How To Eliminate Junk Food From Your Diet

Junk foods are low-nutrient, high-calorie foods that are tempting to the palette. Foods such as hot dogs, potato chips and chocolate bars would all fall into the junk food category. According to the World Health Organization, consuming too much junk food may lead to heart disease, cancer or type 2 diabetes. Replace junk foods with foods that are high in fiber, provide lean protein and contain vitamins and minerals. You can slowly eliminate junk food by incorporating a few strategies to complement your eating habits.

Step 1

Keep a daily log of all of the junk foods that you eat. Spend at least two weeks recording the junk foods you consume each day immediately after eating them. Record any moods or triggers that tempt you to eat junk foods so you can also address any complementary habits.

Step 2

Talk to your family and friends about your intentions of removing junk food from your diet so that they can support and possibly join you in eating healthier.

Step 3

Remove junk foods from your home. Raid your cupboards, car and refrigerator for junk foods and either throw them away or donate them. Look over your grocery list and strike out junk foods to avoid replacing them on your shopping days.

Step 4

Restock your house with healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and low-fat dairy. Buy juices and water to replace soda and beer. Get creative and experiment with foods that could become your new staples. As you get used to eating healthier foods, you will slowly break your addiction to junk foods.

Step 5

Avoid the temptation of visiting vending machines at work and school by planning ahead. Carry snack-sized containers of healthy foods, such as raisins, nuts, celery sticks and rice cakes. Keep them in your purse, briefcase or desk drawer. Bring bottled water with you so you can bypass the soda machine.