If you're looking to drop a few pounds or just change your eating habits to live a healthier life, then there are probably things you do each day that slowly sabotage those goals. But don't worry, most of these bad eating habits are relatively simple to fix. It's just a matter of becoming aware of them and knowing how to change. Here are the some of those bad habits and how to fix them so that you can reach your goals of living a happier, healthier life!
Skipping Meals
While it may seem logical to skip meals to save calories, it's actually counterproductive! Skipping breakfast, however, is the worst of all. After going all night without eating, your body needs fuel to wake up and start its metabolic process. Skipping breakfast can result in feeling sluggish throughout the day as well as slowing down your metabolism. Your body needs a steady stream of calories throughout the day to function at its best. Try eating 5 smaller meals scheduled throughout the day or 3 main meals plus two 100- to 300-calorie snacks. This way you'll feel energized and your metabolism will stay on track.
Eating for Comfort
This can be a particularly dangerous habit as it can lead to steady weight gain. Don't hide behind food. Instead recognize your anger, fear, frustration, sadness and channel that energy into something productive. Go for a run or walk, watch your favorite movie or call a friend and chat. Food should center around enjoyment not around negativity, so if you feel yourself reaching for the cookie jar after a hard day, consider a healthier outlet. Not only will you feel better afterward, you'll avoid those extra pounds.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Water is one of the most important things our body needs to survive! The human body is about 70% water! While there's been debate about the figure of 8 glasses of water a day (or more if you work out), there's little doubt that most people don't drink enough plain, pure water. If you make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day,then you'll probably feel less hungry. Drinking water also helps rid your body of toxins. Drinking sodas and coffee deplete your body of water. You don't need to stop drinking your morning coffee to break this habit, just supplement it with a glass of water. The easiest way to remember to drink water is to keep it with you. Take a reusable water bottle with you to work, school or wherever you go and drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. The general rule is that if you feel thirsty, then you may already be dehyrated.
Packaged Food
The convenience of packaged and microwaveable meals can't be denied! After a long day, cooking from scratch is probably far from your mind. Unfortunately these miracle meals often pack in extra unhealthy fats, sodium and sugar. Scrutinize nutrition labels of any prepared products, and choose those that have less sodium and fat and contain whole plant protein sources and veggies. You can also supplement the convenient products, if you opt to use them (such as prepared marinara sauce) with fresh fruit and veggies, too.
Not Paying Attention to Portion Sizes
When you grab that package of cookies, do you really look at how many cookies make up a serving size? Most of us don't, and this can lead to rapid weight gain. The suggested serving sizes are often much smaller than the average person would eat at one sitting, meaning that the nutrition facts are doubled or tripled. Make a habit of glancing at the serving sizes and deciding if the calories, fats and sugars consumed are worth the size. Another easy option is to pre-portion out your snacks. Fill small sandwich bags with the serving size amount, and allot yourself one bag a day. This way you'll be in complete control of what you are consuming. As for meals, portion control is important as well. Switching to smaller dinner plates might seem simplistic, but it can make a big difference.
This column was contributed by Allison Evans of Fit & Fab Living.
- For more tips on plant-based nutrition, make sure to browse VegKitchen’s Nutrition page.
- For lots more features on healthy lifestyle, please explore VegKitchen’s Healthy Vegan Kitchen page.
Laura rocha says
This really helps I hope I can stop my eating habits I really need too in a month I must loose 15 pounds and I know I can do it 🙂
renjini santhosh nair says
i really like it and try to follow your advise to reduce my weight
Rookaya says
Very informative thanks would like more info
Nava says
Rookaya, you'll find lots more healthy eating tips on our Healthy Kitchen page: http://www.vegkitchen.com/kitchen-tips/
Johanne says
You can eat as many fruits and vegetables as you want can't you?
Nava says
Johanne, current wisdom suggests no more than 2 to 3 servings of fruit per day, due to sugar content. But veggies can be eaten in unlimited amounts.
claudia says
I am a comfort eater and really need help I am just getting bigger and bigger please help
Zodwa says
Last year I cut out on red meat,I only ate fish and chicken,vegetables and fruits.I only snacked on popcorn and dried fruits.I never drank soda nor fruit juices but made green tea and mixed it with lemonade which I would drink to quench my thirst.In the mornings,before I ate breakfast(oats with skimmed milk)-I drank a hot cup of green tea with cayenne pepper and lemon and 30 minutes later I'd drink a glass of cold water(at room temperature) then eat breakfast.I had small meals for dinner which was mostly green vegetables with beetroot and tuna/grilled chicken. I never ate anything else,I cut down on too much bread and dairy as I noticed that these foods made my belly big. I went to gym 4-5times a week for an hour doing kickboxing or spinning and in 6months I lost 5kg.By the end of December 2014, I weighed 56kg. I went home for christmas and got carried away and made bad eating habits and now that I'm away from home again,I noticed I was still continuing my bad eating habits of eating fried takeouts and chocolates and too much dairy as well as feeling drained and tired after work that I have even missed gym for 6weeks and I've gone back to 61kg which isn't good for me at all so this morning I've decided to commit myself to gym and to eating healthy again and will be starting gym today. I plan to stay on track and not go back to my vad eating habits as I've realised that it's easy to pick up weight but difficult to lose it and I would want to be obese again. I think eating vegetables more and drinking clean water and eating fruits and exercising not only helps one lose weight but it also helps our organs to function properly and aids longevity and gym is also a great stress reliever 🙂
Pauleen says
Very true to all. Almost everyone is guilty with these bad eating habits. Thanks for this very informative post!
Ethel says
We make some big mistakes in regards to eating. I have to admit that sometimes I skip meals or I don't drink enough water, which is not good at all for my health. Thank you for this informative piece, I will definitely take into account what I have just read.
Mustapha says
Very informative thanks would like more info