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    Home » Recipes » The 80/20 Rule

    Healthy Body Healthy Mind – 80/20 Eating Rule Tips to Help Achieve Both

    Published: Mar 10, 2015 · Updated: Oct 16, 2021 by Neil 16 Comments

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    Healthy body healthy mind. 10 simple healthy eating tips to help you achieve both. Use these 10 tips on a daily basis, alongside following the 80/20 rule and you'll soon begin to reap the benefits of a much healthier lifestyle.

    Healthy body healthy mind. 10 simple healthy eating tips to help you achieve both. Use these 10 tips on a daily basis, alongside following the 80/20 rule and you'll soon begin to reap the benefits of a much healthier lifestyle.  

    Healthy body healthy mind image. Two people jumping on a beach.
    happy couple jumping on the beach, summer vacations

    Hey Folks, something different today.

    When I was studying for my nutritionist qualifications I learnt some great keeping it real healthy eating tips.

    So using that information that I learned here's a post I've written for you called healthy body healthy mind which has some of my top tips to help achieve both. I hope you find it useful.

    Why Do We Need A Healthy Body?

    Our health is the greatest gift we have. Too often it’s underestimated and taken for granted. We need our health so that we can pursue every opportunity and chance at happiness that life has to offer.

    If you’re reading this and you’re lucky enough to have a healthy body that’s in good shape you should try and do everything you can to keep it that way.

    I’m not saying it’s easy, I’m just saying that it’s mindful to think of what you are doing to yourself when you know you are doing something unhealthy.

    It’s far better to keep to a healthy lifestyle of sensible eating and a reasonable exercise routine which your body will thank you for.

    In turn your mind will focus on the more positive side of life. A feeling of well-being and happiness. Enabling you to continue to pursue whatever it is that you enjoy doing.

    So just how, exactly, do you go about attaining this ultimate level of health that can lead to a fulfilling and happy life? That leads to a healthy body and a healthy mind?

    I have to tell you there is no quick fix. No quick diet or sudden exercise routine to jolt the system to a state of nirvana.

    The way to good health for both the body and mind is to make small sustainable changes for the better, which can, and will, last your lifetime rather than opting for those quick fixes I mentioned earlier.

    My top 10 healthy eating tips to help you achieve that healthy body, healthy mind:-

    For a healthy body drink more water.

    1) Drink more water

    Aim to drink at least 2 litres (3 – 4 pints) of water per day to prevent dehydration.

    Hydration is a vital part of being healthy.

    Make it a priority to carry a water bottle around with you and refill it throughout the day.Woman getting enough sleep to maintain a healthy body.

    2) Aim for at least 7-8 hours sleep a night

    Getting enough sleep at night goes a long way to protecting your body.

    People who get a good quality sleep on a daily basis tend to make better food choices and have slimmer waistlines.

    The reason for this is that when you are sleep deprived and constantly tired you crave more energy and may be tempted to reach for food of a higher fat and sugar content to get that energy.Strawberry chia overnight oats is a delicious creamy tasting healthy breakfast. This sweet tasting nutritious breakfast will ensure you have a great start to the day. And a filling one too!

    3) Eat breakfast

    Studies have shown that breakfast is important in maintaining a healthy body weight.

    Many people who have not eaten breakfast snack on foods that are high in fat and sugar.

    After having slept for 7 – 8 hours your body needs to be properly refuelled.

    Breakfast doesn’t need to be a huge effort; keep it simple for mornings when you have to be out of the house fast.

    Better still, prepare the night before like this delicious strawberry chia overnight oats recipe.This leek, sweet potato and rosemary soup is addictive. The combination of flavours marinates together perfectly creating such a delicious creamy comfort soup. Not only that, it’s really simple and quick to make too, in less than one hour!!

    4) Take your own lunch to work with you

    This means you are fully in control of the calorie content that’s in the food that you’re eating, plus it will save you money.

    Soup, like this leek sweet potato and rosemary recipe is one of the easiest things to make in bulk and then freeze in individual portions.

    You simply take a soup out of the freezer the night before work.

    Microwave it at your work place or heat it before you leave for work and take it in a thermos.Keep to meal times. Clock showing time for lunch.

    5) Eat on a schedule

    A person who eats 2,000 calories throughout the day will often have more energy and tend to lose more weight than the person who eats the same amount of calories all at one meal.

    Eat breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, a mid-afternoon snack and dinner.

    See how we follow the 80/20 rule for eating for more details.We follow the 80/20 rule. It’s the lifestyle we’ve adopted. It’s not a diet, it’s a simple, sensible and practical guide on how to balance eating healthily for the majority of the time (80%) whilst still allowing a little of what we fancy (20%) in the way of treats.

    6) Cook at home more

    Plan your weekly meals and do a weekly grocery shop.

    You will make better food choices, save money and be less tempted to opt for a home delivery if you’ve food in the house.

    Check out my recipe page for lots of healthy recipe ideas.Maintain a healthy body by eating whole grains.

    7) Choose whole grains

    Oats, brown rice, wholegrain rice, quinoa, bulgur wheat and whole grain bread - choose these instead of highly processed white or enriched grains.

    Whole grains have a lower glycaemic index and so they don’t affect your blood sugar levels as much as simple carbs.

    Plus they still hold all the vital vitamins and nutrients that processed grains have had removed.More greens to eat for a healthy body.

    8) Eat more greens

    Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, peas etc. Green vegetables are extremely nutrient dense foods.

    Not only do they help to fill us up and contain hardly any calories but they also provide our bodies with an essential range of vitamins and minerals.We follow the 80/20 rule. It’s the lifestyle we’ve adopted. It’s not a diet, it’s a simple, sensible and practical guide on how to balance eating healthily for the majority of the time (80%) whilst still allowing a little of what we fancy (20%) in the way of treats.

