Starting a healthy eating journey often feels like a herculean task, mainly when you’re used to less-than-healthy habits. The key, my friend, lies in discipline.
Eating healthy is not about strict dietary limitations or depriving yourself of the foods you love. It’s about feeling great, having more energy, and making food choices that support your health and wellbeing.
The biggest hurdle? Those pesky habits that keep pulling us back into the comfort zone of junk food and unhealthy eating patterns. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
In this article, we’ll explore seven habits you need to wave goodbye to if you’re serious about revamping your diet and sticking to it. It’s time to take back control and make your health a priority. Let’s dive in!
1) Mindless eating
We’ve all been there.
Sitting in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, or at our desk with a packet of chips. Before we know it, our hand’s fumbling for another morsel, but all we’re met with is the empty bottom.
This is what we call mindless eating – when you consume food but your mind is elsewhere.
It’s a dangerous habit, especially when you’re trying to adopt a healthier diet. Because when you’re not paying attention to what you’re eating, you can easily overeat or make unhealthy choices.
So, if you want to start eating healthy, this habit needs to go!
Take the time to sit down and really enjoy your meal. Pay attention to what you’re eating and how much of it you’re having. Trust me, not only will this help you make healthier choices, but you’ll also enjoy your food a lot more!
2) Skipping meals
I have to admit, I’ve been guilty of this one.
Back in my busy corporate days, I would often skip breakfast, work through lunch, and then binge on dinner. It was a terrible routine that left me feeling sluggish and irritable.
Skipping meals is a common habit among many of us who are always on the go. It might seem like you’re saving on calories, but all it does is set you up for overeating later.
It’s essential to keep your body fueled throughout the day. A regular eating schedule keeps your metabolism active, energy levels stable, and prevents those hunger pangs that lead to unhealthy snacking or overeating.
So yes, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. And so is lunch, and dinner, and those small healthy snacks in between!
3) Relying on processed foods
Ah, the convenience of processed foods. They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-tempting when you’ve had a long day and can’t face the idea of cooking.
But they’re also packed full of preservatives, artificial ingredients, and often high amounts of salt and sugar.
Did you know that a single serving of a popular canned soup can contain almost half of the recommended daily sodium intake? That’s a lot of salt hiding in one innocent-looking can!
Processed foods are often low in nutrients and high in empty calories. They do little to fuel our bodies and can lead to weight gain and health problems if consumed regularly.
So, the next time you’re about to reach for that ready-made meal or snack, why not try whipping up something simple and nutritious at home instead? Your body will thank you for it.
4) Drinking your calories
Sugary drinks, fancy coffees, alcohol – they all taste great, but they’re also packed with calories and little to no nutritional value.
It’s easy to forget about the liquid calories we consume, but they can make a significant impact on our daily intake. What’s worse is these drinks often don’t make us feel full, leading to overeating.
Try swapping out these high-calorie drinks for water, herbal tea, or infused water. Not only are these options healthier, but they also help keep you hydrated – a win-win situation!
5) Emotional eating
There was a time when I would reach for a tub of ice cream after a stressful day or order a pizza when I was feeling down.
Food was my comfort, my solace. It took me a while to realize that I was using food to deal with my emotions, not to nourish my body.
This is emotional eating – when we use food to cope with stress, anxiety, or even boredom. It’s not about physical hunger at all, and often leads to overeating and feelings of guilt afterward.
The key to overcoming emotional eating is to find healthier ways to deal with our feelings. It could be going for a walk, reading a book, or even talking to a friend.
It’s about finding balance and learning to see food as fuel, not therapy.
6) Eating too quickly
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to find ourselves wolfing down our meals without a second thought. But did you know that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’re full?
Eating too quickly can often lead to overeating as we don’t give our bodies the chance to signal that it’s had enough. Plus, slow, mindful eating is much more enjoyable and can aid digestion.
So, next time you sit down for a meal, take your time. Chew your food well and savor each bite. It might take a bit of practice, but your body (and your mind) will thank you for it.
7) Not drinking enough water
Water is vital for our bodies. It aids in digestion, keeps our skin glowing, and even helps us feel full. Yet, many of us don’t drink enough of it.
Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger, leading us to eat when what we really need is a glass of water. Plus, we often consume sugary drinks when we’re thirsty, adding unnecessary calories to our diet.
So, make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. And if you find plain water boring, jazz it up with some fresh fruits or herbs. Your body needs it!
The journey to a healthier you
The path to healthy eating isn’t always easy, but it’s about progress, not perfection. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time.
Remember, each meal is a new opportunity to nourish your body. The choices you make at every meal matter. They’re all steps in your journey towards better health.
Stay mindful of your eating habits.
Mindfulness allows you to observe your eating habits without judgment. It encourages you to recognize your physical hunger and satiety cues to guide your decisions to begin and end eating.
So, as you embark on this journey, remember to be kind to yourself. Celebrate your victories, learn from your setbacks, and know that with every healthy choice, you’re taking care of the most important person – you.
