Self-control over eating habits

 ‘How do I lose weight?’ is a common question. There are many fitness centers and websites which focus mainly on workouts and what to eat. However there is a more important aspect of weight control process which is ‘self-control of eating habits’. Self-control is not an easy task to be achieved overnight. It requires ‘regular practice’ over several weeks to months to improve self-control.

First of all, self-awareness should be developed. This can be enhanced by increasing knowledge of potential side effects of overweight body status. Almost all diseases are exacerbated by poor weight control. Overweight body is the most important risk factor for bad health nowadays. This can lead to significant burden of medical costs which is one of the important reasons for stress and instability at home. Changing habits is a mind game. At least half an hour should be spent daily reading about fitness and diseases related to poor weight control (hormonal diseases like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, bone and joint diseases, heart diseases and cancers).This will significantly improve self-awareness and self-control. In this context self-control clearly means control over what and how much we eat daily.

In addition, a clear goal or objective should be set. For example, a target weight which corresponds to a healthy BMI (25 is minimum and a desirable BMI of 22 to 20) can be a good objective which is measurable. Objectives should be measurable in order to monitor and evaluate the progress.

Other important factor is motivation. We know health is wealth. If we lose health everything is lost. Therefore, our fitness and weight control goals can complement our main goal in life. If this is kept in mind, we are always motivated to remain fit.