Resist Eating Out to Curb Overeating and Be on Track While Dieting

Weight is always an issue. Most people seem to be unhappy with their current weight, and as such attempts at dieting or undergoing rigorous exercise routines are always on the top on their mind. After all, who doesn't want to look fit and fab? Being fit is not only important to look good, but also to lead a healthy life. More than dieting, because it has so many different meanings and there are so many different types to choose from, it is crucial to eat healthy and in adequate portions. Most often people associate dieting with starving or depriving themselves of their favourite foods. Health experts will tell you that it is not a good practise. You need your daily dose of essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to lead a healthy life. Moreover, more you deprive yourself, more you will be tempted to eat your favourite dishes when you go out to restaurants and parties.

Dieting is definitely not an easy task as it needs immense dedication and focus. According to a new study, if you want to maintain your weight then you should stop eating out. Restaurant meals may cause 60 per cent risk of overeating, found the researchers.

The findings have showed that the chance of diet lapse was about 60 per cent when eating with friends in a restaurant and almost half the time when they are alone. However, for those eating in their own or someone else's home, the temptations to overeat is lower. In addition, the odds of a diet lapse were lower in other locations, such as work (about 40 per cent) or in a car (about 30 per cent).

"Research into understanding and preventing weight regain is vital for improving the public health," said lead author Lora E. Burke, Professor at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US.

The study can guide experts in providing extra support to individuals who are overweight or obese and struggling to lose or keep off weight.

"Helping an individual anticipate challenges and problem-solve high-risk situations can empower them to stay on track with their weight loss/weight maintenance plan," Burke added.

The findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions in Oregon, US.

For the study, the team tracked 150 people (90 per cent women) for a period of 12-months using smartphones and a custom-developed application to capture data as dieters moved through everyday life. The participants were trying to limit calories to a specific number per day. In response to questions, the dieters reported their surroundings, what they were feeling and whether they were tempted to break their eating plans.

Inputs from IANS.