How to End Your Bad Eating Habits
By Sara Butler
Everyone has bad habits. Some people bite their nails, others smoke, while some like to dig into a pint of ice cream more frequently than they should. Eating habits, just as any other habit, are a learned behavior. Your brain has been trained in a certain way to do something and it becomes second nature. But don't despair. If you've got a few bad eating habits you'd like to say goodbye to, there is hope. Here are a few strategies you can start working on today that can help you have a healthier tomorrow.
Give Your Kitchen a Good Cleaning
Studies have found that messy kitchens can cause people to eat more -- as much as 40 percent more than they would otherwise! While it's not fully understood, there was also a connection made between choosing healthier snacks when the kitchen was cleaner. It can't hurt to give this strategy a try -- if a clean kitchen stops you from unnecessary snacking, then it's not a bad thing to do.
Hide Your Indulgences
If you know you have a weakness for certain foods, then don't make them available to yourself. That's actually a pretty easy strategy. But if you need to have some things on hand for other people in your household that you know may be a trigger for unhealthy eating for you, then simply make sure to put them in containers where you can't see them and you'll be less likely to eat the food you're trying to avoid!
Make Good Food Accessible
Reorganize your pantry and countertops so that the good food you have on hand is easy to see. A fruit bowl or bunch of bananas on the counter will encourage you to grab one as a healthy snack as opposed to a bag of chips. Studies have found if it's available and right in front of you, then you're more likely to sink your teeth in.
Switch Off the Television
The television can have a negative impact on your healthy eating habits. Television causes you to be distracted and not in the moment, which can lead to overeating simply because you're not paying attention. Also, some researchers believe that when you can hear yourself chewing, then your meal will be more satisfying.
Bad habits can be broken, you simply need to know where to start for a healthier and happier you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.