Our relationship with food is deeply personal and often complicated. It’s not just about what we eat, but also why, when, and how. Changing our eating habits isn’t about strict diets or guilt. It’s about understanding our behaviours and gently adjusting them to support our health and wellbeing. 

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Behaviour: where change begins 

Every time we eat, something triggers us. Sometimes we know what it is, sometimes we don’t. 

  • Notice your eating triggers: Are you eating because you’re hungry, bored, stressed, or just because food is nearby? Try keeping a journal of what you eat and how you feel about food. 
  • Make snacking harder: Put snacks you tend to overeat out of sight or in harder-to-reach places. 
  • Plan ahead with “if-then” statements: For example, “If I want to snack after dinner, then I’ll have a cup of herbal tea instead.” 

Small, steady changes work better than big, sudden ones.

Habits: the hidden patterns 

Habits are actions we do without thinking. They save energy but can also get in the way of our goals. 

  • Link new habits to old ones: Want to eat more veggies? Add them to your morning smoothie. 
  • Stack habits: For example, “After I brush my teeth, I’ll prepare lunch for tomorrow.” 
  • Track your progress: Use a calendar or habit tracker to stay motivated and see your progress. 

Habit reminder is good.

Consistency: the key to success 

Consistency helps turn intentions into real change. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up regularly. 

  • Do it often, not perfectly: One healthy meal a day is better than a perfect diet once a week. 
  • Follow the “two-day rule”: If you skip a habit one day, don’t skip it the next. 
  • Celebrate small wins: Every time you make a healthy choice, you’re building trust in yourself. 

Psychology: what’s going on in your mind 

Eating is emotional. It’s connected to comfort, celebration, stress, and identity. 

  • Eat mindfully: Slow down and enjoy the taste, smell, and texture of your food. 
  • Rethink food labels: Instead of calling food “good” or “bad,” think of it as “more nourishing” or “less nourishing.” 
  • Be kind to yourself: Mistakes happen. Ask yourself, “What made me choose this, and what can I learn?” 

Being flexible in how you think helps you make better choices. 

 

 

 

Simple Tools You Can Use 

  • Pause for 5 minutes: When you feel like eating, stop and ask, “What am I feeling?” The craving might go away or show a deeper need. 
  • Use the plate method: Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with whole grains. 
  • Set up your space: Keep healthy foods easy to see and reach. Your environment affects your choices more than willpower does. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Changing how you eat isn’t about being perfect - it’s about making progress. Be curious, not critical. Every meal is a chance to match your actions with your values. If staying consistent is hard, start small. Choose one behaviour, one habit, or one mindset to focus on this week. And remember, change isn’t a straight path - it’s a spiral. You’ll revisit old habits, but each time with more awareness and strength. 

How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

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