The Mindset You Need to Stop Overeating

Aim small for big success. Setting one simple, specific goal is the best way to cut your bad habits, finds new Dutch research.

While trying to curb unhealthy snacking, people who stuck to a single resolution lowered their caloric intake by 42 percent. But when the same people tried to implement three diet objectives, their calorie consumption shot back up to normal.

The more goals you have, the less important each one seems and the more likely you are to ignore them, says study coauthor Aukje Verhoeven, of Utrecht University. That falls in line with past research that shows a single money-saving rule helps you stash away more cash than attempting multiple savings tactics.

Whether you’re trying to quit overeating or smoking, think about the one time when you’re most likely to engage in your bad behavior—say, while you watch TV at night. Now come up with a single "if-then goal," as the dieters did in the study. For example, “If I feel hungry while watching TV, I’ll eat an apple.” You’ll be snacking less in no time, the study finds.

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