Junk food is not healthy food and it is all around us. So, giving up on these food items requires more than just having patience and self-control. In fact, majority of people feel that there is no way that they can stop themselves from consuming fast food. However, with few simple strategies, one can help reduce the consumption of fast food, and following these techniques 'religiously' may yield some permanent results in the long run. If you wish to stop yourself from eating junk food, you need to educate yourself about the negative impact it has on one's health. Tips to Stay Away from Fast Food Keep a reminder in your calendar about shopping every week for groceries. It is better if you can make a list of all the healthy food items that you have bought, or are planning to buy for the coming days. This will help you to keep a track on the availability of food items in the house, and keep you from running out of food at the end of the week. This way, you wouldn't be tempted into buying junk food. Working people can opt for foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are high-fiber foods that provide an even energy level to the body, and at the same time help you feel fuller for a longer time. So, there would be no need of 'munching' between meals. Some examples of food items that are rich sources of complex carbohydrates are

• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Buckwheat bread
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cauliflower
• Greens
• Lettuce
• Muesli
• Oat bran bread
• Oat bran cereal
• Oatmeal
• Spinach
• Turnip
• Water cress
• Whole barley buckwheat
• Zucchini

When you think that you will be out for longer hours, it would be a good idea to carry some healthy snacks to fight off that hunger. Banana popsicles, granola bar, flavored popcorn, veggies and dip, yogurt parfait, baked potato fries, fruit salads, etc., are healthy snacks to ease those sudden pangs of hunger. This habit is especially beneficial for small kids, as they do not really know the difference between healthy and unhealthy. Nowadays, all health-conscious people are turning to a habit of having smaller, frequent meals. This is a good habit as it keeps the body active and makes one feel more satisfied. Food cravings can be reduced by sticking to about 5 - 6 smaller meals each day to refrain from snacking between meals. However, one should not 'at all' avoid taking breakfast, as it is the most important of all the meals of the day. Along with educating yourself, it is equally important that you also make your friends aware of the benefits of giving up fast foods, and importance of following a healthy diet. Most often it happens that due to peer pressure, people fall for such habits. So, try to avoid joining any 'fast food party' and the like, and stay away from any such tempting offers. You can stay away from unhealthy food, if you take a firm decision. The aforementioned tips are only a means to strengthen your decision with time. Know that junk foods are not formulated for good health. So if you can fight the urge of eating such unhealthy food for the first few days, you can be sure of following this practice for the rest of your life.