As a women’s personal trainer, a specialist in Postnatal exercise and an online fitness coach it was extremely refreshing to read about Martine McCutcheon’s results following her 80/20 approach in the Hull Daily Mail.

Like many women, Martine McCutcheon had spent years dieting yet not getting anywhere, constantly searching for the next best fad. Relate? Over the last decade Martine has suffered from a number of hidden illnesses; chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. However, since following the 80/20 rule she has managed to stay in shape.

What is the 80/20 rule?

This is the approach I share with all my personal training clients and online coaching clients. Simple because it really does work, having had years of success from this. To put it simply 80% of the time you eat a well-balanced nutritious diet and 20% of the time you enjoy foods which are less healthy. For example, a gin and tonic at the weekend, pizza with the kids and a nice meal out with friends/partners. Psychologically you feel like you are not missing out. Many of these crazy fad diets expect you to cut out carbs and not enjoy any of the foods you like. There is no wonder people quit after week 2.

Suggested foods for the 80% of your diet:

Whole or plant-based foods (fruit and veggies)

Lean meats

Seafood rich in omega 3

Whole grains

Low-fat dairy

Monounsaturated fats from nuts, seeds and olive oil

Suggest foods for the 20% of your diet:

Foods high in saturated fats

Highly processed foods (ice cream, chocolate, crisps, takeaways)

Alcohol

White sugar and refined carbohydrates

In order to lose weight, you need to establish how many calories you need to eat to be in a deficit. This will help you determine how much of these foods to eat. It can be quite easy to overeat highly nutritious food which can then result in weight gain. I would combine this with daily activity to keep your body fit and healthy. This could be simply walking 40 minutes per day, 30 minute home workout, your favourite gym class, running, or whatever you enjoy.

The bottom line everyone is different and you have to find an approach that works for you. After spending years trying every fad diet going I can honestly say applying this rule to my life has made it really simple and easy to follow. For more information on any of my online programmes or personal training, packages click here to contact me.