Kicking The Fast Food Habit

Fast food is one of the top reasons for obesity. Greasy fries, burgers, and pizza are everywhere you look. It’s so convenient when you’re busy just to drive through and grab your lunch or dinner. Of course this convenience comes at a cost, usually to your waist, hips, and thighs. Unfortunately, it has become a daily habit for most of us. But if you want to shed those unwanted pounds, you must kick this habit once and for all. Follow the steps below to make it easier.

Step 1: Quit gradually. You don’t have to give up fast food all at once. Any time you make the decision to skip the drive thru you’re doing great. You can even set a goal to eat at home at least once or twice per week. Gradually build up until you’re no longer eating fast food.

Step 2: Take a reward. Use the money you save on eating out to reward yourself. You can do something small like rent a movie or save up to buy something larger. Just make sure you have something to look forward to for making the choice to eat at home.

Step 3: Find healthy alternatives. If you really miss your fast food favorites, experiment with healthier versions at home. Have a craving for fries? Use an oil spray and bake them in the oven. You can spice them up any way you want. You may even like the homemade fries better.

Step 4: Avoid hunger cravings. Try to keep healthy snacks available at all times. You can keep them in your bag, car, or at your desk. Just make sure they’re nearby. When a craving hits, grab your snack instead. Things like fruit or trail mix are easy to transport and great alternatives to fast food snacks.

Step 5: Eat breakfast. There is no denying that is still the most important meal of the day, and the most skipped. Try to eat something, even if it’s small, before you dash out the door. This will keep you from wanting to binge at lunch.

Step 6: Plan your meals. Try to plan a week’s worth of meals and snack. But if that’s not realistic for you, plan a couple of days at least. You will feel less stressed about coming up with meals, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your plan. You can also try to prepare the food ahead of time. Cut up your veggies for the week and cook the chicken for your salads. A little prep work will go a long way.

Step 7: Variety is the key. If you eat the same meal over and over you’re bound to get bored and resort to fast food. So try to vary your meals and snacks. Experiment with different spices and cooking methods. If you’re excited about your food, you’ll be less likely to order that pizza.

Step 8: Keep it simple. Some people eat fast food because they don’t like to cook or don’t know how. If that’s you, then don’t try complicated recipes right off. Find recipes for one dish meals like casseroles or soup. This way you won’t feel frustrated in the beginning, and you’ll build your cooking confidence.

Tags: boost metabolic rate, diet programs, diet and fitness tips, exercise program