An old proverb says "old habits die hard". The dictionary meaning of the word habit is "A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition". Habits are formed right from the childhood. For example brushing our teeth, combing our hair, eating food. Robin Sharma in his best seller "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" says that it takes 21 days to form a habit. That means that we can change any habit or make new habits in just 21 days.

The habit which really needs attention is the habit of eating. More often than not it is seen that people have a habit of constantly munching something or the other. With the hectic lifestyle, these days people are constantly on the run and grab all sorts of junk food t satisfy their hunger and as result gain weight and empty calories. Earlier, the meal times used to consist of all family members sitting together and enjoying their repast. Meals used to be a balance of taste and nutrition, with a healthy combination of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Now, what matters is only the taste. This taste is responsible for making people obese and unhealthy.

What is the solution to today's obesity? It's quite simple.

• Eat your meals with your family. Stick to a meal timing and eat on a dining table. This will ensure a correct posture while eating and also avoid the unnecessary distraction of television and other devices.
• Reduce the size of your plate. Start with the salads and curds first. By starting your meal with fiber you will feel more satiated by the end of the meal.
• Snack on fruits, vegetables and other healthy snacks. Keep away from junk food.

These are few secrets to weight loss. Once the habit of right and healthy eating is formed, it catapults the individual to an automatic and a healthy weight loss. Some times diet pills like phentermine are also quite helpful in losing weight.

Long term weight loss can only be achieved by healthy eating habits and changing your lifestyle and mindset. As they say, "where the mind goes, the body follows".