if you love chocolate, you can upgrade your cookies or candy bar to organic dark chocolate that is full of antioxidants and flavonoids, and you don’t need much of it because it is flavorful and satisfying.
