Do you just pick up a handful of fries and pop them in your mouth when you feel like it? Or, do you often have a cheeseburger when you are stressed out? Well, you are not alone! Many of us follow a lousy diet and we also give excuses for doing it. In this blog, let’s look at the top five common excuses for a bad diet in detail.
Let’s start by considering two causes of death globally. One is a lousy diet and the other is the consumption of tobacco. Scientists have found that more people die globally every year because of the former rather than the latter! Many people die because of the lack of nutritious food, and not because of consuming harmful things like sugar and trans-fats. These outcomes are part of a study published in the Lancet medical journal. And, the two major diet-related causes of death are strokes and heart attacks.
Here come the excuses…
1. I’ve Had a Really Bad/Difficult Day!
Everyone has good and bad days. If you’ve had a bad or tiring day at your workplace, you might want to gorge on a chocolate cake or deep-fried chicken when you return home.
Although you may find some temporary satisfaction when you eat such high-calorie foods, they will affect your body in the long run. If you are an emotional eater, you must find better ways to deal with your feelings rather than hogging on unhealthy foods at home. If you are craving a sweet treat, try replacing it with a healthy fruit or a cup of yogurt.
2. I Deserve a Treat Today!
If you are a celebratory eater, you will think of rewarding yourself every time you achieve something. Situations where you might resort to giving yourself (and your friends too!) a treat include a promotion or an appreciation from your boss at the office, winning a game at your local club, or achieving a weight loss goal.
However, by celebrating such achievements with food, you may tend to do it more often. And, this is one of the excuses for unhealthy eating habits. Instead of treating yourself to food items fully loaded with fat, you can taste your recent success by opting for a relaxing massage or watching your favorite movie.
3. I’ll Start My Dieting Tomorrow
First of all, you must remember that tomorrow never comes! If you are planning to have a balanced diet or change your lifestyle for the better, start it today. Because the impact of diet excuses on health is severe and long-lasting. If you have been following a lousy diet, now is the time to switch over to a healthier one. And, avoid procrastinating! For better results in your dieting ventures, join forces with a friend or coworker so that you can keep each other motivated in sticking to your diets.
4. I Don’t Want to Waste Food
Do you have the habit of finishing all the leftovers after dinner? You might feel guilty that you are wasting food if you are not polishing off all the remaining food from your family members’ plates. But believe us! You’ll feel guiltier if you put on weight in a few weeks because of this habit. Rather than acting as the “human trash can” by emptying all the remaining food into your tummy, throw it in the bin (if required). Even if you hog on the leftovers, it’s definitely not going to help the people who can’t afford to buy food. However, your “not wasting food” practice will only increase your weight and make you lose confidence.
5. It’s Vacation Time!
Many people tend to eat a lot during a vacation because the whole idea is to enjoy oneself thoroughly without restrictions. For instance, you might have noticed that usually, you put on a few pounds after you return from a trip. Yes, a vacation is a time to be a bit carefree, but it doesn’t mean that one has to make unhealthy eating choices.
Whether you are on vacation or not, try to stick to the 80/20 rule. In other words, eat healthy food 80% of the time and then become less strict by allowing yourself some treats 20% of the time. This will help you make healthy food choices and also enjoy your favorite food items now and then. It’s also one of the strategies to counter lousy diet justifications.
Adopting a Better Eating Approach
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 9 out of 10 Americans have a very high sodium intake. And, fewer than 1 out of 10 adults and adolescents consume a sufficient amount of vegetables or fruits. These statistics show that dietary changes among the population are imperative, which will also aid in preventing chronic diseases.
If you have been following a bad/lousy diet, break the habit right away (or gradually)!
Strictly tell yourself that the common excuses for a bad diet are a big No. Start by making small changes in your diet. Only then can you see and feel positive results in your body and mind. If necessary, consult your doctor/health care provider to get advice and suggestions to make dietary changes.
