Category: Behavior change

Research has shown that radical, restrictive diets are prone to failure, with a 2005 review showing that maintaining changes is a significant challenge. Fortunately, by following the 6 behavioral steps to change with regard to nutrition, you can build a sustainable approach to healthy eating based on proven psychological principles.

According to a study on nutrition professionals, nearly 79% reported that personalized guidance and education were the most effective strategies for promoting healthy eating and behavioral change. This guide delves into actionable, psychological-based methods on how to encourage clients to make good food choices by moving beyond simple meal plans and focusing on intrinsic motivation and lasting habits.

According to a 2008 Kaiser Center for Health Research study, dieters who kept a food journal for six months lost twice as much weight as those who didn't. The initial and primary purpose of having the client start a food journal, however, is much more foundational: to gain self-awareness and accurately assess current eating habits. This provides both the client and the health professional with a clear, honest snapshot of their dietary patterns.

According to researchers, it can take an average of 66 days for a new habit to become automatic, though individual experiences vary significantly. Understanding this timeline is crucial to managing expectations and staying motivated, especially when wondering **how long does it take to notice a change in eating habits?**