Returning Home, the 90/10 Rule, and How I Balanced Pasta & Progress

There is nothing quite like the post vacation blues especially when you’re unpacking your bags after three glorious weeks in Portugal & Italy. I am still dreaming of the Tuscan hills and the cobblestone streets.

But as much as I miss the magic of Europe, there is always a comforting sense of relief in coming home. Being back in my own kitchen and hitting my favorite gym floor feels like a warm hug. It means stepping back into the daily rhythms that keep me feeling grounded, energized, and healthy.

Speaking of Italy and healthy rhythms, I received a great question in my email this week that I wanted to unpack here on the blog.

The Question: "Where is the Pasta in Your Food Guide, Kate?"

A sweet follower messaged me a couple of days ago and asked:

"Kate, I love your Food Guide and I’ve been following it closely, but I’ve been watching your IG stories recently and noticed you’re eating a ton of gorgeous pasta, bread, and gelato. Why aren't those types of meals included in your guide?"

I absolutely loved this question because it hits on something so many of us struggle with: the misconception that living a healthy lifestyle means living a life of permanent deprivation.

Here is the honest truth: My regular food guide is my 90%. Italy was my 10%.

The 90/10 Rule & Living a Rich Life

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I swear by the 90/10 rule. Ninety percent of the time, I eat for fuel, muscle recovery, and optimal energy (which is exactly what my Food Guide is designed for). But the other ten percent? That is for making memories, celebrating, and experiencing the world.

When you are traveling, food isn't just macros it’s culture, history, and art. Denying yourself the local regional cuisine because it doesn't fit into a strict meal plan doesn't make you "disciplined"; it just robs you of an experience that enriches your life in entirely different ways.

That being said, I didn’t just completely throw caution to the wind for three weeks. I had a strategy to enjoy every single bite without coming home feeling sluggish or losing my hard-earned progress.

My Two "Italy Rules" for Food & Fitness

I didn't track a single calorie in Italy, but I did follow two simple, non-negotiable rules that kept me feeling great:

• Rule #1: Pasta Was a Lunch-Only Affair I made a pact with myself to only have my heavy pasta dishes at lunch. Why? Because in Italy, afternoons are meant for exploring. By eating my largest carbohydrate meal midday, I had the entire afternoon to naturally walk it off. We walked for miles and miles everyday just sightseeing, which meant my body used those delicious carbs for immediate energy instead of storing them.

• Rule #2: Never Just Carbs Always Add Protein You will never see me eating a plain bowl of noodles. To keep my blood sugar stable and support my muscle mass, I ate meat with every single pasta dish. Whether it was a rich ragù, meatballs or a side of grilled chicken, pairing protein with my pasta slowed down digestion, kept me incredibly full, and prevented those dreaded afternoon sugar crashes.

Moving Forward: What "Being Home" Means Now

Now that the suitcases are put away and the jet lag is clearing, it’s time to transition back into routine. Returning home doesn't mean "detoxing" or punishing myself for enjoying my trip. It simply means shifting the dial back to my baseline.

• In the Kitchen: I’m restocking the fridge with fermented veggies, lean proteins, and complex carbs. My body is actually craving the structure of my Food Guide right now!

• In the Gym: I'm trading those miles of walking steps for some heavy dumbbells and Quick Minutes . I’m putting all those extra Italian calories to good use to build some serious strength over the next few weeks.

If you’ve recently come off a vacation and are feeling anxious about getting back on track, take a deep breath. One trip won't ruin years of hard work, just like one steak won't suddenly make you fit. Enjoy the memories, appreciate what the break did for your soul, and join me in getting back to the routine we love.