Craving junk food all the time? Here's why you fall prey to binge-eating and how to avoid it

-By Arya Vaishnavi

How do I stop eating junk food? Here's how to stop binge-eating before it starts

Our choice of food shapes us in more ways than we can possibly imagine. What we consume not only affects us physically but also mentally and spiritually. A balanced diet is the key to good health - this is something we all know. Since we were children, we have been told the importance of eating home-cooked and nutritious meals. But one must admit it was easier to follow a healthy diet back then, as our parents kept a check on what we ate.

As we grow up, we come across a plethora of recipes, from international cuisines to fast food; our taste buds have come a long way. Although there is no harm in trying new things, junk food takes a toll on our health when we form a habit of eating out or resorting to heavily processed packaged meals. Eating clean is one of the simplest ways to keep both our physical and mental health in check. Admittedly, it is easier said than done. But, there's a hack to it - quite simple, actually.

What is this hack? Listen to your body. Cravings can be caused by various reasons. They can be due to hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, or it can be someone else's desire which influenced your mind in a subtle way, making you think that it was you who wanted to eat a certain thing, when in reality, the craving was never yours. The latter most reason is hidden from the masses but not from spiritual seekers, who have learned the art of being subtle through sincere meditation practices.

Coming back to the above-mentioned hack, listening to one's body comes naturally. You just have to listen to your heart and not your mind. Your heart knows what is right and wrong for you. To lead a healthy life, one does not have to follow an extremely strict diet or stop eating certain food items altogether. The leading cause for binge-eating is following an overly restrictive diet, like cutting sugar or carbs completely. Such diets are not sustainable long-term.

In a rush to drop pounds, many people stop eating carbs completely or go on a dangerous calorie-deficient diet. Nothing in life is meant to be quick and easy. Always think long-term, sustainable, and holistic. When it comes to food, you should eat whatever you like in moderation. Be mindful of what you are putting in your mouth. As someone who has been into sports and fitness since childhood, here are my tips on how to avoid the lure of junk food and binge eating from a spiritual perspective:

• Don't cut out a certain group of food completely.

• Be mindful of what you put in your mouth. Eat your food consciously.

• Avoid screentime while eating. Food is sacred; eat it with awareness.

• Listen to your body and heart. Don't let your mind come into play.

• Allow yourself to eat what you like in moderation.

• Stay away from heavily processed packaged food.

• Try to eat home-cooked food as much as possible.

• Do not snack in between meals.

• Most importantly, stay physically active - work out regularly.