When I was much younger and studying naturopathy I just loved learning about natural health and trying things out on my own body – though I was also quite idealistic and rigid in my thinking. I thought that I had to do everything 100% to be effective and stay at super optimal health which was my aim. There was no wavering, I tried not to be judgemental as some of the other students went out for a smoke or sipped on their double strength latte which smelt so good, or ate their rice balls that were, heaven forbid – microwaved!
Now, thank goodness, I live in the real world and really I love it. That’s why I just adore the 80/15/5 RULE.
Clients often ask me do they have to ‘BE GOOD’ all the time or forever. Well, everyone has certain nurture points in their body that they need to ‘nurture’ to be the best that you can be – but it’s what you do MOST of the time that counts. This is your base, your foundation, and will improve your health and increase your ENERGY. The better you feel the more inspired you’ll be to improve your health.
With the 80/15/5 RULE – 80% of the time if you eat right for your body, exercise and generally look after yourself that’s great. 15% of the time if you visit aunty Mabel and she’s made a delicious upside down pineapple cake or you’re partial to your mum’s home-made moussaka with the amazing cheese sauce on to top then go for it. Lastly, 5% of the time if you really love a good coffee and a Tiramisu or other delicacies, then enjoy it. However, really enjoy it – sit down and have it after a movie or with good friends rather than as you are rushing home on the train.
The best thing you can do for your health is to work out what is the best 80% for you. The most amazing way I have come across to do this is with an Iridology assessment. Your structure and colours of your irises are packed with an incredible amount of information about how you can be the best that you can be. How you can maximise your health depending on the way you eat, drink, think, live and love. Your iris can tell you whether you are better to start your day with protein or carbohydrates, whether you need small regular meals rather than larger meals, whether you should avoid too much dairy or acidic forming foods – and a whole lot more.
Most of you will know or have a ‘gut feeling’ about foods that are good for you, drinks that you should avoid and even people you should spend more time with for it’s not just what we put into our mouths that will affect our health, but also what we think and how we feel. When you are comfortable knowing what is right for you then try to do this at least 80% of the time. This will build you strong foundations and help your body enjoy good health.
In my case my body doesn’t cope well with dairy, wheat and low water intake. When I don’t drink enough water I get headaches (I have a Kidney Lymphatic iris constitution). If I start my day with protein I feel invincible – best brekky for me is Youghurt + kefir + fruit + nuts or a delicious omelette with tomato and basil.
We have our biggest meal in the middle of the day when the kids come home from school and we generally have a yummy home-cooked meal – today will be spinach and feta pie, Greek salad and Horta (literally mean weeds but are picked from the mountains and fields and are a mix of dandelion, radicchio and other wild greens).
Dinner is usually leftovers from lunch or maybe some yoghurt or whole grain toast if not enough left. My weakness is chocolate so most days I will have a herbal tea when the kids are in bed with a strip of good quality dark chocolate – I just love dark chocolate and feel life is too short for the milk variety.
When I was a strict vegan there was no room for the 15% leeway – I would ring ahead at restraunts and make sure they could cater for me and if I visited family and friends and it wasn’t vegan I wouldn’t touch it. Though now I really enjoy my 15% time because I go to restaurants and order off the menu – though inevitably it’s mostly very healthy since that is what I find yummy. If I visit people for a dinner party or a BBQ I let them know I’m vegetarian though I don’t bother worrying about whether they’ve used organic produce, or washed their veggies properly, or used massive amounts of dairy – I enjoy the food and the company.
My 5% of time is when my naughtiness come out, when Sandy and I get to go out without the kids we love sharing a dessert after dinner. My favourites are Creme brûlée and Tira misu. One of my favourite things is to go out to dinner with friends at a delicious Japanese, Thai or Italian Restraunt, one that is so good you have to wait for a table. Great conversation and great food while also enjoying a glass of Prosecco over dinner – followed by a chocolate chilli ice-cream while watching a brilliant thought provoking movie – I’m thinking of the Nova cinema back in Melbourne. Here in Greece one of my naughty 5% times is frappes. It’s such an easy thing to sit with at a cafe and it breeds – ‘relax, let go’.
So, I really believe, and try to instil in my clients, that the 80/15/5 Rule is the way to go. The way to enjoy life and the way to be able to stick to a new lifestyle and dietary programme that will increase your health and longevity. Putting time and effort into your meals is important, as is sitting down and eating mindfully. Eating with positivity has been shown to increase your immune system so if you are eating something you think you shouldn’t no point in berating yourself afterwards – learn to make better choices next time. Guilt really is a useless emotion. Who will it benefit?
Choose wisely, be calm, enjoy food, enjoy life and be the best that you can be!
Geraldine Butler September 7, 2015 at 8:46 am
Thanks Christos -very good reading and makes me feels so much better knowing the diet can be adjusted at times, flexibility is wonderful!
Ingrid Krenzer December 10, 2015 at 10:44 am
Well put,Christos. I SOOO agree with you. Best wishes to you and your family for the festive season.
Much Love
Ingrid