
Health
Unhealthy diets are Australia’s number one preventable risk factor contributing to disease.
We’re surrounded by information on taking care of ourselves, and we all know healthy eating is an important part of the equation. So why is it so hard to stick to a balanced diet and avoid junk food?
Food is more than just fuel for our body—it’s part of our social and emotional lives. Lifestyle, stress and convenience play a big part in making unhealthy choices, even when we know better.
There’s more to healthy eating than knowing what’s good for us. Junk food and unhealthy choices are available everywhere we go. In the supermarket, at the checkout (even if we avoid the lolly aisle), or at the servo when we pop in for petrol. It’s promoted everywhere we go.
Unhealthy choices are always there, and if you’re feeling vulnerable—particularly if you’re busy, stressed or tired—they’re ready to exploit you.
We eat for a lot of different reasons: when you’re hungry, on social or family occasions when you’re expected to indulge, or sometimes you may comfort eat to make yourself feel better.
Comfort eating (also called emotional eating), can be triggered by stress or anxiety, or can become a habit formed as a child. If comfort eating is part of your struggle with unhealthy foods, you can try:
Just as you can feel surrounded by junk food designed to destroy your willpower, myths about healthy food choices are everywhere too.
Even if you’re determined to eat healthily, being busy means you may end up eating out and looking for something convenient. Even with the best intentions, it can be tough to stay on the straight and narrow with takeaway options.
It’s tough to choose a healthy takeaway, because:
If you’re stuck in a cycle of unhealthy eating and choosing junk foods, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s tough to resist in unhealthy food environments specifically designed to encourage unhealthy choices.
There’s always time to turn your diet around and start making healthier choices. Every positive choice makes a big difference. Lose the guilt and move forward.