Often enough, life can seem to resemble a constant struggle with the relationships we form with our vices. Whether we enjoy eating, lazing around, smoking or drinking, each and every one of us has a certain number of guilty pleasures that we indulge in from time to time. Some of them are enjoyed a little more regularly than others… For this reason, people are often looking for ways to better themselves by keeping their bad eating habits in check. If you know exactly what we’re talking about, then these tips from nutrition courses in South Africa are guaranteed to help you turn those bad eating habits around and make them work for you.
Find out what’s triggering your eating habits
Each one of your habits is the result of a certain trigger. A cup of coffee might be the best time to enjoy a cigarette. Chocolate cake fixes a bad day. There’s nothing quite like a beer to wind down after a long day at work. These are but a few examples of things that could be triggering your vices. Identifying these trigger situations can be a little difficult (especially in those deeply entrenched habits). However, there is no way around these if you don’t know what is causing the urge to partake in these.
Find something healthy to replace it with
If you’re drinking too much coffee, try drinking more water instead. If you’re a smoker, replace a few of your cigarettes with cinnamon sticks or breathing exercises. Kick the urge to lie around all day by taking a walk or a jog. If you tend to sleep in too often then move your alarm and be sure to turn lights on in the morning. The point is that there is always a way to counteract your bad habits with good ones, although you may need to be a little creative from time to time!
Focus on consistency
Breaking bad habits requires you to unlearn them. This takes time, discipline and dedication. Especially in the beginning few months, it is essential to be consistent with replacing and avoiding your bad eating habits if you truly want them gone. There is more to it than just working out cravings. For those long-standing habits, you will actually be working against your brain’s wiring, which will cause some serious cognitive dissonance in severe cases. Cognitive dissonance, says Kendra Cherry – author of Everything Psychology – is:
“The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the feelings of discomfort that result from holding two conflicting beliefs. When there is an inconsistency between beliefs and behaviors, something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance.
“According to this theory, people experience tension or discomfort when their beliefs or attitudes do not match their behaviors. People tend to seek consistency in their beliefs and perceptions. When there is a discrepancy between beliefs or behaviors, something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance.”
But stick with it and be strong, and you’ll make it to the change.
Focus on the light at the end of the tunnel
Your vices, whatever form they come in, will have you craving after them. This especially during those times where you are used to engaging in bad eating habits. The cravings come fast, strong and frequently. You need to outlast them. Stay positive and strong, and wait for each craving to pass. It also helps to know that the day will come when they will not be as prominently on your mind as they are now.
Find out more about nutrition courses at Trifocus Fitness Academy
For more information, advice, news and blogs that can benefit you, your lifestyle and health, or for more information on enrolling in fitness and nutrition courses in South Africa, be sure to visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today.
