Many years ago, I heard the renowned Denise Austin suggest an 80/20 rule for moderation in her diet. It basically says that 80% of the time you need to be making healthy food choices, and 20% of the time you can allow the splurges, the desserts, and the not so clean eating. (I may even suggest a 90/10 rule depending on your lifestyle.) This goal made sense to me and gave me something to shoot for with my eating. I think this 80/20 balance could actually work in many areas of life.
There was a time when it would completely derail me if I was too tired to workout. I would feel angry with myself. Put out. A shame storm would begin brewing because I didn’t offer myself grace in this area. My perfection mentality got the best of me at times.
I think a more balanced approach is best in fitness.
Sometimes loving yourself well actually means choosing rest over the workout. Sometimes it means splurging on the chocolate and the super calorie filled latte. Sometimes it means riding the sick waves of pregnancy and having to rest completely from any fitness routine for months (and then even longer after having a baby).
It’s giving yourself a break. Knowing that you are doing the best you can. It’s not an excuse to be lazy, and let’s be honest, we know the difference. It’s knowing that rest benefits you, but so does exercise. It’s having to go with the flow at times in life, and try again tomorrow. It’s learning to listen to your body and to take care of yourself well.
So hit that pavement! Lift the weights. Take a nap. Eat the chocolate. Eat the salad. Be kind to yourself in your fitness and food goals, and never give up on it. Be the best you that you can be and take it one day at a time! You’ve got this mama!
