Choosing Wellness While Keeping it Real

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!