Behaviour modification: Achieving positive eating habits

Everything around us is instant, from food to photographs to messaging. So it’s little wonder then that we expect the same when it comes to losing weight. But as we’ve all found out, a weight-loss diet can be tough to follow for long periods of time. Because unless you change your eating habits for the better, you may not be able to continue with your weight loss plan.

The most important thing to remember is that this change doesn’t happen overnight but over a period of time, and with dedication and persistence. This is why you need to set realistic goals and start by modifying one habit at a time to achieve life-changing success.

You also need to remember to alter your whole perception about food. Take a different perspective and don’t let your life revolve around it. 

Enjoy a few steps towards achieving positive eating behaviour:

• Every day write down the quantity and type of food you eat and the time you ate the food on that day. This way you can keep track and evaluate your diet.
• Eat your meals with friends or relatives. So you will tend to eat less compared to the times when you are eating alone. To add to that, having people around you who encourage you to follow your healthy plan, will make you more likely to stick to your diet.
• Stay away from the fridge when you are feeling down or emotionally stressed. Instead, plan to go out, go to the gym, go shopping, or talk to a friend.
• Don’t blame yourself if you strayed from your diet plan. Remember, we are all humans and prone to mistakes. Just go back to your plan and keep up your good habits until you achieve your desired goal.
• Join a health club or a group of friends who have the habit of exercising regularly and encourage you to be part of their activities. Exercise boosts your metabolism and helps your body burn more calories.

More practical tips that you need to know about for a healthier lifestyle!

• Learn to say “No, thank you”, especially in situations which can lead you to overeat – such as special occasions or out of home dinners.
• Avoid shopping when you are hungry. Make sure to stick to your list to prevent buying food that’s not a part of your healthy plan.
• Keep ready-to-eat, light healthy snacks in your fridge for daily use. These could be washed or cut vegetables and fruits
• Serve food in small to medium-size plates to limit portions
• Enjoy your meals by eating slowly and chewing your food well because it takes 20 minutes for your brain to tell you that you are full and you need to stop eating. It is ok to leave a little food on your plate.
• Limit your time for watching TV or using the computer which can lead to an inactive lifestyle and munching on unhealthy snacks. Try to eat in a specific area at regular timings of the day to avoid getting extremely hungry.
• Always hydrate your body by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day
• Ensure at least an 8-hour sleep every night

More than anything, patience and perseverance will help you achieve the results you want. With dedication, planning and a step-by-step approach, you will be able to achieve long-term results and establish good eating habits for a better future. What is most important is to believe in yourself and make your health your biggest priority in life.