After 20 years in nutrition, here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear:
Success doesn’t come from perfection.
It comes from the percentage you can repeat consistently.
Everyone loves the idea of the perfect plan.
Very few people can live it.
So let’s talk about what different levels of planning actually produce in real life.
70% Planned = Controlled Chaos (But Still Progress)
This looks like:
- You have calorie or macro targets… sometimes
- Meals are generally structured
- Weekdays are solid, weekends are “flexible”
- You’re aware of what you’re eating, even when it’s not ideal
The output:
- Weight slowly trends in the right direction
- Energy is inconsistent but improving
- Results come in waves, not straight lines
The reality:
70% planning won’t make you elite — but it will get you out of stagnation.
For many people, this is the minimum effective dose for change.
80% Planned = Sustainable Momentum (The Sweet Spot)
This is where most long-term success lives.
It looks like:
- Protein is prioritized daily
- Meals are planned, not rigid
- You know how to adjust on the fly (restaurants, travel, social events)
- You don’t panic when things go off-plan — you course-correct
The output:
- Consistent fat loss or body recomposition
- Better digestion, sleep, and recovery
- Confidence in your decisions instead of guilt
The reality:
80% planning allows room for life without losing control.
This is where people finally stop “starting over.”
90% Planned = Short-Term Precision, High Cost
This is the zone people chase — and often can’t sustain.
It looks like:
- Meals weighed and tracked precisely
- Minimal flexibility
- High mental focus on food and training
- Life revolves around the plan
The outcome:
- Rapid physical changes
- Very predictable results
- Also: higher stress and burnout risk
The reality:
90% planning works — temporarily.
It’s useful for short phases, specific goals, or competitive timelines.
It is not a lifestyle for most humans.
The Takeaway After 20 Years
The best plan is not the strictest one.
It’s the one you can:
- Repeat
- Recover from
- Live with
Most people don’t fail because they don’t know what to do.
They fail because they choose a percentage they can’t sustain.
Pick the level that fits your season — not your ego.
That’s how real progress is made.
