5 Bad Eating Habits to Break

When life gets busy, it's easy to lose focus on nourishing your body. Try the tips below to optimize your nutrition.

1. Try mindful eating.

If you eat while watching TV or using an electronic device, you may not be paying attention to how much you are eating.

Instead, practice mindful eating. Turn off distractions, eat slowly and savor every bite.

2. Find alternatives to high sugar foods.

Enjoy fresh or dried fruit. Use honey as sweetener. Peanut butter or yogurt may satisfy your sweet tooth.

3. Maintain a regular meal pattern.

Experiment with alternatives to eating between meals (puzzles, cards, needlework, computer games, etc.). If a snack is needed, choose fruits, vegetables or lean proteins such as tuna fish. To make it easier to make this choice, stock your home with a variety of ready-to-eat vegetables and fruits.

4. Experiment with ways to address boredom — other than foods.

If you find yourself eating when you are experiencing an emotion besides hunger, such as boredom or anxiety, try to find a non-eating activity to do instead. Take a quick walk or call a friend.

5. Choose mindfully at restaurants.

Eating out can be a fun, social event or an opportunity to take a break from cooking at home. However, going out to eat often includes high calorie, processed, fatty fast food or restaurant meals.

Check out the restaurant's menu online to pick out your meal before you go. Look for menu items that include a large portion of vegetables or a large salad. Choose vegetarian entrées, fish or poultry that is not breaded.