Things in life can become habitual. Eating is no exception! To quit smoking successfully, one must change all different parts of their life to break deep rooted habits. The same goes for diet. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves in ways we don't realize. Are these habits keeping you from reaching your goals?
1. Keeping unhealthy food around. I've rarely met a person who is on the right track and has unhealthy food in their house. The truth is, we are not only visually attracted to it..but emotionally attracted to it as well. If you put a dish of candy in plain sight, nearly everyone that walks through the door will take a piece because...well because it's there. As soon as our eyes see it, our brain tells us we want it.
2. Eating breakfast. How many times do I have to say this one?!!! This is one habit I have definitely changed and have seen results from. Skipping breakfast makes you more apt to binge later in the day. Breakfast, especially one that includes protein, can help you sail through your day with minimal cravings. It also boosts your metabolism and jump starts your weight loss...every single day.
3. Distracted eating. You’re eating alone, so you reach for your smartphone and text, scan social-networking sites or play games. Or you read the paper, watch TV or use your computer. All of these distractions take your attention away from eating and make it harder for you to really experience and tune in to how satiated/full you are. That can lead you to eat more than you’re really hungry for, either now or later. A recent study showed that playing solitaire (on the computer) dampened people’s memories of lunch, which, in turn, may have caused them to eat 125 calories more when they snacked later.
4. Eating right out of a box or bag. If you’re eating directly out of the package—whether you’re eating chips, crackers, cookies or ice cream—it’s easy to eat several servings without realizing it. A key step when you’re trying to lose weight is literally watching what you eat—being aware of what and how much you’re eating. That’s why keeping a food journal is so effective. Get a handle on runaway portions by measuring out a serving…if you want more, measure that too. Being conscious of what you’re eating will help you meet your weight goals.
5. Eating on the go. Sometimes it's unavoidable..but most of the time it is. Eating in the car, snacking at your desk, drinking a high-calorie smoothie or latte while walking around—it’s all too easy to take in excessive calories if you’re eating on the go. To curb this type of distracted eating, sit down to eat.
