How to ditch the biscuit
If you’ve been used to eating a high carb diet, then making the switch to low carb may mean having to break some old eating habits. For example, some people may have been used to having a hot drink with a biscuit, ordering a takeaway instead of cooking or snacking in front of the TV.
It can be easy to become comfortable in our ways and these habits may seem hard to break, but actually it might be easier than you think. Here are some examples of eating habits and some tips to help you tackle them.
Snacking at your desk at work
If you’re someone who’s used to grazing while sat at your desk at work, the first step to tackle this could be to think of why you snack. If you’re feeling bored or in need of a break, consider standing up and having a walk or making a hot drink instead. Removing any snacks from your drawer can also help reduce temptation.
Eating a biscuit with a hot drink
A biscuit with a cup of tea or coffee may have been a common afternoon snack or way to relax, so enjoying a hot drink without a biscuit might feel a bit strange to start with. You could consider swapping the biscuit for a lower carb snack such as nuts or seeds if you’re hungry or alternatively adding some double cream to your hot drink. Finding ways to distract yourself can also be helpful, such as reading a newspaper or magazine. The more you practice, the easier it will become to break the association.
Eating in front of the TV
Do you ever find yourself finishing your food without even realising it? Eating in front of the TV can lead to what’s known as ‘mindless eating’ – eating without awareness. A better alternative might be sitting to eat at a table and using the time to catch up with friends or family. If you’re used to relaxing in the evening watching TV with a snack, you could choose to have a glass of water or a hot drink instead to keep your hands busy. Cravings usually don’t last for much longer than a few minutes, so you might find if you distract yourself they disappear fairly quickly!
Ordering takeaways
It’s the end of a busy day, you’ve arrived home late and you’re thinking that you’d rather order a takeaway than cook, we’ve all been there. Making sure you have some low carb staples on hand can help to prevent this. The Low Carb Program's recipes section can give you some quick and easy meal ideas which take hardly any time at all. It also includes some delicious recipes to make your own Friday-night fakeaway to satisfy your cravings, such as blue cheese buffalo wings and lamb jalfrezi with cauliflower rice.
Finishing everything on your plate
While not necessarily a bad habit if you’re hungry, if you find that you’re regularly finishing everything on your plate even when you’re full, this may be a sign that something needs to change. Many of us may have grown up with the thought of not wanting to waste food, but it needn’t go to waste. You could consider serving yourself a smaller portion then saving the rest as leftovers to enjoy the next day. Paying attention to your cues of fullness is a good step for helping you achieve your weight loss goals.
Using food as a reward
Food can often be used as a reward for achieving a health goal or getting through a busy week. However, finding alternatives can put you in a better position to achieve your health goals and avoids the risk of undoing all your hard work. Some of us might treat ourselves to food because it makes us feel good, so you could consider thinking of other alternatives which have the same effect, for example a new outfit or book.
Sign up to the Low Carb Program today! We have weekly meet ups, check-ins, goal setting and live events to keep you on track and working towards your goals.
