Skip to Content
Features

The Quest for Balance over Perfection in the Italian Lifestyle

Our health & wellness expert shares her practices for joy and health with an emphasis on the Italian lifestyle.

12:00 PM EST on December 10, 2024

Appetito's Health & Wellness expert, Marianna Cuomo Maier, indulging in a Martini.

Appetito’s Health & Wellness expert, Marianna Cuomo Maier, indulging in a Martini.

As a Health & Wellness Coach, people often assume I follow a "perfect" set of rules for my lifestyle—or that I’d expect others to do the same. But the truth is that I love nachos, martinis, lounging, and embracing life’s indulgences!

We can all learn from the Italian way of life: instead of striving for perfection, focus on balance. And balance doesn’t mean sacrificing joy for discipline. It’s about prioritizing what nourishes your mind, body, and soul. In practice, this means enjoying high-quality, nutrient-rich foods, spending time outdoors, resting when you need it, and prioritizing relationships that make you feel good.

For me, balance means leaning into joyful moments while nurturing healthy habits most of the time. It’s about letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality that frames health as either 'on' or 'off.'

Of course, balance looks different for everyone, and part of the journey is discovering what makes you feel your best—inside and out. You can enjoy the things you love and prioritize your well-being. The two can absolutely coexist.

To help you achieve a balance that feels good for you, ask yourself:

• What in my life gives me energy and joy?

• What in my life feels challenging or depleting?

• How do I want to feel?

• What habits, activities, or routines help me align with that feeling?

• What does balance look like for me right now?

When you define balance on your own terms, you create space to enjoy life’s indulgences while feeling your best.

That’s the good stuff.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Memory not Maxxing when Making a Nonna Recipe

Inspired by the recent trend, our Editor-in-Chief pays homage to his Nonna with the recipe to her signature chicken dish.

September 28, 2026

The Greatest Tomatoes Really Do Come from Europe

Our Editor-in-Chief traveled to Campania to find out what makes the tomatoes of Europe the world's greatest.

September 28, 2026

Mondays with Michele: Fig, Olive Oil and Honey Cake

Fresh figs and honey make this simple Italian cake a treat for breakfast, afternoon coffee or dessert.

September 28, 2026

Sunday Shop: 6 Bags Worth Adding to Your Closet for Fall 2026

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

September 27, 2026

Apple TV’s Knife Edge Returns, But Italy Is Off the Menu

Sixteen restaurants face Michelin scrutiny, but Italy is missing from the itinerary.

September 25, 2026

How a Conversation with Stanley Tucci Led Me to Pizzoccheri

A passing recommendation becomes a memorable meal in northern Italy.

September 25, 2026