by Alexandra Heep

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

Whenever I get offered food and I politely turn it down, I always hear the phrase: "But you can afford to eat this!" There you have it - the secret of staying slim. Know when to say no and do not simply eat because it's expected of you. I make my choices for myself. I am able to distance myself from advertising and expectations when it comes to food. I am able to listen to my body and observe when it's getting ready to expand, and I simply heed the signs and slow down for a week or so.

How can I do these things when others fall prey to these tactics? I think part of it is how I was raised. I grew up with mostly homegrown foods and no soft drinks or fast food at all. Matter of fact, once I entered business school, my friends always wanted to eat at fast food places and I was quite embarrassed as I did not even know how to order and what was on the menu.

However, even this upbringing did not protect me at first. Once I traded cultures and moved to another country, for a while I also fell victim to convenience and "super-sizing it". The choices I had growing up where no longer available where I moved to. Well, they probably were available at that time, but made "less convenient".

Nonetheless, all was brought back into balance simply by common sense. Regardless of your upbringing or circumstances, you too can use this information. Mashed potatoes do not need butter inside and on top, plus gravy. Use either or, not both or all. A double cheeseburger does not need fries and a drink; it will taste just as good with water, if not better, since you can focus on its taste.

Salad will not help you if you drown it in dressing, and then consume a main meal followed by dessert. When going to restaurants, I have been known to simply order the appetizer and dessert, no entre. Contrary to what you may think, the wait staff will not stare at you. A lot of them have even commented on how interesting that is and that they may try that approach as well.

Like many, I have my weaknesses. One of them is chocolate; the other is a certain type of soft drink. I don't deny myself of these foods, but here is the smart formula I use: I only indulge in one weakness at a time, but in moderation. I don't eat chocolate and have the drink at the same time or in the same day. I decide which I want more, and then fully enjoy the one I indulge in. In summary, dieting and deprivation don't work, but common sense will prevail.

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