Junk foods are known for their high levels of calories from processed sugars and fats. They have very little fiber or even protein, vitamin and mineral content. They can be very addictive, as they can produce very powerful cravings that may make it difficult for you to let go of, even if you know about the dangers that they pose to your health. Some junk foods include fast foods like fish and chips, fried chicken, pizza, noodles, and pasta or snacks and desserts like donuts, sweets, ice cream, and so on.
With the high calories in junk foods, your health is at stake, as it may increase your risk of obesity, belly fat and heart disease. You can actually reduce your intake of junk foods if you are addicted. It’s all about training your brain to what you want it to crave. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Alter your routine
Sometimes, all you need is a little change in how you run your everyday life. If you have a routine, like going to the ice-cream spot during lunch breaks, you may have to change it. Instead, choose to walk around the block for about 5 to 10 minutes or have a chit-chat with some other friends just to get over the cravings. If you continue to do this, you will realize that going to get ice-cream (or any other junk food) compulsively doesn’t apply to you anymore.
2. The 5-ingredient rule
This rule is simply to avoid anything that has more than 5 ingredients, and it has really helped a lot of people to get over certain food addictions. Although some junk foods actually have less than 5 ingredients, like potato chips (made with potatoes and oil) or ice-cream with only 3 to four ingredients, using this rule will help you greatly. It may not help you cut down the addictions completely, but you’ll be conscious of how you purchase things and how you eat. Check the labels of the food you are about to buy, and refuse to buy it if it has more than 5 ingredients, at least till you are over the compulsion of taking junk foods and you can consider it as a treat (something you only eat once in a while).
3. Know your trigger foods
Knowing your challenge is a great step to pulling through it. Know which foods will get you all excited, that when you see them, your cravings begin to increase. If you know that you have a sweet tooth for chocolate or those sweet cakes, try to keep them away from your fridge and even your entire house. Do what you can to avoid them at all costs.
Regular consumption of junk foods is not healthy for you, so it is important that your reduce your intake to maintain a healthy life.
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