Lakhasly

The following is a checklist to help you decide if it's time for you or a friend to change eating habits .

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 , turn 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 yourself right !