Tips from two Dietetics Students on Living Balanced Lifestyles

Two dietetics students and Wellness Managers at UREC, Hayley Wettenstein and Taylor Singleton, discuss the importance of balance in nutrition to wrap up National Nutrition Month.

They provide 5 tips on how to be aware, mindful, flexible, and how to accept failure. They explain that wellness is not an all-or-nothing goal, everyone is running their own race.

5 Tips on Living a Balanced Lifestyle

1. 80/20

One step to achieve a balanced lifestyle is through the 80/20 rule. Meaning, 80 percent of the food you consume throughout the week is mindful and 20 percent is not. This rule is beneficial because the majority of the food you consume is healthy but cravings are not completely restricted. The percentages are also flexible to every individual. If someone is just starting their wellness journey, 50/50 is better than nothing. It is a starting point and is all about being aware of what you are putting in your body.

2. Being Hungry is not Healthy

If you are hungry then your body is asking you for substance. Many people are scared to eat throughout the day because they think they have eaten too much, but if you are hungry your body needs it. The key to balance is training your body to know if you are actually hungry versus if you just want to eat something. A tip to tackle this is to drink water, it will not fill you up if you are truly hungry. Another strategy is to eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable with some protein, and then if you are still hungry eat more.

3. No “Cheat Days”

To achieving a balanced lifestyle you need to practice healthy choices daily, it is not a simple calculation. Six days off and one “cheat day” restricts you from actually achieving balance. Some ways to be mindful without restricted eating are: cooking at home, tracking your food consumption, eating smaller portions, etc.

4. Meal Prepping

Planning meals in advance gets rid of the last-minute scavenging when you are hungry and have nothing in the fridge. Meal prepping also requires balance, it does not need to be for every meal. Perhaps start with only lunches and work from there. You also do not need to make a meal for every day you can just make a big meal on Sunday and then eat leftovers throughout the week.

5. Physical Activity not just Exercise

People often think of exercise as only cardio and weightlifting. While these two are important for wellness, small daily actions can add up to make a difference. If you are pressed for time try doing a few yoga poses in the morning, walk to class instead of taking the bus or driving, or take a short bike ride at the end of the day.

Overall, achieving a balanced diet is just as mindful as it is physical. There is no hard line for success and the most important thing is to not get discouraged. Be aware that you and everyone else will have those “off” days and even weeks, and you have to be OK with failing. Work continuously toward your goal, there is no finish line.