These seem like healthy everyday habits, but they might actually be derailing your good health goals. New research links certain eating habits with deaths from heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Stop bad weight loss habitsand swap themso the scale starts sliding in the right direction. Boost your energy, drop pounds, and feel happier than ever with these diet tweaks. I have received a lot of emails from many people who have joined me in my journey to wellness. One of the things that we all have in common is bad habits. I simply. Long Term Effects of Bad Eating Habits Healthy Eating. Diets high in fat and sodium increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Only 1. 0 percent of Americans follow a diet consistent with the federal nutrient recommendations outlined by the U. S. Department of Agricultures Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2. Bad Eating Habits' title='Bad Eating Habits' />The typical American diet is rich in saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar and lacking in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber. According to the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, your diet significantly contributes to four out of six of the top leading causes of death in the United States. Obesity Kills. Regularly eating at night, consuming a lot of fast food, skipping breakfast, eating oversized portions and drinking sugary beverages all contribute to weight gain that can eventually lead to obesity, according to Mayo. Clinic. com. Obesity puts you at risk of several health conditions, including high cholesterol, high triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, gallbladder disease, cancer, depression, osteoarthritis and skin problems. Two thirds of American adults are considered overweight or obese. Development of Diabetes. As your body fat percentage increases, your bodys ability to use insulin the correct way decreases, which in turn increases your risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, helps carry glucose to your cells. In those with type 2 diabetes, the fat, liver and muscle cells do not respond well to insulin, leading to a condition called insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, glucose cannot enter the cells and, instead, builds up in the bloodstream. High levels of glucose in the bloodstream is called hyperglycemia a condition associated with type 2 diabetes. If type 2 diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to eye disease and kidney disease. Watch Your Sodium. Fast food, processed foods and restaurant meals have become staples of the American diet. While these foods are convenient, they are also loaded with nutrients that you should limit, like sodium. Pot Stickers Recipe there. When you eat too much sodium, your kidneys hold onto water in an effort to maintain the sodium balance in your body. This results in increased blood volume, which can turn into high blood pressure or hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure puts a toll on your heart and can eventually cause heart disease. Scale Back on Fat. Chronic bad eating habits set you up for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Saturated fats, which are found in whole milk, butter, red meat, ice cream and processed foods, increase levels of low density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol. Trans fats, which come from commercially baked items and processed foods, increase LDL levels and decrease levels of high density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. The combination of high LDL levels and low HDL levels is a major risk factor for heart disease. About the Author. Elle Paula has a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from Framingham State College and a certificate in holistic nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She is also a licensed aesthetician with advanced training in skincare and makeup. She plans to continue on with her education, complete a masters degree program in nutrition and, ultimately, become a registered dietitian. Photo Credits. ITStock FreePolka DotGetty Images.