A Path to Food Freedom and Mindful Living

I want to dive into one of the core philosophies that have shaped not only our business but also my personal journey— the 80/20 philosophy for life.

This approach has not only revolutionized the way I think about food but also transformed my mindset and how I navigate life with confidence and food freedom.

The 80/20 philosophy is all about balance. Now I know that word is hard to wrap your head around, but if you can actually execute on it, it works. I’m referring to balancing nourishing, nutrient-dense foods with the occasional indulgence. It’s about choosing a lifestyle instead of a diet. It's a way of living that encourages us to make conscious choices that serve our bodies, while still allowing room for treats and spontaneous joys. For me, this mindset goes beyond food; it's a lifestyle that encompasses self-compassion, intuitive eating, and embracing the little joys of life.

At the heart of this philosophy lies the idea of listening to our bodies and honoring our intuition with food. Instead of obsessing over strict diets or rigid rules, we learn to trust our bodies' cues and give them what they need. We eat when we’re hungry, filling our bodies with the nutrients it’s craving. We stop when we’re satisfied, not giving in to glutton and unnecessary excess. We are not thinking about what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, all those thoughts and stresses eventually go away when you can fully embrace it and execute it.

When we build a healthy relationship with food based on intuition, we start to view eating not as a battleground but as a joyful act of self-care.

Confidence also plays a significant role in adopting the 80/20 philosophy. When we confidently make mindful choices that align with our goals and values, we become the architects of our own well-being. It's essential to be kind to ourselves and understand that enjoying a favorite treat or indulging in a special meal doesn't derail our progress. By finding that sweet spot between nutritious choices and indulgent pleasures, we cultivate a balanced approach that's sustainable and fulfilling.

I have had friends say to me how do you stay so strict? To me I don’t feel strict at all. Over the years it has gotten easier and just the way I live. Over time, it has gotten easier and easier to execute the lifestyle consistently for 10 years.

Food freedom is the ultimate destination when we embrace the 80/20 philosophy. It liberates us from the chains of guilt and restriction, giving us permission to enjoy life's celebrations and gatherings without feeling deprived. Whether it's a vacation or a party, we can confidently navigate any setting, knowing that our food choices align with our overall well-being. Instead of worrying about what we can't eat, we focus on savoring the experiences and connections with the people around us.

I often remind myself and fit-flavors customers that the 80/20 philosophy is not about perfection; it's about progress. It encourages us to be gentle with ourselves. By allowing room for indulgence, we create a sustainable lifestyle that nourishes both body and soul.

So, how can we apply the 80/20 philosophy in practical ways?

Meal Planning: Build a meal plan that includes nutrient-dense options most all of the time, and allow yourself occasional treats or special dishes. Use fit-flavors as a tool.

Intuitive Eating: Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues, and honor your cravings without judgment. This process takes time! (years for some) Don’t make excuses about what you put into your body. Instead, really listen to what your body needs to feel its best. I’m not saying just eat ice cream like you feel it, but if you want it, you are going to have to have to figure out how it can be a small part of your 80/20 or you might end up 50/50 after you loose the healthy balance and throw in the towel or wishing you could get back to 80/20.

Mindful Celebrations: At parties or vacations, stick to fueling your body with quality foods but enjoy and savor the thing you want.

Embrace Movement: Find physical activities you love, and engage in them with enthusiasm, enjoying the benefits they bring to your overall well-being. If your goal is to lose weight this can’t be taken lightly, I’m not saying just go for a moderate walk, you still need to work hard if you have big goals.

Self-Compassion: Cultivate a positive inner dialogue, showing yourself the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a dear friend. This is a big mindset shift for many of us. Notice I didn’t say self love, I’m saying show yourself grace you are human. This is a big shift that doesn't happen overnight. Be patient and try to enjoy learning how to change. It’s progress.

If you don’t know where to start with taking that next right step towards food freedom, I recommend checking out fit-flavors resources, like our blog and calorie calculator.

Yours,

Jillian