|
|
 Quick Steps for a Regular Eating Routine
 Printer
Friendly
12 Reasons to Develop a Regular Eating Routine
- Food is everywhere: From the gas station to the mall, from the candy dish at work to the chips at home. Without a regular eating routine, it can be hard to resist temptation.
- Grazing can lead to overeating: Without an eating routine, it's easy to graze on whatever food you find. Many people keep picking at food – without ever feeling satisfied.
- Skipping meals can lead to overeating: Trying to eat less by skipping breakfast or lunch often backfires – and you end up eating more calories in snacks and dinner.
- Getting over-hungry can lead to overeating: When you are really hungry, it is hard to make healthy choices. It's also hard to eat slowly and to stop when you are satisfied.
- Mindless eating can lead to overeating: It's also hard to make healthy choices and to stop eating – when you are doing other things, like driving, reading, and watching TV.
- Television can lead to overeating: TV advertisements and shows are full of food cues – specially designed to make you want to eat whether you are physically hungry or not.
- Routines help maintain a healthy weight: Establishing regular times and places to eat helps to prevent overeating – and helps you balance your eating with your activity level.
- Routines help build healthy habits: Develop a routine of cutting up fruit after dinner. You can enjoy some for a naturally sweet dessert and pack the rest for tomorrow's snacks.
- Routines help with planning and shopping: When you have a regular pattern of meals and snacks, it is easier to plan healthy choices – and easier to make shopping lists.
- Routines help save money : Buying food on impulse is usually more expensive. It's much cheaper to plan ahead – and to have healthy choices available when you want to eat.
- Children do better with a regular eating routine: A regular pattern of meals and snacks helps children maintain the ability to eat when hungry and stop when satisfied.
- Different patterns work better for different people: Some people feel better with three meals and a snack; others prefer five smaller meals. Choose the best pattern for you!
Adapted from "Eatright Montana", Montana Dietetic Association
|
