Tips for maintaining healthy eating habits

By | February 8, 2017

In 2015, the ADA conducted a Member Health and Wellness Survey that polled 2,122 dentists, spouses, and family members, according to the ADA Center for Professional Success. The survey revealed that 9.7 percent had been diagnosed with an eating disorder. Two percent were diagnosed with Bulimia, 5.2 percent were diagnosed with compulsive overeating, and 2.5 percent were diagnosed with anorexia.

scaleEating disorders affect a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. It is estimated that 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a significant eating disorder in their lifetime. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010, almost 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. How you handle stress and eating habits can have an impact on healthy living, especially on healthy weight management.

The ADA has tips for developing and maintaining healthy eating habits.

Tips include:

  • Healthy eating starts at home with a balanced breakfast. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends eating breakfast consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.
  • Pack a lunch and be prepared to eat healthier and save money by avoiding fast food restaurants.
  • If you must eat out, do some research in advance and locate a restaurant that offers healthy meal options.
  • A healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack is a good thing.
  • Avoid mindless eating while at your desk or in between patients.
  • Remember portion control.
  • Read your food labels – nutrition labels are the key to making smarter and healthier food choices.

You can also download a resource sheet that discusses various eating disorders and symptoms along with information for seeking assistance.

When you begin to notice that eating habits are affecting your life, your happiness, and your ability to concentrate, it’s important that you talk to somebody about what you’re going through.

The ADA’s Health and Wellness Program can connect you with the right professionals to get you on the road to recovery. Please contact Alison Bramhall at bramhalla@ada.org or 1-312-440-2622 or review the National Eating Disorders Association searchable Treatment Provider Database to find treatment options in your area.

24 thoughts on “Tips for maintaining healthy eating habits

  1. Pingback: Health Tips For Seniors Eating | Try new and inovative ideas for Healthy Heart

  2. Pingback: The Center For Eating Disorders Management | How Do You Treat Anorexia Disease

  3. Allen Gotora

    These tips shared can work wonder, if serious & dedicated approach is taken. Though after every meal, proper attention needs to be taken to keep the mouth order clean too.

    Reply
  4. Tyler Meredith

    I’ve been wanting to start having the kids eat a little healthier because their teeth are really taking a toll. It’s interesting that simply lacking a healthy lunch could help them eat better. It’s something we’ll have to try out because packing a salad sandwich could be better than having them eat chips and soda or whatever they get at the vending machines.

    Reply
  5. Elisa Fritz

    Great article and very well explained. I believe in professionals so this is a very useful article for everyone. Many thanks for your share.

    Reply
  6. Lisa Debora

    It must tell you that I am a night person.That’s why I slept in half of the day.So I can’t take my breakfast regularly.Is there any solution to fit my health without taking breakfast?

    Reply
  7. Steele Honda

    My mother has always said that healthy eating starts at home with a balanced breakfast just as the author of this article states. I realize that because of this speedy lifestyle, I have a very imbalanced diet which is the cause of multiple stomachaches. I promise to start following all of these healthy eating tips from now on!

    Reply
  8. Ann

    Thanks for sharing this article.
    I really believe these are simple tips I can put to use.
    Cheers

    Reply
  9. Tejaswini D

    Yea ,You should never skip your breakfast and lunch. You need to know much your body needs and depending upon that you should eat. This article will definitely going to help us . Thanks for sharing this article.

    Reply
  10. Swati

    Healthy lifestyle and healthy foods to eat are the two major pillars we need to build. Thanks for sharing this post with us. I appreciate your work.

    Reply
  11. Elizabeth

    Great article and very important tips about eating healthy and creating a healthy lifestyle.
    Many people could benefit from this information.

    Reply
  12. Mark Murphy

    I really like your tip of trying to eat a balanced breakfast of grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables to get you the most nutrients! I have a very bad habit of skipping breakfast when I am in a rush to get to work! After reading your article, I will be sure to slow down and eat a healthy breakfast every morning!

    Reply
  13. WeRIndia

    A problem that most people share is eating a very small breakfast or not having it at all. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Thanks for sharing this article with us.

    Reply
  14. Tim Yaotome

    I find it truly concerning that 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a significant eating disorder. If one of my relatives were to have symptoms of an eating disorder, I will be sure to find a service that can help him or her recover. Not only will this assure that they can eat properly again but also strengthen the bonds within the family as well.

    Reply
  15. Mark Murphy

    I really appreciate your tip to have a healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. My wife and I have been thinking of getting in shape so we can be more confident in our jobs. I will be sure to tell my wife that eating healthy snacks twice a day will be good for us!

    Reply
  16. Holly Johnson

    I have read your all tips and after reading i realized we should need to change daily life. I try to avoid fast-food restaurants.

    Reply
  17. Bob

    I like what you said about packing your lunch and avoiding excessive fasting. My daughter thinks she weighs 250 pounds, but she actually weighs 82 lbs. Should we be checking her into an anorexia facility?

    Reply

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