Diabetes has a closer association with food than perhaps any other disease. . © Image Source IS2 - Fotolia.com
From Frugivore:
There is this misconception that only overweight and “older” people are in danger of a stroke. I never really cared for healthy foods. I chalked them up to being bland and unfavorable. I wanted a double cheeseburger with fried onions and extra sharp cheddar cheese please. When my blood results returned, however, it placed me at high risk for congestive heart failure and a serious plaque buildup: my cholesterol was 255 to be exact. I am 27 and 120 lbs. I do not have any outward signs of unhealthy living at all. Still, my diet was silently killing me. Diets full of high doses of saturated fats and oils leave you susceptible to diseases originally thought to attack people headed towards retirement — generally 65 plus. In a very sobering article, ABC News tackled 7 Diseases that Strike Younger Than You Think. The list includes:
- Melanoma
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Breast Cancer
- Alzheimer’s
- Gout
5 out of the 7 diseases listed are preventable by a healthy diet, regular exercise, and UV ray protection. Most fall prey, however, to the thought process that dominated my line of thinking for years: I’m in my 20s — my metabolism and youth are on my side. Please bring on the 5 cheese stuff crust pizza with beef, peppers, and onions.
Healthy living is a lifestyle change that requires your full commitment. I’ve tried a plethora of diets and have had many relapses into less than desirable eating habits. Until I mapped out my own plan towards sticking to healthy living that doesn’t restrict but redirects my affinity for greasy, fatty but tasty foods.
1. Identify the source
I started to pay attention to when and why I craved comfort foods. They aren’t called “comfort foods” coincidentally. When our attraction to food spirals out of control it can quickly become an addiction that masks deeper rooted problems. As I kept a journal of my cravings, I realized it was usually stimulated by an emotionally charged experiences. Sometimes I ate out of stress – potato chips and ice cream simultaneously were staples. Sometimes, I ate out of habit – like before I went to sleep I felt I needed something sweet. Sometimes it was completely motivated by watching the Food Network. By identifying what causes you to crave certain unhealthy foods it will allow you to address the source of your bad eating habits.
Get more eating awareness tips on Frugivore.
