by Judith Willson

Created on: March 23, 2010

There are lots of people whose figures remain slim without any conscious effort on their part.  Rather than punishing themselves with boring sessions at the gym and an even duller diet they just get on with their lives.  This probably is not genetic.  Most people can put on weight under certain circumstances.  For example when I injured my ankle and was unable to be physically active I put on a few pounds, which went apparently by themselves when I recovered.  So what are the reasons? 

A person’s attitude towards food plays a part.  Food is enjoyable to eat but its main purpose is to nourish and refuel you, it is not a hobby.  Some people eat when they need comforting, when they are bored, or just out of habit.  Perhaps the answer is to occupy yourself in ways that do not involve eating.  Instead of reaching for a bowl of ice cream when you have a spare half hour walk the dog, phone a friend, have a bath or read a book.  If none of these appeal, find a hobby that does.  If you have interesting things to do you won’t need the stimulation of food to keep you entertained, save it for when you are actually hungry. 

Also involved is your diet itself.  Naturally slim people rarely subsist on a diet consisting mainly of sodas, burgers, chips and chocolate.  This doesn’t mean that you should sign up to the latest carrot only craze.  This is boring, not nutritious, and certainly will not take your mind off food.  In fact you will probably be counting the days till the diet is over and you can feast on everything the nearest McDonalds has to offer. 

Rather you should make permanent changes.  Learn to cook for starters.  If you do this you will be preparing tasty meals that are not formed from saturated fat, sugar, salt and cardboard.  Lots of fruits and vegetables are essential for health being full of vitamins, fibre and other nutrients.  Don’t worry about the calorie count of each thing you eat, look at the overall picture.  Most of your diet should consist of healthy foods with unhealthy treats being just that.  Occasional treats.  

Slim people tend to have active lives.  Sometimes but certainly not always they will do exercise simply for the sake of fitness.  If you enjoy aerobics, the gym, yoga or dance classes then by all means do them.  If you don’t then don’t force yourself to go, you will never stick to it.  Any lifestyle ought to be active, we are not designed to sit in front of a desk munching chocolate all day, then return home to sit in front of the TV crunching crisps.  If your lifestyle is sedentary then start walking more.  Go round the shops on your lunchbreak, find active hobbies, get into the garden and start digging.  Basically do whatever fits your routine or that you find enjoyable. 

Naturally slim people don’t let their lives revolve around food, either by eating far too much or by consciously depriving themselves.  Instead they are usually active with a healthy but not fussy diet.  Most people can be naturally slim with a few changes to how they approach their lives.  By making these changes you will probably find everyday life far more interesting too.

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