If you’re like many Americans, you’re likely frustrated with your eating habits and the seemingly limitless number of poor food choices available. From fast food to gas station foods to sugary drinks and everything in between, temptation seems to always be only a step away. Self destructive behavior is too easy when it just tastes so darn good.
So, how does one stop engaging in such behavior? How do you get unhealthy eating habits under control once and for all? In this guide, we offer some helpful tips that can get your eating habits back on track, even if you’re stuck at home in quarantine. Don’t let your diet get the best of you. These habits can help you focus on improving eating habits and maintaining them once you’ve solidified them.
Remove Temptation
The first step to getting your eating habits under control is to remove the temptation from your home. You know what I’m talking about! That hidden brownie stash? Toss it. The last soda in the fridge? Dump it. Those candy bars you have hidden at the back of the freezer? Your kiddo loves them. Get rid of your temptations. When you go to the store, don’t even go past the chip, sweets, or soda aisles.
It’s twice as difficult to say no to something that’s sitting right in front of you. If you open your freezer to a pint of ice cream, even the will of the gods is sometimes not enough to stop your hands from reaching for a spoon. It’s ok to give in to temptation once in a while, but when it becomes a habit, your body and mind will pay for it.
Make sure the other people in your household know not to keep tempting foods in your sight, as well. You might have a roommate or friend that likes to playfully tease you with tempting foods, but let them know how serious you are about your new habits.
Learn To Say No
The people around us have such a huge impact on our personal choices. Peer pressure is a real thing that goes beyond the confines of high school. It can help dictate our decision-making process well into adulthood, too.
The best way to battle peer pressure is to learn the power of the word no. It’s ok to say no to a family member, close friend, or significant other. Saying no doesn’t make you (or them) a bad person—it simply means that you’re setting a boundary.
Boundaries are healthy parts of effective relationships, provided both parties respect them. If you say no to someone and they continue to press the issue, it’s ok to get upset! They’re purposely violating a boundary you’ve set, which is nothing less than disrespect. If your friends and family don’t have enough basic respect to not violate your boundaries, how can you have a healthy relationship with them?
Say no to ice cream, to girls’ night out at the bar, to the BBQ picnic. It’s ok to say no.
Stick To A List
You absolutely shouldn’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach, but you also shouldn’t go without a list. When you craft your grocery list, be sure to be strict with it and don’t give in to temptation while you’re writing it. Eat before you go to the store, and once you’re inside, stick to the list.
It’s a good idea to set yourself a budget, as well. That way, once you’re in the store, you’ll only have enough money to buy what’s on the list to begin with. There’ll be no extra for brownies, soda, or chips this time.
Remind Yourself Of What Healthy Eating Does For The Body and Mind
Keep in mind that healthy eating is something that provides many benefits to both the mind and body. People who eat healthy diets report more energy, motivation, and a sense of overall wellness. What you eat can affect your mental health in a positive or negative way as well. Diets high in fat, sugar, and empty calories tend to cause greater depression, self-esteem issues, and anxiety. Not to mention, they can cause weight gain, which could contribute to any one of these issues.
It’s important to remind yourself when you want to reach for a soda that you’re eating healthy for a reason. You want to be around for your family. You want to be healthier so you can enjoy life. You don’t want to have to battle conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and the complications that obesity can bring about.
Changing your eating habits can drastically change all aspects of your life. If you’re ready for a fresh start, ditch the temptations today. It’s never too late to start, or too soon. Get rid of the soda, and let’s start your journey to a happier, healthier you.
