Breaking Up With Bad Food Habits
If you could break one ‘less than healthy’ food habit, what would you pick?
Come on — I know you have one. It niggles on you every time you find yourself doing it, right? Mine is mindlessly snacking.
Even those of us who are the healthiest find we can use a reminder or two on what they could be doing better. I say this as I sit here eating another handful of almonds… we can all use some extra help now and again.
So this is my reminder to you (and to myself) — break your bad habits, one at a time and give yourself a bit of a food ‘health’ check! I am sharing my tips and tricks on ways to push passed your niggling habits and move on!
What could you be doing better and how do you implement some changes? Read on.
Bad Food Habit #1 — Mindless eating
So you continue to eat even though you know you’re full? Can’t put away those almonds (or chips) while you’re working or watching TV? Then stop right now.
Change the bowl you’re eating from — make it smaller.
That way you don’t fill it up with more serves than you need AND you will have to keep going back for more if you really want to, and that takes thought.
Bonus tip: Don’t eat from the packet or container. Take your servings OUT and eat from a bowl or plate. You can physically see how much you ate consuming, which may alter your thinking and stop you from mindlessly eating.
Bad Food Habit #2 — Nighttime munchies
Do you often find yourself heading for the fridge way after dark, for what seems like no real reason other than you might be hungry?
After dinner, think of the kitchen being closed for the night and go and brush your teeth. I know it sounds hilarious, but in practice it is a very powerful tool.
You are tricking yourself into believing food is no longer available, and you’re ready to rest for the night. Try it before you knock it — you’d be surprised how much less you want to head to the fridge for late night snacks.
Bad Food Habit #3 — Eating too quickly
Are you always in a hurry? If you don’t pace yourself when you eat, your brain will be behind your stomach and before you know it, you’re so full that your belt needs adjusting.
It takes 15–20 minutes after you have started eating before your brain will register fullness, so if you’re rushing, it is so easy to over eat.
Physically put your utensil down after every bite of food. Take smaller bites and be sure to chew thoroughly.
Drink water during your meal as well — this helps you feel fuller, and you might find you don’t eat as much as a result.
We all have those bad habits we want to break, so hopefully, if you’re keen on changing your behaviour for the best, you now have the tools to change those habits!
If you have a habit you just can’t break and would like some advice — let us know in the comments below. Happy to lend a hand!
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