The 80/20 diet has gained popularity as a practical approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle without the strict restrictions that are often associated with dieting. This diet encouraged individuals to make nutritious choices 80% of the time while allowing for indulgence in less healthy foods for the remaining 20%. This balance aims to promote both health and enjoyment.
Cathedral Catholic junior, Mari Snideman, has followed the 80/20 diet for six months. She shares her experiences of improved health outcomes such as controlled eating, clearer skin, and increased energy.
She emphasizes the importance of consistency to witness these benefits truly: “Changes don’t happen overnight, give it a few months and you’ll start to notice beneficial results. You just need to stay true to yourself and not give up on your goals.”
Mikaela Jorgensen, a registered dietitian, adds to the discussion by highlighting the flexibility of the diet, which is essential for its success. She explains how many diets fail because they are overly restrictive, leading to binge eating when individuals veer off course.
Jorgensen says, “While there is a lack of research on the 80/20 diet specifically, one study showed that when dieters had to restrict their favorite foods, they were more likely to eat more of that food when the restrictive period was over.”
The 80/20 rule allows individuals to enjoy their favorite foods in moderation, which can prevent feelings of deprivation and their subsequent binging. This flexibility helps to lessen food guilt and supports a healthier relationship with food.
Echoing these positive sentiments, Christy Brissette, a registered dietitian nutritionist appreciates that the 80/20 diet encourages people to make healthier choices without being overly restrictive.
However, she brings up a valid concern about the potential risks of the diet. Brissette says, “This approach makes it necessary to classify foods as ‘80’or ‘20,’ or ‘more healthy’ versus ‘less healthy.’ This can encourage black-and-white thinking, and foods are complex.”
While the diet aims to promote moderation, this categorization can lead to labeling foods in a way that might not be beneficial for everyone.
The 80/20 diet might be an excellent choice for many, as it encourages a nutritious diet and a listening attitude towards one’s body. However, it is important to acknowledge that this diet may not work for everyone.
The flexibility of the 20% can sometimes get pushed to 30% then 40%, where indulgences become more frequent than intended. Plus, as stated previously, the necessity to label foods as good or bad can lead to an unhealthy relationship with eating.
While the 80/20 diet offers an attainable method for improving dietary habits, it may not be the best option for everyone. As with any diet, individuals should consider their personal health goals and needs and consult with medical and nutritional professionals as needed, to determine if this approach is right for them.
