Let's start off by saying that we aren't suggesting that you cut out junk food all together. As our tagline says 'It's all about balance'. So that is what we are proposing today, how you can balance your intake of foods that don't fit the 5 food groups.
- Adopt a 80/20 rule: The goal of a 80/20 rule is to aim to eat foods from the five food groups 80 per cent of the time and allow for sometimes foods, junk foods or treats – 20 per cent of the time
- Plan ahead: Planning our meals ahead of time helps to avoid picking up takeaways or reaching for extras that we don't need
- Choose substitutes: Sometimes we can satisfy our cravings by opting for a similar texture food or having a healthier alternative. For example if you are after some crunch, rather than opting for crisps why not go for popcorn. Similarly if we are craving something sweet what about a low sugar hot chocolate.
- Eat mindfully: It doesn't have to be an all or nothing approach when it comes to including the occasional treat. Practicing mindfulness and portion moderation is a great approach.
- Eat foods that fill you up for longer: Often cravings come when we start to get a bit peckish. To help avoid this aim to eat enough protein and non starch vegetables as part of your day.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal changes that impair appetite control. When we are overly hungry it makes control that much harder
Most of all remember that there is nothing wrong with indulging in the occasional treat. The key is to keep it moderated
