The 80/20 Diet

Jennifer Aniston follows the 80/20 diet, Should you?

Jennifer Aniston is a wellness icon—effortlessly glowing, balanced, and refreshingly real. And of all her nutrition philosophies, the one she consistently advocates for is the 80/20 diet. Simple, sustainable and easy to follow, this approach prioritises nourishing foods 80% of the time, leaving 20% for indulgence. No extremes. No guilt.
To help us unpack the truth behind the 80/20 diet, what science says about it, and whether it could be the lifestyle shift your routine needs, we caught up with Sally O’Neil – Clinical Nutritionist and creator of the app Status8020. Here’s what she has to say… and it might surprise you.

Sally, in a nutshell, what is the 80/20 diet?
The 80/20 diet is a strategy, rather than a diet, that includes consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time, and allowing yourself flexibility the other 20%. Think salmon, leafy greens, and legumes most days—then enjoying a slice of cake or a glass of wine – without guilt. It’s not a short-term fix or plan, it’s a long-term lifestyle. What makes it powerful is its sustainability. No rigid rules. Just balance. It promoted fast recovery rather than spiralling over a bar of chocolate, so naturally our relationship with food improves drastically too!

We know you follow this… why and what has happened since you started?
I used to swing between restriction and overindulgence, and live with the constant highs and lows of power and guilt around food. The 80/20 method brought me back to balance and helped reduce the ‘food noise’ so many of us experience. Since adopting it, I’ve seen improvements in my energy, skin, digestion, and mental clarity. Since starting the Status8020 app, hundreds of my clients have benefitted from the same glow up. There’s no “starting again on Monday.” It’s about consistent, conscious choices that support long-term wellbeing and mental health.

What results have your clients achieved by following it… and how long does it take?
We’ve seen incredible transformations—both physically and emotionally. Clients often report improved metabolism, hormone balance, reduced bloating, better cycle health, and sustainable fat loss. One client, after years of yo-yo dieting, lost 9kg in 6 months without tracking calories—just by following 80/20 principles and tuning into her body.
Another favourite? A busy mum of three who gained back her confidence, energy and libido after consistently applying 80/20 for just 6 weeks. The beauty is, you’re not “on” or “off” anything. It’s a way of living that works with you, not against you.

Who is it best for?
Honestly? Almost everyone, but especially high-performing women, busy professionals, mums, and anyone exhausted by diet culture. It’s particularly helpful for women navigating hormonal fluctuations because it reduces stress and stabilises blood sugar, which are key to hormonal health. The app has specific meal plans for women with common health conditions, so therapeutic diets are catered for whether it’s PCOS, or perimenopause.

Is there anything else we need to know?!
Yes—progress over perfection. The 80/20 framework helps you ditch the “all-or-nothing” mindset that has been holding you back – and it has so much scientific backing, so you can be sure it’s a wise investment of your resources.
Your body thrives on consistency, not extremes. Also, you don’t need to “earn” indulgences—they’re part of the plan. Enjoy the gelato. Then get back to your omega-3s. Easy.

You’re a wealth of knowledge!! How can we learn more, connect with you and see you?!
You can join our community and start your own 80/20 journey at www.status8020.com, or connect with me on Instagram at @sallyoneil. The Status 8020 app has recipes tailored to your personal macros, goals, dietary preferences and health issues, plus mindset coaching, community support, period tracking and strength training all in one place.

For the full article grab the June/July 2025 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.