When it comes to wellness, you’ll likely come across a wide spectrum of advice, products, and methods for how to do it “right.” You’ll be tempted to crave the perfect, healthy Instagram lifestyle. You may even ride the rollercoaster of yo-yo dieting, being “good” while adhering to strict guidelines, only to return to your comfort foods with the added guilt of not having sustained some absurd expectations.

Sound familiar?

Well, we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way! You can be healthy AND indulge on occasion, because life shouldn’t be about perfection or the stress of limitation.

Wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.

It’s what you do most of the time that really matters.

At Integrative Nutrition, we have an 80/20 ratio that helps keep wellness in perspective. That applies to food, exercise, and most other self-care. If you take good care of yourself at least 80% of the time, and you feel good, then your body can handle the other 20%.

For example, if you eat plenty of fresh veggies and nutrient-rich real foods, then you can enjoy some ice-cream on a sunny summer day. Unless you have a health condition that requires unique attention, the occasional cookie or cocktail isn’t going to derail your otherwise healthy lifestyle.

You don’t need to eat kale every day as long as you consume greens regularly.
You don’t have to do yoga if other movement is incorporated into most days.
You don’t need to learn how to turn your avocado into flower shapes, clumpy or mushy avocado will do just fine!
You don’t need to meditate, but consider some peaceful or contemplative practice to cultivate a calm mind.

Let go of external ideas of wellness, and strive to be your own beautiful, bio-individual self. If you can choose healthy activities 80% of the time, you’re already doing better than over 80% of the population. So give yourself a break and feel good about your progress!

If you’re passionate about wellness, want to explore these ideas further, or seek to inspire others to get on the path to health, check out our Health Coach Training Program.

What’s your ratio of healthy to indulgent activities now? What will you shift? Share with us below!