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

Italianity: The Culture of Italian Wine Explained

Winemaker Andrea Lonardi and writer Jessica Dupuy on their new book Italianity: The Culture of Italian Wine and the common thread that runs through every bottle.

April 28, 2026

Amatriciana at Roscioli: A Classic Roman Recipe

At Roscioli, amatriciana reveals how a few ingredients, handled with precision, can create something deeply layered.

April 28, 2026

How Ernest Gallo Brought Wine to the American Table

Appetito's partnership with the Mentoris Project begins with their novel about the extraordinary life of winemaker Ernest Gallo.

April 27, 2026

Join Rossella Rago for a Culinary Tour of Puglia and Matera

The incomparable Italian food personality Rossella Rago outlined her upcoming culinary tour to Puglia and Matera.

April 27, 2026

Sunday Shop: Dior, NOYZ, Prada — Fragrances I Can’t Stop Wearing 

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

April 26, 2026
See all posts