Why do I have a hard time controlling my consumption of unhealthy foods?

While many experts believe that moderation is key and it's okay to indulge occasionally, many Americans struggle with consistently making healthy choices, despite their desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Why do people continuously eat foods that they know are bad for them?

Two medical doctors were interviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital about the factors behind unhealthy behavior and how individuals can shift their perspective to make better decisions.

According to experts, the main reasons for this pattern are rooted in human nature.

Unfortunately, it is simply a result of human behavior, as stated by Jesus L. Lizarzaburu, M.D., a family physician at TPMG Grafton Family Medicine in Yorktown, Virginia, to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"People often find themselves drawn to pleasurable things, despite the fact that many of these pleasures can be detrimental to their health."

Poor food choices can result from a cycle of convenience and comfort.

"Lizarzaburu stated that comfort foods bring us joy at a primal level, which is why they are called such."

Lizarzaburu tries to understand his patients' dietary preferences and behavior when discussing their food choices and portion sizes.

"Decreasing the serving size could be a common denominator that helps everyone," he stated.

The doctor suggested that patients log their food intake as part of setting health goals.

Savoring foods can aid in regulating consumption, he emphasized.

"Lizarzaburu stated that we often forget to savor our food because we are so preoccupied with our schedules that we merely eat to fulfill our hunger. When we do take the time to appreciate our meals, we typically consume less of them."

How are food prices affecting unhealthy patterns?

Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., a family doctor with One Medical in Phoenix, Arizona, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the poor diet quality of many Americans is not an individual problem but a systemic issue.

She stated that healthier options are typically more expensive than processed foods.

"When we do enjoy a meal, we tend to eat less of it."

"Convenient for long-hour workers, families, and other time-constrained groups, they are also easily accessible."

Bhuyan cautioned that processed foods frequently contain high levels of sugar, starch, sodium, and unhealthy fats.

She stated that they also enhance the likelihood of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

How can people break the cycle?

Lizarzaburu frequently takes patients' emotions into account to aid them in improving their health.

He suggested that it is beneficial to appeal to emotions and aid patients in making a change for someone other than themselves, such as for a child, parent, or friend.

"A more potent motivator than my telling them it's beneficial is that."

Lizarzaburu advises patients to prioritize nutrition as they would other important areas, such as family, work, and finances.

Rather than dictating to patients, I prefer to engage in conversation as a family physician, she stated.

"We first determine the individual's motivation for change, then discuss practical modifications they can implement."

In many cases, simple changes can have a lasting impact.

For more Health articles, visit www.Planet Chronicle/health.

One way to improve your health is by making small changes to your daily routine, such as drinking more water, increasing your vegetable intake, or cooking at home instead of eating out.

Bhuyan emphasized that small and practical changes are crucial for achieving successful healthy changes.