RETH BLOG #2
How to Transform Your Environment from Obesogenic to Leogenic
You may not be able to change the external food landscape, but you can control your core environment. By prioritizing foods that keep you satisfied and designing a space that supports healthy eating, you can make decisions that help you thrive. In a world full of obesogenic influences, creating a leogenic environment can be your most powerful tool.
You can’t exactly tell the food industry to stop making processed, calorie-dense foods. But there’s something you can control—your immediate environment.
You’ve probably heard the term "obesogenic" environment" thrown around quite a bit. Essentially, it means we live in surroundings that encourage us to eat foods that are high in energy density—those that are loaded with calories but often low in essential nutrition. And it's not surprising. We are hardwired to seek out foods that give us pleasure, require minimal effort to obtain, and don’t cause discomfort. It’s human nature.
So, what can we do? You can’t exactly tell the food industry to stop making processed, calorie-dense foods. But there’s something you can control—your immediate environment. You can create a leogenic environment, one that supports healthier habits and helps you manage your weight.
Here's how to make that shift.....
So, what can we do? You can’t exactly tell the food industry to stop making processed, calorie-dense foods. But there’s something you can control—your immediate environment. You can create a leogenic environment, one that supports healthier habits and helps you manage your weight.
Here's how to make that shift.....
...from Obesogenic to Leogenic
- Focus on Satiety-Boosting FoodsTrying to resist calorie-dense foods when you're hungry is a losing battle. Instead, fill your environment with foods that keep you full longer—think whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. These foods not only provide essential nutrients but also curb your hunger, reducing the urge to reach for high-calorie snacks.
- Reduce Temptation with Mindful ChoicesWhen you eat foods that satisfy your hunger, you're more likely to use your logical brain to make better decisions about what you consume. It’s hard to say no to junk food when you're starving, but by staying full, you give yourself a chance to choose more wisely and avoid impulsive eating.
- Create an Easy-to-Access Healthy Food ZoneArrange your kitchen, workspace, or any area where you snack with easily accessible, healthy options. Store fruits,
veggies, and whole foods where they are visible and convenient. If healthy foods are the first things you see, you’re more likely to grab them when you feel a pang of
hunger. - Out of Sight, Out of MindLimit your exposure to tempting, unhealthy foods by keeping them out of sight. It’s simple but effective—if junk food is harder to reach or even absent from your home, you’ll be less likely to give in to cravings.
By taking these small, intentional steps, you can transform your environment from one that promotes unhealthy habits to one that naturally encourages healthier choices. Remember, the power lies in making your surroundings work for you rather than against you. When your environment supports your goals, every decision becomes a little easier, paving the way for a lifestyle that’s not just sustainable but genuinely rewarding. Start today—one choice, one change at a time—and watch as your space becomes a catalyst for your well-being.
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