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.

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 from Appetito

Bringing the Passeggiata to Modern Life with Mindtrek

A short walk outside becomes a more focused mental reset with guided audio.

March 24, 2026

Rigatoni Amatriciana with a Red from Roero Is a Pairing to Sip and Savor

A recipe for Rigatoni Amatriciana showcases the magic of pairing cured meats with the DOCG wines of Roero in Piedmont.

March 24, 2026

How to Make Pistachio Tiramisu

In the wake of National Tiramisu Day (3/21), Appetito reshares a unique recipe from a Miami-based Italian chef that features pistachio.

March 23, 2026

Sartiano’s Italian Steakhouse Opens at Wynn Las Vegas

A conversation with Scott Sartiano and Alfred Portale on what defines the Las Vegas opening.

March 23, 2026

Italian Chocolate Salami: A Classic No-Bake Easter Dessert

Italian chocolate salami is a classic no-bake dessert traditionally served in Italy during Easter and other holidays.

March 23, 2026

Fare la Scarpetta: The Last Sweep of the Plate

In Italy, even the final streaks of sauce have a name.

March 23, 2026
See all posts