    9) Exercise

    Start by walking more. Leave your desk as often as possible at work. Go for a walk in your lunch hour and after dinner.

    Aim for 10,000 steps per day. You can get an app for your mobile or a pedometer to track this.

    Join a gym and set up a regular exercise plan that you can stick to and you enjoy.

    It takes time and it’s not easy starting out but remember how good you feel when you’ve finished, concentrate on that and you’ll keep to it.We follow the 80/20 rule. It’s the lifestyle we’ve adopted. It’s not a diet, it’s a simple, sensible and practical guide on how to balance eating healthily for the majority of the time (80%) whilst still allowing a little of what we fancy (20%) in the way of treats.

    10) Treat yourself

    Remember the 80/20 rule. Eating healthy is not a chore, it is a sensible lifestyle involving moderation and balance.

    Enjoy your favourite treats every now and then. Don’t deprive yourself, you can indulge because you eat healthy for the rest of the time.

    Look forward to that piece of cake or glass of wine because you will have earned it.

    These are simple steps that you can put into practice now.

    Healthy body healthy mind. 10 simple healthy eating tips to help you achieve both. Use these 10 tips on a daily basis, alongside following the 80/20 rule and you'll soon begin to reap the benefits of a much healthier lifestyle.

    There’s no having to wait until 1st January to start this as a New Year’s resolution.

    Even if you’re reading this having set yourself a New Year’s resolution that didn’t quite come off and you fell back into your unhealthy ways, well that was then, this is now.

    Don’t beat yourself up, make a list of how you can start achieving these small steps on a daily basis and take control of your own healthy destiny.

    That one, where you feel good and healthy about yourself in your mind because you’ve treated your body with respect and given it good, healthy choices.

    Healthy Body Happy Life Image

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer F

      March 10, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      YES to all of these things!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 10, 2015 at 3:00 pm

        Thanks Jennifer! 🙂 The thing is to try and remember all these things I find! 😀

        Reply
    2. lindsay

      March 10, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      could not agree more! and i love the 80/20! it's all about ENJOYING life too. Realistic goals to health!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 10, 2015 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks Lindsay, it's all about moderation isn't it? But keeping it all in check. As you say, realistic goals 😀

        I myself, could not be without the odd glass of wine, or piece of cheesecake...... 😉

        Reply
    3. Susie @ SuzLyfe

      March 10, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      ::raised hand, bows head:: PREACH

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 10, 2015 at 3:18 pm

        Thank you Susie.

        Simple things to remember and to keep it together eh? 🙂

        Reply
    4. Shashi at RunninSrilankan

      March 10, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Wonderful post Neil - I so loved reading it! I am a huge fan of trying my best to stay healthy, though I struggle to drink enough water and get 7-8 hours of shut eye. Having lost my dad after he struggled for many many years with his health and a mom who currently has been struggling with her health complications has made it easier for me to try to choose to be healthy - this life can be a wonderful thing - if we are and stay healthy!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 10, 2015 at 3:09 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it Shashi. I enjoyed putting it together. 🙂

        Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad due to ill health, and my thoughts and hopes are with your mom getting better.

        When you put it all into perspective, our health really is our greatest wealth isn't it?

        Reply
    5. Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow

      March 11, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Simple steps that are often times seem so difficult to accomplish! I love these steps and am pretty good at all of them except for sleep these days (that happens with twin babies)...and I love love love taking food to work one...saves time, $, and healthier! I have recently begun packing my husband's lunch at least 3 days a week.

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 11, 2015 at 11:41 am

        Thanks for your comment Sarah. I loved your site. 🙂

        I can imagine that with twins it will be difficult for you to have a regular sleep pattern = challenge 😉

        I would struggle to know what to get for my lunch if I didn't make up a packed lunch, I need to plan these things. The savings in doing this definitely come in handy elsewhere though! 😀

        Reply
    6. Ellen Manning

      March 11, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      Great advice, thanks Neil. Despite my love of all things foodie and naughty, I actually stick to a lot of these tips for the most part, and am lucky enough that it pays off and I'm a fairly healthy bunny. Our health really is so important, and so many people don't look after themselves enough. Your tips are straightforward and easy to give people a kickstart if they're not used to it.
      Thanks
      Ellen

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 11, 2015 at 4:34 pm

        Hey Ellen, thank you 😀

        What you say is absolute proof, that sticking to these straightforward tips for the majority of the time, but still enjoying yourself for those treat times works. 🙂

        And life wouldn't be good if we couldn't enjoy cake every now and then. 😉

        Reply
    7. Meg Bollenback

      March 11, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Love this list and whole heartedly agree with it! I still struggle with getting enough sleep and getting enough steps in each day now that I work from home, but I hope that as the weather warms up, I'll be able to get outside for a walk or two during the day in addition to other exercise a few times a week.

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 11, 2015 at 4:39 pm

        Thanks Meg, I'm so with you there in hoping that the weather soon warms up here too, so I can get outside for a bit more walking during the day.

        I do my gym routine early first thing in the morning, and try and get out for a short walk, even just to the shops. It can be challenging when there's a howling wind and heavy rain outside, like now. 😮

        Reply
    8. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West

      March 19, 2015 at 5:05 am

      I agree with all of these and try to put them all into practice myself. Great information, Neil. Hope you are having a healthy and wonderful week!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        March 19, 2015 at 7:39 am

        Thanks Ashley. I enjoyed reading through your latest blog update and your eats from Sunday. 🙂

        We are having a pretty healthy week, yeah, as next week we'll be away on a short break and enjoying some fantastic foods up in the Scottish Highlands! 😀

        Have a great one yourself!

        Reply

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