THICK OR THIN?

Thin People Don't Diet

Is there a secret to success in keeping thin? Some erroneously believe that thin people are naturally that way. The truth is, most who look slim either struggle to stay that way, or live lifestyles which cause them to be thin. Many people around the world, and certainly many in the United States, are trying desperately to lose weight and keep it off. There are many ways to do this, though many cause unwanted health complications and irreversible damage to the body.

If you or someone you know is trying to lose weight without dangerous crash diets or other gimmicks such as diet pills, then our March series of newsletters is for you. This issue covers the different reasons people can stay slim naturally, without much effort. Listen up, because you could, too!

Reason # 1, A naturally high metabolism. Many who claim to have this fail to mention that they don't always eat large meals and usually have led a full active life, even without trying. A few actually have hyperthyroid issues which need to be addressed, those that do, usually are characterized by extreme thinness or symptoms such as Graves disease.

Let’s focus on those whose busy lives lead them to be thin. These naturally burn more calories due to their jobs, running after kids, or keeping very active. Not all who have busy lives have time to exercise. They make up for it by activities. Ever wonder why the French stay so thin? This is one reason, they walk everywhere. While that doesn’t work so well in some countries, incorporating more walking in each and every day can help. Purchase a step counter and start with 1,000 steps per day. Gradually increase it to 10,000 or more steps per day over the course of a year. It’s an instant metabolism booster.

Reason # 2, They know how to eat. Here in the U.S. many kids are taught to clean their plates, and to load up on food. This is left over from the Great Depression when food was scarce and every scrap needed to be saved. In European countries, they eat until satisfied. Satisfaction is just between hunger and feeling full. It’s when you could eat more, but you are no longer hungry.

The second part of this is only eating when hungry. Here in the U.S. we also tend to feel forced to eat due to social situations or scheduled meal times. Much of this time, we actually aren’t hungry. In other countries, social eating is expected, but they opt for appetizer items such as a low calorie salad, or other dishes under 200 calories. And when they know they must eat socially, they often cut back before and after that meal on that day.

You may find you have to eat several small meals at first, but gradually your body will realize it doesn’t need it, there’s more food coming soon. And for snacking, many French carry an "juste au cas," a tiny 100 calorie snack such as raw trail mix or high fiber snack. Instead of heading to a vending machine, they keep one or two of these in their bag or pocket.

Reason#3 Most Europeans will tell you, they don't eat garbage. If food is not over the top delicious, most won’t touch it. Sure explains why food in France is so delicious. They use real food, such as butter, whole fat milk, real cream, and only fresh ingredients, not substitutes. Take a tip from them, if it isn’t mouthwatering good, don’t eat it. If a single bite of it doesn’t make your stomach growl with delight, why waste your time and waistline on it?

Reason #4 There’s an appropriate time for treats. While most French and European towns have their fair share of delectable treats, it’s not common to eat these everyday. For instance, a rich dessert might be something they eat once in a great while such as at a party or when long absent friends and family are visiting.

The daily dessert over there would more likely be a fresh, ripe fruit with a little cream, or a baked apple, minus all the trimmings and with a dash of pie spice on it. For those chocolate lovers, a single serving of chocolate is the size of Hershey’s miniatures. However, don’t be fooled, American chocolate tastes like wax. European chocolate is worth every calorie it contains. So one or two bites are fully satisfying!

These are just four of the many tips European women use to be thin. Many have grown up with such thinking so that it has become second nature to live this way. Those who battle their weight in America don't really need to crash diet, simple everyday changes will have a huge impact on metabolism. Just remember, people who stay that way don’t diet, they live the lifestyle which keeps them naturally thin!