When we try to clearly map out our journey to fitness, it’s easy to overlook certain habits that have become a part of our lifestyle.
Intensifying workouts and researching the latest diets may not be enough if we’re not aware of our eating style. Yes, there is such a thing. And it greatly affects your ability to get back in shape.
Each person has a different eating style.
Behavioral health specialist, Brad Lamm, shared the secret to successful weight loss to TODAY.
It begins with an accurate understanding (and acceptance) of your personal eating habits. From this knowledge, you can come up with a more sustainable plan to get back in shape.
The important thing to remember about weight loss is that it’s not only dependent upon what we eat but why we eat. A change in long-term behavior is essential because a successful fitness plan needs consistency.
Here are six different styles of eating. (Remember that you may be able to relate to more then one of these):
1. Habitual eater
This type of eater will constantly justify their indulgence. “Just this once” quickly becomes a part of their vocabulary.
Avoid this trap by keeping a food journal. This helps you keep track of your meals and hold yourself accountable for slacking off on your commitment to eat healthier.
It may seem tedious (and embarrassing) but—for sure—you’ll thank yourself later.
Find out about more eating styles on the next page
2. Emotional eater
Emotional eaters link food with how they’re feeling, whether it’s good or bad. They celebrate with food and find comfort in it when they’re sad.
Food becomes a coping mechanism even if, in reality, food really does nothing to solve your problems—-even if it does feel good to indulge after a particularly awful day.
How can you correct this habit? Brad Lamm suggests to list some “non-food” ways to celebrate: how about calling up a friend for a nice chat or getting a manicure? These will take your mind off the need to treat yourself with treats.
photo: Pixabay
3. External eater
This eating style is more circumstantial. Indulgence is determined by external cues: birthday cake at the office, catchy fast food ads, and pushy people who just keep shoving food in your face.
To combat this, you must learn to stop yourself and be more critical. “Do I really need to eat this?” The answer will—should—-almost always be “No”.
Find out about more eating styles on the next page
4. Critical eater
This type of eater knows their stuff. They have knowledge about health and nutrition but they’re also extreme in their food choices.
They’re the ones who could be eating a garden salad for lunch one day and then be chowing down on an entire platter of lasagna the next.
If you’re a critical eater, Brad Lamm suggests not to put too much pressure on yourself. Formulate “food rules” from a realistic perspective. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself when you slip up.
photo: Shutterstock
5. Sensual eater
Sensual eaters absolutely love food; they appreciate and relish every culinary experience. They’re adventurous and always seeking to experience new flavors and cuisine.
Though having a healthy passion for food is good, this type of eater may overlook the importance of portions. Remember to stick to the “three fork-fuls” rule.
6. Energy eater
You’re an energy eater if you “treat” hunger by upping your consumption of carbs. This may be unfavorable to weight loss because you could be consuming more calories than you intend to.
Energy eaters are super active and busy; they also tend to overlook the amount of calories they need to power through their day because they’re always on the lookout for a “quick fix”.
Though energy eaters favor healthy snacks, they may consume too much.
Having too much carbs can make you even hungrier. So lesser portions of this plus more protein can ward off hunger pangs, keeping you satiated longer.
So, what type of eater are you?
Like any lifestyle change, we need to give ourselves time. Easing into new patterns may not be easy but the first step is to know where to start and taking both discipline and consistency to ensure success in your fitness journey.
READ: How a stressful marriage affects your eating habits, according to science
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