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This checklist helps determine if a change in eating habits is needed. One "warning sign" suffices. Immediately craving junk food upon feeling hungry indicates a potential addiction. Comfort eating, typically involving high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich, sugary, and saturated-fat foods (like frequent fast food trips), is a red flag. Even knowing healthier options exist (e.g., salads, chicken burgers at fast food places) but consistently choosing junk food, despite knowing its negative effects (sleepiness, tiredness), signals a problem. Health is relative; even small changes (e.g., a side salad instead of fries) matter. While quitting junk food might initially feel discouraging, it's normal and temporary if you persist. Decide whether gradual reduction or complete abstinence is best, allowing sufficient time for success. Don't be discouraged by occasional slips; plan ahead by reviewing restaurant menus, creating grocery lists of appealing healthy foods, and politely refusing junk food offers from friends. Regain control by consuming junk food only when necessary or infrequently. Finally, reconnect with enjoyable activities sacrificed due to weight gain or low energy, setting achievable goals for renewed participation.

Breaking the habit-Getting healthy

The following is a checklist to help you decide if it's time for you or a friend to change eating habits. Just ONE "warning sign should be enough reason to take action.

You shouldn't think junk food the minute you start feeling hungry. There never is an acceptable reason for this. It is a definite sign of a habit that is on the way to becoming an addiction

Comfort eating is usually associated with junk food and in general, high calorie food that is also high in carbohydrates starch and sugar and saturated fat. If you run to the nearest fast food chain every time you feel down, you know it is out of control

A healthy, nutritious meal does not have to be bland and boring. When pushed you can picture appetizing dishes that do not contain fries or fatty ingredients but you still prefer to get hold of a beef burger or a pizza. You know it's not the best food for you. You know that you are going to feel sleepy and tired after you have eaten.

To be honest, healthy is a relative term. It all depends on what your alternatives are. There are healthier' choices you can make even at a fast food restaurant. You might, for example, order salad as a side dish instead of a second helping of fries. You could avoid condiments such as ketchup or mayonnaise, or eat a chicken burger. You know all this, you have promised yourself to do it next time you are there, but somehow it never

happens. You keep on insisting that those dishes take longer

to prepare

But breaking a habit can leave you feeling down. Don't

worry, this is quite common, and it shouldn't last very long if you stick to your decision to give up junk food. You ought to decide on your own if it's best to cut down

on the amount of junk food you eat, gradually over a period of time, or whether it's best to stop altogether for some time.

You should allow yourself some time to do it successfully You shouldn't give up simply because you were with friends and joined them for dinner at a fast food

restaurant, or because you helped yourself to a few fries Pick up some menus from different restaurants and read them carefully, paying attention to the ingredients of each dish. Then highlight the dishes that you find

interesting.

You might go to the supermarket and wander around making a list of all the food and ingredients that you find attractive

If a friend insists on offering you junk food, tum down the offer and treat yourself to something nice. The

Important thing is to regain control and only eat junk food when nothing else is available or very occasionally for a

change.

Make a list of all the things you enjoy doing but had to give up because you gained weight or do not feel

energetic enough. Decide what you would like to do again and when. Set yourself goals that are achievable and enjoyable. Treat