Bad Eating Habits to Break

Healthy living is becoming increasingly important for many people nowadays. And most women should realize that proper nutrition and healthy eating habits are more crucial than deciding which clothes or shoes to wear, or what makeup should one have inside those cosmetic bags.

However, even though many people may start eating healthy, they won’t go further if they keep on making those bad eating habits that they may have acquired over time. These are some not-so-healthy habits that everyone should watch out for, and it is a good idea to start breaking them for a change:

1. Skipping breakfast

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, hectic schedules, and early call times, most people tend to miss breakfast and leave the house with empty stomachs. This is an often overlooked and significantly harmful habit that should not be dismissed. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, primarily because the energy needed for most of the day has to come from breakfast. Those who think that skipping breakfast is an acceptable part of a good nutrition regimen cannot be more misinformed on the matter.

Doctors say that people who skip breakfast are more likely to overindulge on food, especially junk food, for the rest of the day. The body glucose drops, and to compensate, the person will crave large for large portions on the next meal and are even prone to have frequent snacks throughout the day. And further studies have also shown that skipping breakfast causes people to reach for unhealthy snack options instead of fruits and vegetables.

To prevent this, be sure to have breakfast as early as possible. Have cereals, fruits, or oatmeal – those with high fiber content that can make a person feel full for a more extended period. This decreases the chance of overeating or unnecessary snacking. A healthy breakfast prevents the body from having sugar drops, and will also provide the necessary, stable energy needed for the day.

2. Eating hurriedly

Take the time to chew that steak slowly but surely. The human brain takes at least 20 minutes before it receives the stomach’s signal that the person is full. When you eat more slowly, by the time the brain gets the message, you are already full and don’t need to eat much further.

Plus, according to research, those who eat quicker than usual are two and a half times more likely to develop Type II diabetes because eating very quickly results in too much weight gain and even obesity.

Relax and focus on the food while eating. Also, chew the food properly as it can aid in proper and smooth digestion, decreasing the chance of indigestion and constipation.

3. Eating without discipline

Are you capable of finishing that bag of chips in just one sitting, without sharing it with others? If yes, then you’re either overweight or already on that road. When people start eating disproportionally, that’s when health problems occur, including an increase in bad cholesterol, hypertension, indigestion, and potentially, even heart attack.

Too much of something is almost always not good, so instead of eating food straight from its container, try to get a small portion and consume on a small plate. This way, you’ll be able to monitor how much you are consuming.

4. Midnight snacking

Eating is, admittedly for most people, is a pleasurable activity, even when it’s late at night just when you are about to sleep. Midnight snacking may be one of the everyday habits for night owls, but this is a harmful habit that must be avoided. That’s because studies have shown that eating right before going to bed vastly increases the chance of gaining weight.

Also, night time meals, especially a large meal, can cause difficulty in sleeping. This is because the body needs to process the food in the digestive tract, activating an array of internal bodily functions – the stomach needs to produce more digestive juices, the circulatory system needs to push more blood into the digestive system, and the pancreas has to produce more enzymes to fuel the digestive process.

The trick here is to eat only a small amount during dinner. Also, brush the teeth immediately after dinner, so that there’s a lesser chance of craving for midnight snacks.

5. Overeating junk food

French fries, potato chips, burgers – just three of the most loved junk foods. As tasty and yummy as these are, they’re still too bad for the health and waistline. Junk foods have excess sodium, fats, and calories that are proven to affect one’s health negatively. People tend to eat junk food when they feel they aren’t satisfied with their meals, but that shouldn’t be the case.

Instead of eating chocolates and potato chips after lunch, eat slices of fruits such as kiwi, banana, and apples. These healthy alternatives not only satisfy hunger but are also best in providing nutrients, minerals, and fiber instead of excess calories and fat. It is not necessary to eliminate all junk foods and stop eating them; you have to eat them in moderation and consume as seldom as possible.

So start eating healthy today and do not just think of the right clothes to wear, the latest fashion craze, or about getting the latest cosmetic bags and makeup products. Break those bad eating habits and replace them with new and healthier eating practices. Remember that health is wealth and that proper nutrition should always be one of the highest priorities for everyone.