Ah, the famous “80% diet, 20% exercise” rule! 💬 Let’s break it down—because it’s not totally wrong, but it is a bit of a simplification.
🥗 What People Mean by “80% Diet, 20% Exercise”:
This saying is usually used in the context of fat loss or body composition. It’s trying to emphasize that:
🧃 “You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.”
That’s true to a point. If your goal is weight loss, your diet has a bigger impact on creating a calorie deficit, which is necessary to lose fat. Exercise supports that process, but if you’re overeating consistently—even with workouts—you probably won’t see the results you’re looking for.
So yes, diet has a major role. But…
🏋️♀️ Exercise is Still Essential!
Here’s what exercise gives you that diet alone doesn’t:
- Lean muscle (which helps you burn more calories at rest)
- Cardiovascular health (heart, lungs, circulation)
- Stronger bones and joints
- Better mood + stress relief
- Improved metabolism
- Longevity and functional strength as you age
Also, pairing the two (diet + exercise) helps you maintain results way more easily.
✅ The Real Talk:
- For fat loss: Diet might be ~70–80% of the equation
- For body shaping/toning: You need strength training + protein
- For overall health: It’s 50/50—both matter a lot!
💖 My Take?
Think of it like this:
🥗 Diet is the foundation.
🏃♀️ Exercise is the sculptor.
🧘♀️ Mindset is the glue that holds it all together.
Want help creating a plan that blends the two beautifully? I can tailor something based on your vibe and goals 💕
