There is no real technical term for "junk" foods, though they tend to be high in calorie without offering any sort of health benefits in the form of nutrients and fiber. Despite the variety of salty and sweet, junk foods are well-known to come prepackaged on the shelves of convenience stores. Though their intake may seem like the right action in the moment, consistent intake can lead to an unhealthful weight and the potential development of chronic diseases. Fight junk food cravings once and for all with these six simple steps!
How to Stop Eating Junk Foods
1. Start with A Balanced Breakfast
Kicking off the morning with healthful foods can help pave the way to more healthful decisions the rest of the day. If not an avid breakfast eater, start small with a glass of milk, slice of toast with peanut butter or a cup of yogurt. When breakfast becomes more enjoyed and tolerated, start preparing eggs, parfaits and other breakfast favorites! As a general rule, always have a protein-rich breakfast item to keep hunger levels sustained until a midmorning snack or lunchtime.
2. Keep Junk Food Away
The statement "Out of sight, out of mind," holds so much truth when it comes to how to get rid of and fight junk food cravings! Research consistently shows refined sugar products can be highly addictive. Giving into cravings further stimulates the desirability of such products. Instead of packaged pastries and chips located in the comfort of home or in the drawers of your work desk, avoid their purchase altogether.
3. Purchase Healthier Foods
Fill the diet with more whole grains, lean proteins, healthful fats, and fresh fruits and veggies. Start to appreciate the role of healthful foods and how they nourish the body. Make the nutritious journey enjoyable by exploring all nutritious foods and trying new products! When nutritious foods fill up the diet, little room is left for those "junk" foods!
4. Avoid Mindless Eating
Mindless eating commonly arises when partaking in other activities such as watching a movie or working in front of a computer. Bouts of mindless eating are often filled with non-nutritious snacks, easily having the ability to pack on calories and weight. So before reaching for that bag of chips, ask yourself "Am I truly desiring this?"
5. Find Distractions
If truly wanting to cave into that bag of chips or any other sort of craving, do not feed into it! Instead of treading to the kitchen, redirect and try to find some sort of distraction. A quick walk or piece of gum can not only fight junk food cravings, but save on hundreds of unwanted calories!
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. So instead of reaching for that snack, pour up a glass of water! Staying hydrated further aids in digestion and promotes a healthy metabolism. Additionally, drinking a glass before or with snacks and meals can reduce overeating and total caloric intake.