Why do people make unhealthy food and drink choices?
By Susan Milner*

I believe there are three main reasons why people make food and drink choices that are unhealthy for them:

1. Lack of education,
2. Lack of self control, and
3. Lack of long term goals.

Lack of education
People tend to repeat bad habits; they eat too much junk food and fast food. They see bad habits modeled within their family and repeat those same habits. Also people on a limited income may think they cannot afford good food but with the proper education, they probably could. In the long term making bad food choices creates serious health problems.

Lack of self-control
Lack of self-control affects most of us. We learn to self-medicate through the use of excessive food and drink, rather than feeling the feelings. When we are feeling anxious, fearful, bored, frustrated, depressed, angry, or even happy we eat. Consider that the average American puts on more than ten pounds during the holiday season. Most people do not know how to cope with their feelings in general; they stuff and numb rather and process their feelings in a more productive way like journaling, exercising, praying, or speaking with a friend.

Lack of long-term goals
The third reason involves delaying immediate gratification for the sake of achieving beneficial long-term results – as in better health, greater energy, and a more attractive physical appearance. The solution involves viewing the goal as a top priority, instead of seeking the short term fix.

Why do you think people make unhealthy food and drink choices? Please leave your comment below.

*Susan Milner is a retired Registered Nurse living in Charlotte, NC, and is the mother of two children, James and Alexandra. She is planning to work in a Mexican orphanage in late January.

Filed under: Appetite control, Overweight