Using the 80/20 Rule to Create a Healthy Gut

One of the most essential principles of gut health is that you have to eat really well. Pioneers in the field, like Paul Bragg, understood that message. As he put it, “There’s no greater possession than your health, and then your body.”

I’m not the type to tell you that you can never drink alcohol again or that you have to give up gluten for life. There’s no law when it comes to eating healthy food. You can choose what you want to eat. But the basic premise of eating healthy food will never change. It’s been the same for thousands of years, and it’s a focus on fresh foods. Whether you eat raw foods or steamed is up to you.

I don’t recommend an all-raw diet. I don’t think it is a great idea. I also don’t believe in an all processed diet. It’s important to understand that most people are going to be living on a combination of cooked food, raw food, and small amounts of processed foods.

Further readings:

The choices you make daily will define your habits. Now, remember, I’ve used this expression before, but it’s a good one to remember. People don’t create their future; they create their habits, and their habits create their future.

Habits will decide what you’re going to eat regularly. Try and get in the habit of regularly eating high-quality food. I’m not saying you should only eat healthy food. I’ve always believed in the 80/20 rule. 80% of what you eat should be healthy, and 20% probably won’t be as good for you. For some people that 20% will be closer to 1%, but the point is that it’s essential not to be overly rigid about eating. Remember the 80/20 rule, and you can’t go wrong.

80% is enough to give us longevity. As we get older, we can always increase 80% to 85, 90, or 95%. As you get older, quality, rather than quantity, becomes even more critical. You can get away with more when you’re younger because you’re strong and have a more active gut. In fact, in my opinion, 20-year-olds don’t need to follow the 80/20 rule. But, they should be developing intelligence about the eating habits that will serve them throughout life.

Don’t beat yourself about the 20% in your diet. Do your best, but don’t demand perfection.

Sources: