Eat Right This Year!

For some people, the word "diet" equates to "not eating." But did you know that starving yourself is a bad habit that may not help you lose weight?

Irregular eating habits, such as skipping meals and overeating, often lead to diseases in both adults and children. Being aware of these habits can modify our otherwise sinful approach to food.

Here are bad eating habits you should be wary of and eliminate completely:

1. Binging. Some of the most delicious food also happen to be the most unhealthy, as they have too much sugar, salt, or trans fat. Binging on processed foods is probably the greatest cause of obesity.If you often feel hungry throughout the day, eat meals that consists of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts.

2. Not eating. Deprivation only causes your body to store every calorie you take. Starving yourself also often makes you binge later on.

3. Not knowing what you eat. You don't have to count calories every time you eat, but you should know if you're getting more than what you need.

4. Taking too much sugar. "Sugar raises blood sugar (glucose) levels, which triggers the body to produce insulin and change your metabolic rate. Caffeine is also known to raise insulin levels, which slow your body's fat-burning process. Opt for desserts high in fiber but low in fat instead, such as fresh fruits, frozen yogurt, and sugar-free treats.

5. Upsizing. Extra everything means more calories and trans fat. Control your urge to binge by asking for smaller portions or sharing entrées. When eating out, ask the chef what type of fat the restaurant uses and request for healthier unsaturated oils such as canola, olive, and corn oil to replace saturated ones.

6. Not drinking enough liquids. Poor hydration can lead to irregular waste excretion and dry or sallow skin, so you really need to drink eight glasses of water everyday. If you’re not used to doing so, you can take tea, skim milk, or fruit juice, too. Just avoid (sugary) soda and coffee, which can deplete your [supply] of wate.