HOW YOU THINK IS HOW YOU EAT

Everyone has their own individual ideas about healthy eating. Our thoughts, feelings, and culture have a major impact on our eating styles and daily food choices. Survey results released by the American Dietetic Association divide healthy eating into three categories: "I'm already doing it," "Don't bother me," and "I know I should, but..."

The "I'm already doing it" group considers diet and nutrition very important and makes a real effort to maintain a healthy weight. People in this group generally read food labels, minimize the fat in their diet, and try to use fresh foods.

People in the "Don't bother me" group do not give much thought to eating healthy. They do not even try to make changes to improve their eating habits. Unfortunately, this group accounts for a large percentage of Americans.

People in the "I know I should, but...," group believe nutrition is important and feel they could do better. These people have difficulty making healthy eating a priority in their lives and may fall victim to weight cycling. In other words, they follow the latest fad diet and lose weight, only to regain it when they return to their usual eating habits. They tend to take the same approach to exercise.

Which group reflects your attitude about your eating habits? Do you want to establish healthier eating habits and perhaps lose a little weight? Seek out one of the many community resources available that can help you do this, such as classes, healthcare professionals, and support groups.

Remember, adopting a few simple healthy lifestyle habits can improve your health and change your quality of life.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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