Bad eating habits are formed over many years, and are a major reason why dieting can be so difficult for most people. If you can pinpoint some of your unhealthy habits and try to change them, your weight loss efforts will be more successful.
One of the reasons diet programs work so well is that they help you to create new food habits. Let’s look at five food habits which make you fat and what to do about them.
1. You eat because you “deserve” it, as a reward. Using food as a reward has become commonplace in today’s society. A good performance or a promotion at work, winning a sporting event, or a whole range of other reasons for celebration, often end with food. Whether it’s a nice dinner or a party, food is usually involved – and it’s usually unhealthy food. Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, etc. almost all include candy, cakes, pies, and other fattening treats, all because we’ve “been good”.
Develop a new system of rewards. Reward yourself with a DVD, a trip to a spa, or a night at the movies. Make a list of rewards you could give yourself which are not food-related, and share this list with your family.
2. You deal with stress by eating. Yes, food can make you feel better, something tasty to make you forget your troubles. But, if you realize that you use food this way, replace it with another stress reliever, such as sports, exercise, or something else healthy.
3. You’re a social eater. Of course you can’t remove yourself from society when you’re on a diet, but you can learn to handle yourself when social situations center around food.
If you’re going to a party and expect a lot of unhealthy foods, plan ahead. Can you take your own healthy food? Maybe you can eat before you go. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep you from over-indulging.
4. You let the time dictate when you eat. Sometimes the clock says it’s time to eat, but you’re not really hungry. Do you eat anyway? Pay attention to your body. Don’t eat just because it’s “time” for a meal.
If you’re actually hungry, fine – go ahead and eat. But if not, find something else to do. Get your body moving a little, stretch your arms and legs, maybe go for a walk.
Bad food habits can be hard to break. Think about your own eating habits, and find good habits to replace the bad ones.
Julia Denham is a professional dietician who can help you to fast, healthy weight loss. Read Julia’s guide, and lose weight in 30 days. Julia offers a weight loss blog, so you get motivation and guidance on your journey to health and fitness.