Does it seem to you that most of the happy people you know have their sh*t together? They’ve simply found that work – life – eat healthy – eat a cheese burger – balance .. that you can’t seem to grasp? I know so many people who bounce from one extreme to the next without any real balance in their life. They either work out everyday or not at all. They either eat healthy everyday or not at all. . . see where I’m going here? I know you’ve heard this a million times, but you have to find your balance!

I’d like to introduce to you the 80/20 lifestyle or, if you will, the KOW lifestyle (I’ve renamed it). My philosophy is that if you live the healthy – green juice – gym – book reading – lifestyle 80% of the time and the vodka – wine – papa johns – couch potato kardashian binge – life 20% of the time, you will be happy AND healthy. . . and that includes mind, body, AND soul.

I try to keep it real. If you follow me on snapchat (candeeland) you will see that I love my greens but I also love my cheeseburgers. I get some type of workout in at least six days a week. I LOVE a good glass of wine and an hour of Kardashians once a week.

SO, how do we find the balance, C? Where do we begin? Let me be honest, this is a lifestyle change. This is not a “plan your meals every day and every night and "say no to life” type of change. This is a "say YES to life" plan.

First of all, you need to track your steps. We could all use to be a little more active and challenged in the fitness department. Set your goals (realistically) and do NOT go to sleep until you’ve completed your steps. Set up challenges with your friends and compete, whatever it takes. I love my Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband but there are a million other trackers out there and you should find what works for you. If you do get a Fitbit, lets be friends!

Check out this review on Fitness Trackers and find out which one is best for you!

Always take the stairs.

Don’t always get the fries.

You’re craving the burger? Get the burger. Take a gigantic bite out of it as is. . . then put the bread patties aside. Eventually, you will prefer the burger without the bread (but, baby steps).

Ask for a hybrid desk at work (one that can be used as a standing desk or a seated desk) and stand for at least an hour a day. Most companies have a health initiative and would be happy to replace your desk.

EAT VEGETABLES. A LOT OF VEGETABLES. You are an adult.

Eat breakfast. Even if you’re not a breakfast person, make sure you’re getting a little fat and protein before you fuel your body with caffeine.

Skip the sugar. Just don’t add sugar to anything – it only hurts for a minute. Before you know it, anything with added sugar will be too sweet for your lips (and it will start to give you a headache).

Always be “in the middle” of a book. Keep your mind challenged and off of the day to day grind. Read a book that keeps you interested that you can learn from. Even if it’s just a few pages at night before you fall asleep. (Tip: I like to read on the bike at the gym)

Go on a walk after dinner or any meal. Even if it’s short, it keeps the food from going to your hips (LOL. Pretty sure this isn’t true but I will always believe it works).

Drink alcohol? Reach for drinks with less sugar. Also, you seriously don't have to black out every time you drink. Try just having two and seeing how you feel the next day.

When you indulge – don’t beat yourself up over it. Savor and enjoy every single second. Make the indulgences special. I treat them like a celebration of how great I've been doing. 

A couple of small desserts a week are fine (unless you can’t have them for health issues). Just make sure to always have your sugar after a solid fat and/or protein. This really controls your insulin from spiking and other harmful things that sugar can do in an instant that causes cravings and crashes.

Don’t eat everything on your plate. Unless you made the plate, there is probably more on it than anyone should eat in one setting. No one feels good after sitting down and consuming an entire days worth of calories (or more).

If you are eating healthy for the most part (80% of the time) and working out at least that much, you can say yes to anything. Being able to go have drinks / appetizers with your friends on a whim and NOT feel guilty is crucial to living a healthy happy life. Life waits on no one. You really can have your cake and eat it too (whatever the F that means). Just don’t eat the whole cake.

You are in control. Control yourself and be as disciplined as possible. You will find your groove.

I’d love to hear how some of you find your balance in life!? Comment below.