Top 5 culprits derailing your diet
How would you describe your relationship to food? Are you controlled and strong-willed? Or do you give in to the first temptation that presents itself?
Since we’re all so different when it comes to food and cravings, it makes sense to understand what’s going on in our brains before we get too caught up in what we’re putting in our mouths.
That’s where the CSIRO’s new “Diet Type” quiz comes in.
“For anyone who has found eating to lose weight difficult, your personal Diet Type, daily habits and lifestyle factors could provide the answer to why some weight loss methods haven’t worked for you in the past,” CSIRO Behavioural Scientist Dr Sinead Golley said.
“If you’re frustrated by unsuccessful weight loss attempts, having a better understanding of your personal triggers and diet patterns can be the crucial piece of the puzzle.”
Essentially, CSIRO researchers looked at five of the most common diet personality types among Australians in the hope that we can develop a healthier relationship with food.
There’s the Foodie (generally healthier, loves trying new foods), the Craver (more prone to obesity, struggles to resist temptation), the Freewheeler (also prone to obesity thanks to their spontaneous, impulsive eating habits), the Socialiser (more common in older people, food and alcohol are a big part of their social life) and the Thinker (the most common type, especially among women, who over-analyse their progress and set unrealistic goals).
Each “type” has their own strengths and downfalls, however. “One in five Cravers have tried to lose weight more than 25 times and they say that chocolate and confectionery are the biggest problem foods to resist,” explains Dr Golley.
“On the other hand, people with the most common diet personality type – known as the ‘Thinker’ – tend to have high expectations and tend to be perfectionists, giving up when things get challenging.”
There were also differences between the generations. “Baby boomers and the older, silent generation (aged 71 years and over) were more likely to be Socialisers and Foodies – suggesting lifestyle and social connections influence a person’s eating patterns at different stages of life – while millennials and Gen X were more likely to be Cravers, Thinkers and Freewheelers.
“We also found younger people commonly used fitness trackers and apps to lose weight, while older generations turned to diet books and support groups.”
Give it a try for yourself here and tell us in the comments below, how accurately did it describe you?