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

Vespa World Days 2026 Tour Offers a New Way to Explore Rome

Small group rides will take participants through historic landmarks, local neighborhoods and some of the city's best panoramic views.

June 5, 2026

Where Stories, Dance, and the Fragrance of Tiella Meet

Author, dancer, and podcast host Anna Harsh shares the details of her children's book the explores dance, food and community.

June 5, 2026

Chef POV: Where I Shop for Ingredients, and You Can, too!

In the inaugural edition of CHEF POV, Paola Marocchi shares her favorite places to find essential Italian ingredients in NYC and online.

June 5, 2026

Piccolo MORINI Brings Pasta and Martinis to SOHO in NYC

An old New York favorite gets a new address, a new look and plenty of reasons to stay for another round.

Authentic Northern Italian Food at Denver’s Barolo Grill

For more than 30 years, Northern Italian traditions have shaped one of Denver's most celebrated dining experiences.

June 4, 2026

Bella’s Peach Tart Recipe with Mascarpone and Grand Marnier

Part Southern comfort, part Italian indulgence, this make-ahead dessert is designed for long summer evenings.

June 4, 2026
See all posts