09.08.2010
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Common unhealthy eating habits
When it comes to your diet, a lot of the time it’s the little everyday choices you make that contribute to weight gain or poor health. We’ve compiled a list of some eating habits you want to avoid.
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10. Supplement overload. Nothing is wrong with taking a daily vitamin, but overloading on vitamins alone or, calcium pills, fat burners, or meal replacements will not make up for what you don't get through meals. This can be dangerous to your health and even toxic, if you combine too many together. Despite the fact that multi-vitamin pills are helpful, taking an excessive amount won’t make up for the nutrition to be gained from eating real food. Aside from the nutrients and minerals you receive from food, it's almost impossible to meet all recommended doses through vitamins alone. -
9. Eating in a bad mood. Sounds strange, but studies have proven that many people actually tend to eat more food when they’re in a bad mood – even if you don’t consider yourself an emotional eater. Many people consume more carbohydrates and extra kilojoules when they are in bad circumstances or in depressed situations. If that sounds like you, try and eat a healthier, balanced diet and combine it with regular exercise to get those endorphins pumping! -
8. Eating before bed. Kelly Osbourne swore that eating half an apple before bed added to her drastic weight loss, but if you are going to eat before bed take Kelly’s cue and stick to snacking on fresh fruits or veggies. Eating spicy, fatty foods or consuming caffeine before bedtime can significantly reduce your quality and length of sleep. -
7. Eating alone. When you’re on your own it can be tough to plan a meal – a lot of the time it seems like too much hassle if you’re only cooking for yourself. Try and share a meal with someone else. Not only is this a good way to socialise, but you’ll prevent yourself from over-eating or ordering takeaway. -
6. Weekend splurges. One of the easiest habits to get in to is feeling as though you should “reward” yourself on the weekend. After all, you've maintained a balanced diet all week, right? Not so fast. Many people end up consuming an extra 1260 calories a day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, causing a weight gain of a few kilos a year. The biggest source of those extra kilojoules is breakfast, since people often trade in their usual bowl of cereal for eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Alcohol is another culprit, so try to stick to a non-fizzy, non-sugary drink of choice. -
5. TV dinners. After work, it’s easy to just zone out and eat your dinner in front of the TV. This is an unhealthy habit in two ways. Not only are you more likely to overeat while you’re mindlessly sitting there, but it seems like every commercial displays decadent and fatty foods, so no wonder you're tempted to run to the kitchen for something else to nibble! If watching TV triggers you to eat, grab some cut up fruit instead of chips, or use commercials as a time to hit the floor and do some push-ups, crunches, or stretches. (It will also make you realise just how many commercials there are in a one-hour show!) -
4. Skipping meals. If you can, try and graze your way throughout the day, and never skip a meal. You might think skipping a meal will lighten your load, but studies have shown that eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than the standard three a day may prevent overeating and keep your metabolism steady. -
3. Using a dinner-sized plate for dinner. Serving sizes are getting bigger and bigger, which means it can be difficult to control your food portions. Traditionally bigger plates are used for dinner entrees, but we tend to feel the need to see our plates full in order to feel like we're getting enough food. In order to eat an appropriate portion for dinner, use a smaller salad or dessert plate instead. -
2. Fast food. With your busy lifestyle, sometimes you just need to grab food when you can and eat on the run. But mindlessly gobbling down food makes our brains (and stomachs!) feel unsatisfied, so we end up reaching for more food. Generally we’re after a quick fix, so you’re more likely to reach for a chocolate bar or takeaway than a proper meal. Make a point to sit down and enjoy your meals, and always have healthy snacks stashed in your car or desk (think dried fruit and nuts) so that you have healthy alternatives when you get an attack of the nibblies -
1. A bad breakfast. Or no breakfast, for that matter! We all know that you’re not supposed to skip breakfast, but did you know that what you eat in the morning sets the tone for your meals throughout the day? Skip the fatty pastries, energy bars, or sugary juices and instead enjoy a breakfast that's full of protein, fibre, and healthy carbs such as fruit or whole grain bread. Fresh yoghurt mixed with fruit and nuts is a healthy breakfast that will keep you full right until lunchtime.
9. Eating in a bad mood. Sounds strange, but studies have proven that many people actually tend to eat more food when they’re in a bad mood – even if you don’t consider yourself an emotional eater. Many people consume more carbohydrates and extra kilojoules when they are in bad circumstances or in depressed situations. If that sounds like you, try and eat a healthier, balanced diet and combine it with regular exercise to get those endorphins pumping!
