Tag: Diet and psychology

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity are leading global risks to health. It may seem simple to choose nutritious foods, but the reality is far more complex, begging the question: why is it hard for people to eat healthy? The answer involves a multi-faceted combination of biology, psychology, economics, and society.

Research suggests that developing new habits, including eating patterns, can take an average of 66 days, though this can vary widely between individuals. So, how long does it take to adjust to healthy eating? This is a gradual process involving physical and mental changes, not an overnight switch, and understanding the different phases can help you succeed.

In a 2024 study, researchers found that the brain's reward centers are heavily activated by high-fat foods, helping to explain why you may only crave fried food when stressed. This powerful biological response, combined with psychological factors, creates a potent and difficult-to-break craving cycle.

According to a 2023 Cleveland Clinic survey, nearly half of Americans cited the high cost of healthy food as a major barrier to a heart-healthy diet. Understanding **what are the three main barriers to eating healthy**—expense, time, and taste—is the first step toward developing effective strategies for long-term nutritional success.