Before we take a look at how to start a healthy eating habit, it may be helpful to first look at what a habit really is, plus how to break old ones.
A habit is a behavior pattern that has been acquired through repetition or physiological exposure that will show itself either in regularity or increased facility of a particular performance. For example suppose you are someone who gets up each morning and has 2 cups of coffee. This has become a habit. Every time you take part in that behavior, you are reinforcing the habit.
But just how does someone stop bad eating habits. Unfortunately what we must first tell you is that these types of habits do not occur overnight. For most people their eating habits will have been formed when they were children. This is one of the biggest reasons why adults find it so difficult to change their bad eating routines. Simply put, it is because they have been part of the lifestyle they lead for many years.
However there are steps you can take to change this:
1. Sit at the Table
It is very rare these days for a family to actually sit together at the table to eat a meal. More often than not you will find them in front of the TV. In this situation, a person will pay less attention to what they are eating, let alone just how much they are eating. So by eating at the table you are actually watching what you are eating and controlling the amount of food that you are actually taking in.
2. Take your Time
Too many people today make the mistake of eating fast. In some cases they have barely had time to swallow the first mouthful before the next one is going in. So instead chew each mouthful slowly. Your stomach will certainly thank you. If you can manage to make your meal last for 20 minutes you will feel full as well as enjoy the taste much more. This way your stomach will be satisfied and there is less chance of you needing to have second helpings.
Although developing a healthy eating habit can be exciting it will need commitment from you. A great way of ensuring that you stay committed is by making a list of your goals and place them where you can see them. Then track yourself and see how well you are doing day after day.