Fast food has become a common staple in the diet of many people. The recent controversy over how unhealthy fast food is has led many individuals to start looking for effective ways to break their fast food habits and choose healthier meal options. Regardless of why you choose fast food, it is important to understand that you can break the habit. Following these tips can help you decrease your fast food consumption and may steer you towards a healthier way of eating.
1.Stock your pantry, refrigerator and freezer with healthy foods.
Always keep a stock of healthy items at home. This will allow you to cook nutritious meals without having to stop at the store on your way home.
2.Having a well-stocked home may help alleviate the stress around cooking or getting a meal on the table.
You’ll already be prepared with the basics of a meal. Pantry staples can include beans, canned vegetables with no salt added, canned fish, whole grains (like brown rice or whole wheat pasta) and nuts. Freezer staples can include frozen protein (like chicken or fish), frozen vegetables and fruit, frozen cooked whole grains (like brown rice or quinoa) and low-calorie frozen meals (for a night that cooking isn’t an option).
3.Prepare new recipes.
Whether you’re in a recipe rut or need some help coming up with healthy meals, trying new recipes is a great way to explore a variety of different healthy foods. Try one or two new recipes each week.
4.Need recipe ideas.
Try purchasing a healthy eating cookbook, looking up healthy eating blogs online or asking friends or family for new recipes to try.
5.Recreate your fast food favorites at home.
Burgers and fries or chicken nuggets are delicious – that’s why it’s hard to break a fast food habit. Try making your favorites at home with healthier cooking techniques. This will help you to “indulge” but with a much healthier option.
6.If you love fries, try baking them at home.
Sliced sweet potatoes also make a great french fry alternative. Plus they have a lot of vitamins and minerals! Bread chicken with crushed cornflakes or crackers and bake for a crunchy, low-calorie version of fried chicken or chicken nuggets.
7.Stop drinking soda.
For many individuals, this may prove to be the biggest challenge. Try to avoid all sodas. Even diet sodas should be minimized in your diet. Diet sodas may confuse your body into feeling hungry even when you don’t need to eat.
8.Write out the advantages of eliminating fast food.
Giving up fast food might not be easy. However, having a list of positive thoughts to review when a strong craving hits, can be a helpful resource to help you overcome the drive-through lane.
9.Take an hour (this could be part of your exercises in a journal) and write out a list of all the advantages of giving up fast food.
Positive thoughts could include weight loss, saving money, increased energy or better health. Keep a copy of your positive thoughts in your purse or wallet, car or at work. Refer to it whenever you have a desire for a fast food meal. As you continue to stay away from fast food, write about your progress and add the positive events you’ve noticed about your lifestyle, health, and diet. This will help expand that list.
10. Go to healthier restaurants.
Going out for lunch is a common workplace activity. You can take a break and enjoy 30 to 60 minutes away from your desk. If you and your coworkers typically stop by a fast food restaurant, suggest something healthier.
11. Research restaurants that are close to your workplace.
Check out their menus and see if these would be a better option for you and your colleagues. Let your coworkers know you’re trying to drop your fast food habit. You never know, they may want to join you! Letting people around you know about your goals allows them to support you, rather than be a bad influence. Agree to a lunch out just one time a week. If friends are unwilling to budge on lunchtime options, only go out once a week. This can help minimize your temptations.
Kam’s court, a chinese restaurant in Charmhaven, which was established in 1992. A friendly, family restaurant that has always been a good party place for family gatherings. We provide delicious and popular Chinese cuisine and are licensed. We invite you to come and enjoy our warm and friendly hospitality.
