It is generally known that the 21st century represents the century of addictions. Unfortunately, one of the most widespread addictions is the addiction to frequent consumption of high-calorie food, sweets, and snacks. At first, this kind of food gives you the short-term feeling of saturation and energy, but afterward, it brings you down and you easily become hungry again. Moreover, it produces a short-term feeling of pleasure in your brain which is soon worn off by the long-term feeling of guilt. Should it be always that way? These are the simple steps you can follow if you want to work on your dietary habits.
Start with your emotions
Some people turn to food when they feel bored, stressed, tired or angry and do not know the other way of dealing with their unpleasant emotions. At that moment, they easily mistake unpleasant emotions for hunger.
Once you recognize the circumstances under which you feel uncomfortable, try to substitute food for relaxing and calming activities such as meditation, sports, painting, music, wandering in nature, etc.
Work on your negative beliefs
How many times have you thought of healthy food in this way: ‘it isn’t as tasty as it should be’, ‘it will never saturate my needs’, ‘it doesn’t bring enough strength and energy to my body’? Deep down, you know this is nonsense and that these are only lame excuses for taking up some practical steps. Write down all your negative beliefs on healthy food, and create new ones that can encourage you in fulfilling your goal.
Measure for measure
Almost every nutritionist in the world will state that there is no unhealthy food. The measure is the key. Our body needs all the ingredients in finely proposed measures. We all need sugar, pastry, grease, meat, chocolate, and ice cream, but even water can be dangerous to our bodies if we exaggerate. Start with the well-known nutritional pyramid and find out the general daily intake of each food product.
Plan your meals in advance
It may sound boring, yet it works. It is important to have 3 main meals and 2 snacks each day. If you prepare the food in advance and determine the exact hour of your meals, you will be less prone to quick snacks and a sudden craving for chocolate or chips. If you organize your meals at the same hour every day, your body would be grateful and it would accelerate your metabolism in return.
Discipline is the key
People say that the highest version of self-love is self-discipline. The more thorough you are, the results will be more visible. The more benefits you recognize by eating healthy food, the easier it would be for you to stick to healthy dietary habits. The moment it becomes a habit, your mission is accomplished.