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Whether or not you are able to meet your weight-loss goals, or maintain a healthy weight, depends largely on
your eating habits and attitude toward food. For each question in this quiz, note the answer that most often
depicts you. That will tell you what your eating style is. Then read our tips for getting—or staying—on the right
track.
Next steps
“Pay attention to taste, chewing and swallowing,” suggests dietitian Alexia Trail of Port Coquitlam, B.C. “And put the fork down between bites.”
Wear snug-fitting pants or a belt to the table; when they start to feel tight, you’ve had your fill.
Munch on a low-calorie snack, such as carrots, while watching TV. Or keep your hands occupied by painting your nails.
At restaurants, decide what to order before you arrive, suggests Calgary dietitian Stefanie Copple. Consider having part of your meal put into a takeout box before it
gets to the table.
From birth, food is a source of comfort. “Emotional eating is normal for many people but if you want to be healthy, you have to take some responsibility for overcoming it,”
says Michael Vallis, a health psychologist at Dalhousie University.
Next steps
Tune in to the emotions that make you overeat by writing down what you have through the day. Note your mood and location, suggests Copple. You can then thwart
the triggers. (Try our Best Health printable food journal templates to get started.)
Instead of a celebratory dinner, treat yourself to a massage.
Weight-loss plans that are too ambitious can lead to emotional overeating. Instead, opt for small changes, and build from there.
Next steps
Restricting refined carbs is wise; we do eat too many, says Trail. But carbs such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables are loaded with fibre, vitamins and minerals,
and are key for digestion and helping you feel full.
The higher fat content in low-carb diets may put dieters at risk for reduced blood flow through the arteries, which may increase heart attack risk, according to a study
at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Restricting carbs may lead to overeating at night because you’ve under-eaten all day, so you should shift more of your calorie
Best intake
Health to breakfast and lunch, Vallis
Magazine
suggests. “You expend the most calories during those hours.” © 2008.-.2009 Reader's Digest Magazines (Canada) Ltd.
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You’ve got a good attitude, choosing mostly nutritious foods and occasionally indulging without guilt. YouGuidelines
eat with awareness, enjoying food and listening to your body’s
hunger and fullness signals.
Next steps
Even healthy eaters may overindulge. Studies show adults have about 115 calories more per day from Friday to Sunday; this can mean an extra five to seven
pounds a year.
Exercise more on weekends, suggests Barry Popkin, director of the Obesity Center at the University of North Carolina, and watch beverages: “Those liquid calories
lead to weight gain.”
This article was originally titled "What's Driving Your Eating Habits?" in the March/April 2009 issue of Best Health Magazine. Subscribe today and never miss an issue!
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