How can I stop making choices that lead to weight gain?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:If we all had the ability to make rational choices that zucchini is better for us than fettuccini, then there would be no need for the multi-billion-dollar diet industry. Eating is an emotional action, and it's an addictive one. The average person knows doughnuts are hand grenades to your health. But we pass by a neighboring cubicle with a dozen cream-filled jobbies and we've finished two before we've even turned the corner.
Add to the fact that research shows that people under the most work stress gain the most weight, and you've got yourself an obesity double-whammy. So the question is really, how we can take irrational, emotional, and addictive actions and turn them into smart, rational, good decisions?
For one, it comes with developing a list of healthful contingency foods and clearing your fridge and pantry of waist-killing foods. But it also comes from our ability to look for other things to fill the needs that food is currently filling. Traditionally, so much of our self-satisfaction comes from how we see ourselves externally. But that satisfaction is fleeting, and we need to find and focus on the things in life we're truly grateful for—be it our families, careers, or a hobby that we're passionate about. These are the things that give us what I call soul-level satisfaction.
Find out more about this book: YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management
If we all had the ability to make rational choices that zucchini is better for us than fettuccini, then there would be no need for the multi-billion-dollar diet industry. Eating is an emotional action, and it's an addictive one. The average person... More -
Jamie McGinn answered:The best way to learn about your unhealthy food choices and bad habits are to work with a Registered Dietitian (RD). RDs have been educated for 5+ years on all things food and nutrition, therefore set individual plans and goals. Planning and goal setting are both great ways to make yourself accountable. Many insurance plans will cover dietitian visits - just call the customer line and ask! You can also go to www.eatright.org and click on the "find an RD" tab. You can locate a dietitian near you and ask about their insurance policy and fees.
The best way to learn about your unhealthy food choices and bad habits are to work with a Registered Dietitian (RD). RDs have been educated for 5+ years on all things food and nutrition, therefore set individual plans and goals. Planning and goal... More -
Dan Munford MS, RD, CSCS, HFS, CPT answered:Learning to make better choices to accomplish any goal requires behavior modification, and the more complex the goal, the more intervention that's required.
Weight gain is a complex issue and is affected by a number of choices and habits to include what and how we choose to:
- Eat
- Exercise
- Manage stress
- Manage time
You need to identify:
- What choices are affecting your weight?
- What barriers and obstacles are preventing you from achieving your weight goal?
- Why you are making those choices?
- What are healthier alternative choices to make?
- How to implement those choices into your daily life?
If this task is overwhelming, seek out a qualified professional with the experience to help you modify your behavior(s) to make healthier choices and achieve your weight goal.
Learning to make better choices to accomplish any goal requires behavior modification, and the more complex the goal, the more intervention that's required. Weight gain is a complex issue and is affected by a number of choices and habits to include... More -
Ruth Frechman of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:It's difficult to change habits, but if you set your mind to it, you will be successful. For most people, if it's not around, they won't eat it. Do yourself a favor and keep the goodies out of the house until you are on track and don't feel tempted.It's difficult to change habits, but if you set your mind to it, you will be successful. For most people, if it's not around, they won't eat it. Do yourself a favor and keep the goodies out of the house until you are on track and don't feel tempted. More -
Marisa Moore of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Contrary to popular belief, the choices you make are not solely dependent upon willpower. Often, putting yourself in a healthier environment can help. Try these tips to create an environment for successful weight loss:
- Leave the chips, cookies and cakes at the supermarket. You are less likely to indulge in these foods if they are not in the home. If your family buys the food, keep them out of sight. Studies show people tend to eat fewer cookies if they are kept up and away in an opaque jar versus one that’s see through.
- Keep a journal. Research shows people who track their food intake lose more weight than those who don’t.
- Plan ahead. If there will be a long time between meals, take along a healthy snack to prevent a run on the vending machine or stop at the drive-thru on the way home.
- Cook at home more often. Research shows that we eat more calories when we dine out versus cooking and eating at home.
- If you eat out with friends, order first. Social experiments reveal that our friends can influence what we eat. Order a healthy meal first to set the tone for the table.
You’ve already taken a big first step to changing the choices you make that lead to weight gain. You are aware of the problem. Now you can begin to do something about it.
Contrary to popular belief, the choices you make are not solely dependent upon willpower. Often, putting yourself in a healthier environment can help. Try these tips to create an environment for successful weight loss: Leave the chips, cookies and... More
