Eating healthy can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge in a busy daily life. The pursuit of perfection can creep into our eating habits, turning what should be a source of pleasure into a real headache. However, aiming for a "perfect" diet is often unrealistic and can become a source of stress rather than enjoyment.
This is where the "good enough" principle comes in. Instead of striving for a "perfect" diet, this compassionate approach focuses on making realistic, balanced choices that fit your lifestyle. Discover how this mindset can transform your relationship with food, support your well-being, and encourage long-term, sustainable habits!
1. What Is the "Good Enough" Principle?
This concept is based on a simple idea: you don’t have to be perfect—what matters is that it works for you. Applied to nutrition, it means doing your best while considering real-life challenges, without feeling guilty about occasional indulgences. The goal isn’t to eat perfectly all the time but to develop habits that are good enough to be sustainable and beneficial in the long run.
2. Why Adopt the "Good Enough" Approach to Eating?
Embracing this philosophy can transform your daily life in several ways:
- Less stress: Removing pressure around meals helps with emotional well-being and frees up energy for other areas of life.
- Sustainable changes: A flexible approach to eating is easier to maintain over time while still supporting your goals.
- A healthier relationship with food: This mindset allows you to fully enjoy your meals without feeling deprived, creating space for positive emotions and a more enjoyable connection with food.
3. How to Apply the "Good Enough" Principle?
To integrate the "good enough" approach into your life, start with small changes. If you don’t have time to cook every meal at home, you can opt for quick solutions that align with your nutritional goals—without aiming for perfection! The key is to identify what works for you and your lifestyle. Here are some practical ways to get started:
Focus on overall balance, not perfection
The goal is to have a generally balanced diet over time rather than aiming for perfection at every meal.
💡 Tip: Plan a list of staple foods for the week, such as frozen vegetables, canned legumes, and whole grains. This way, you always have ingredients on hand to quickly put together balanced meals.
Plan ahead but stay flexible
Meal planning helps with healthy eating, but it's important not to be too rigid. Leaving room for spontaneity and last-minute cravings can help prevent frustration.
💡 Tip: Create a menu for a few days, leaving some meals unplanned for more flexibility. For example, schedule three structured meals and allow the rest to be more adaptable based on your schedule and cravings. This keeps things structured without feeling restrictive.
Keep it simple
Quick and easy meals can still be nutritious. A "good enough" plate can be as simple as a grain, a vegetable, and a protein. Consider easy meal combinations like:
- A bowl meal with quinoa, vegetables, and quick lemon-yogurt chicken.
- This healthy club sandwich recipe that’s fast and satisfying!
Upgrade convenience foods
Make store-bought or frozen meals more nutritious with small tweaks. For example, add a handful of arugula or cherry tomatoes to a frozen pizza, or mix grated zucchini into mac and cheese to sneak in some extra vegetables.
Be kind to yourself
Accept that not every meal will be perfect, and celebrate your overall efforts. Unexpected events, like a spontaneous dinner out with friends, may change your plans—but in those moments, focus on the joy of sharing a meal rather than stressing over food choices.
4. Find Balance with the Guidance of a Nutritionist
The "good enough" approach to eating is an invitation to ease the pressure and appreciate your food choices without guilt. By letting go of the pursuit of perfection, this mindset promotes a sustainable balance that benefits both body and mind.
For personalized advice, consult a registered dietitian, who can guide you toward a balanced way of eating tailored to your needs!
References
- Gravel, Karine. (2019, November 13). Five Reasons to Eat According to the "Good Enough" Principle. Karine Gravel, Nutritionist, PhD in Nutrition. https://www.karinegravel.com/2019/11/13/cinq-raisons-de-manger-selon-le-principe-du-good-enough/
- Laurendeau, Hélène. (2012, October 26). Eating Behaviours: The "Good Enough Diet" Principle. Coup de Pouce. https://www.coupdepouce.com/sante-et-vitalite/nutrition/article/comportements-alimentaires-le-principe-du-good-enough-diet
- Ratnapalan, S., & Batty, H. (2009). To Be Good Enough. Canadian Family Physician, 55(3), 239–242.
