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The Hindu festival of Dussehra is approaching and we’re all gearing up to celebrate the victory of good vs. evil by burning tall effigies of the 10-headed Ravana. Let us take this auspicious opportunity to not only do away with ill habits in general life but also those in the way of our health and fitness.
This Dussehra, stop these bad eating habits that can lead to weight gain and poor health. Along with Ravana, burn poor eating choices and also burn those extra calories for a healthier you. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some common eating habits that you need to stop in order to remain fit.
Eating Habits To Avoid
Skipping breakfast is a common bad eating habit that can set the tone for an unhealthy day. It jumpstarts your metabolism, provides essential nutrients, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Opt for a balanced breakfast with protein, whole grains, and fresh fruit to keep you energised throughout the morning.
Mindless eating typically occurs when we're distracted or stressed. We may snack while watching TV or work through lunch without really savouring our food. This habit often leads to overeating because we don't pay attention to our body's signals. Practise mindful eating by savouring each bite and avoiding distractions during meals.
Overeating is a prevalent issue, especially when our portion sizes are out of control. It's crucial to learn portion control to avoid consuming excessive calories. A simple trick is to use smaller plates, which naturally limit the amount of food you can serve yourself.
Late-night snacking is a habit that can negatively impact your sleep and overall health. Eating right before bedtime can lead to indigestion and weight gain. Establish a regular eating schedule, and if you're genuinely hungry in the evening, opt for a light and healthy snack like a piece of fruit or yoghurt.
Processed foods are full of unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives. Relying on these foods can lead to poor nutrition and health issues in the long run. Make an effort to incorporate more fresh, whole foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Be wary of processed foods, especially during festivals like Dussehra and Diwali. Indulging in festive snacks occasionally is, of course, part of the celebrations. But remain cautious and try alternative healthy recipes for Dussehra and other festivals.
Skipping meals, particularly lunch or dinner, can disrupt your metabolism and lead to overeating later in the day. Regular meals help stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent unhealthy snacking. Aim to eat at consistent times throughout the day.
Eating too quickly can mess with your body’s ability to identify if you’re full. It takes about 20 minutes after you finish eating for your brain to register that your stomach is full. Slow down and savour each bite to prevent overeating and promote better digestion.
Sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and some fruit juices are loaded with empty calories and can lead to weight gain and dental problems. Replace sugary drinks with water, herbal tea, or naturally flavoured water to improve your overall health.
Many people don't drink enough water throughout the day, which can lead to confusion between thirst and hunger. Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for overall health and can help prevent overeating. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water, and consider setting reminders if you tend to forget.
Many fad weight-loss diets out there promise rapid weight loss by cutting down aggressively on carbs. While lowering your carb intake and losing extra weight is healthy, please do so gradually using balanced diets. Suddenly losing too many kilos is not only unhealthy but also bound to relapse and you end up gaining the same weight very quickly.
Let this year’s Dussehra festival symbolise much more than the battle between good and evil. Let it also motivate you to win against ill health and poor eating habits. Burn the above bad eating habits and start making healthier food choices. Get a FITPASS membership and exercise your way towards reaching your fitness goals. With FITFEAST, you can get healthy and nutritious meal plans from our seasoned nutritionists.
