This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
An easy change that brings massive results
I like junk food, so I keep it in the house, but that doesn’t mean I eat it all the time. Usually, I eat about 70–80% clean. The other 20–30% can be whatever, and what helps me do this is mainly keeping healthy foods in the house and keeping the junk food out of sight!
My friend aims to eat cleaner, lose weight, and live a healthier lifestyle. I was at their house the other day, and they had bought some Oreos (Note: I recommend you don’t have any treats or cheat meals while trying to lose weight; it usually just prolongs the time it takes you to reach your goals). After taking some out of the box, they returned for more throughout the day. Guess where the box was? It was on the countertop.
I suggested putting them up in the pantry, so they would be less tempted to eat them. When you keep junk food out in the open – highly visible and readily available – you are more likely to consume it.
Most people have a limited supply of self-discipline; at some point, you want to eat the marshmallow it’s been in your face for hours upon hours. We also tend to go for what’s accessible and available. It’s why most people go to in-state schools, date people in their vicinity, and eat at restaurants close to them – even if the options available aren’t what’s best for them or what they prefer.
We’re always strongest at first, but over time, our self-discipline wanes when distraction and temptation are constantly in our faces.
If you want to eliminate your junk food consumption, don’t bring it home altogether, and if you do, keep that junk food out of sight. Secondly, make it harder to access junk food. Put the food in harder-to-access places, so it takes tremendous effort to get to it. Trust me, this works quite well. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. You’re less likely to walk to the basement to get your favorite snacks while watching tv on the 3rd floor. You’re less likely to get a cookie if you put the cookies high up on the cabinet shelves that require a ladder.
When you want to eliminate bad habits, make them invisible, unattractive, unsatisfying, and hard. On the flip side, for good habits, such as eating healthy, make these habits visible, attractive, satisfying, and easy. This tip is directly from Atomic Habits by James Clear.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.