A balanced diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meat and poultry and whole grains, with very little sugar and junk food. But no matter how much you know that you need to eat well, it can be difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. Knowing some of the most common pitfalls may help you avoid them.
Social Forces
Eating is a common social activity for friends and family members. But if your social circle has poor eating habits, it can be very difficult to maintain healthy eating habits instead. According to the University of Minnesota at Duluth, peer pressure may be a major role in eating disorders, including binge eating.
Marketing
If you turn on the TV or drive down the highway, you will almost certainly see advertisements for unhealthy fast foods and junk food. These ads are designed by marketing experts to tempt you into buying and consuming products. According to the University of Pennsylvania, junk food marketing is particularly dangerous to children and may be linked to the obesity crisis.
Convenience
If you don't have time to prepare a brown-bag lunch before work, you could seek the convenience of a drive-thru once lunch time rolls around. Similarly, after a long day at work, it can be difficult to come home and prepare a healthy meal. The convenience factor is detrimental to healthy eating habits.
Stress
Stress can cause poor diet, which creates more stress. A study by the University College of London found a link between chronic stress at work and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is associated with obesity, high cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease. Stress may impair your ability to make healthy diet choices.
Member Comments