Always Eating On The Go? Here's How To Do It Right With The 80/20 Rule.

Nowadays, eating out is an integral and unchangeable part of professional life. 

It’s possible to find healthy meals in restaurants and delivery apps and we’ve discussed this in previous articles. However, every person encounters some occasions, on a weekly basis, where eating by the “plan” is disturbing and unrealistic. 

Business meetings in high-class restaurants, celebrations in the office, flights, business trips, hotel buffets, ordering food with colleagues, and going out for drinks with friends. 

You want, and you deserve, to eat and drink like everybody else sometimes. 

Trying to fight this isn’t realistic and sustainable. 

If you want to stay healthy & fit while still enjoying these occasions when you dine out, adhering to the 80/20 rule is essential. 

That means focusing on healthy eating 80% of the time and being a little less strict with yourself the remaining 20%.

That way, you will still make huge progress with your weight and health. For instance, with 21 meals a week, there's no harm if 4 or 5 are not as good as the rest. 

However, keeping the 20% actually 20% is the main challenge here, and that’s where most fail. 

Why? 

Because they fall into a fascinating psychological trap: 

The “what the hell effect". 

This is attributed to an illogical quirk of human psychology, the indelicately named what-the-hell effect. 

On the micro level, it’s when one cookie can lead people to eat the whole bag. On the macro level, it’s when one day of eating out unhealthy, leads to a full week where you unconsciously gain 1-2 kg.

Why does it happen?

1️⃣ Our mind rationalises this behaviour with an interesting trick. He convinces us by saying: 

"Since you’ve already strayed from your goals, why not go and enjoy all the way"? 

As we see in life, it’s not a logical behaviour but when time is scarce and days are hectic, it can often go unnoticed.

2️⃣ The second thing that happens is the “I’ll start tomorrow” trap. 

We tell ourselves, let me indulge in the most savoury, sweet and mouthwatering foods right now, because I know that “tomorrow” I will choose a salad and eat better, which in reality rarely happens.

3️⃣ The third phenomenon is when we go on strict diets, such as counting calories, limiting portions, and abstaining from carbs.

It’s so hard and frustrating, and our natural urge to eat satisfying foods is so suppressed, that eventually, it bursts like a volcano and rebels against our unsustainable regimens.

What's the solution?

So, the solution starts by being aware of this “what the hell” pattern in yourself. Just having awareness about this natural tendency is a big part of the solution. 

Secondly, you need to establish a solid plan 80% of the time, so you have habits to fall back on. Also, it’s vital to perceive the 20% when you’re “off track” as a necessary part of your routine.

Feeling guilty or ashamed about it ignites the “what the hell” effect and leads to diet burnout. 

Lastly, we should not forget that we are humans, not machines. In order to consistently maintain this 80/20 balance, it’s wise to surround yourself with accountability and support, so staying on track is inevitable.

✅The Bottom Line:

Eating on the go is part of our life, it can be something that brings us down or we embrace this and use it to fuel our journey to become healthier & fitter.

Using the 80/20 principle can be very helpful here, and acknowledging the "what the hell" effect we all experience sometimes is crucial.

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