CONTENTS

• Habits according to the Peret principle
• Pareto principle in nutrition

In recent years, it's become very fashionable to be "fit," to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. While this is a very positive phenomenon, many people tend to adopt an "all or nothing" approach to this topic. Numerous studies have now shown that to be healthy and enjoy good energy every day, it's enough to implement a few key habits and, from time to time, allow yourself complete deviations. This approach is well illustrated by the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule.

Habits according to the Pareto principle

What is the Pareto Principle? According to Wikipedia, it is "a rule that describes many phenomena in economics and management, according to which 20% of the objects studied are associated with 80% of certain resources." Although we are talking about economics and management, this principle applies to many other fields, such as sales and marketing. And although it may seem that the field of healthy living is very far removed from these areas, a similar rule can be formulated here as well.

It could be: 80% of our health is made up of 20% of our habits. This means that a few of the most important and profound changes are enough to feel a significant improvement in well-being. How do you apply the 80/20 principle in practice? Take a look at your health habits. Which areas are you satisfied with, and which need improvement? On a piece of paper, list all the possible changes that you think would have a significant impact on how you feel. This could be cycling to work, drinking 2 liters of water a day, giving up sweets, eating 5 portions of vegetables and fruit daily, giving up the elevator in favor of the stairs, and much more. Then count them and choose about 20% of them. Work on these actions to put them into practice. Once they reach the level of habit, you will definitely feel their major impact on your health, energy, and daily well-being.

Pareto principle in nutrition

The Pareto principle can also be strictly applied to nutrition . We often see this issue in black and white. Either we go on a diet, eat healthily, and there is no room for exceptions, or we indulge ourselves excessively, regardless of the principles of healthy eating. At the same time, this approach often leads to a loss of motivation and discouragement. It is much better to allow ourselves fewer healthy meals – this is healthier for our minds and, in the long run, for our bodies too. No one can stay on a diet for long. And the point is, our healthy eating habits shouldn't be a seasonal whim, but should accompany us throughout our lives.

This is where the Pareto principle comes into play again, which can be formulated as follows: Make sure 80% of your meals are healthy and nutritious, leaving 20% ​​for possible deviations. This type of eating system leaves you room to eat out, celebrate various occasions with loved ones, and even simply satisfy your cravings, such as chocolate. The fact that you eat a piece of cake on your name day does not undermine your efforts to live a healthy lifestyle. Dietary deviations are also part of a healthy lifestyle. You can still reap the benefits of a healthy diet. The other 80% will provide them for you.

How do you put the 80/20 diet rule into practice? First, consider the situations in which you find it most difficult to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet . Choose approximately 20% of these—guided by your intuition, of course. Give yourself more leeway in these situations. Your diet should become your lifestyle, and only by allowing yourself some freedom can you achieve this. This will avoid discouragement and a lack of motivation.