10 Secrets of the Effortlessly Thin

In the past few days I have seem so many commercials for weight loss pills/programs/products...'tis the season to lose weight! There has also been an increase of online weight loss articles...this is what was on msn.com this morning:

10 secrets of skinny people
Pros & cons of popular diets
Exercise for those who don't
11 hot fitness trends
Find: Average woman's weight

The first one interested me. I'm skinny...do I already know these so-called secrets? Here they are, 10 secrets of the "effortlessly" thin, and if you want to read the full article click here:

1. They don't diet
2. They keep track of their weight
3. They exercise regularly
4. They don't solve problems with food
5. They stop eating when they're full
6. They don't surround themselves with temptation
7. They allow themselves treats
8. They eat breakfast
9. They move, stand and fidget more
10. They don't skip meals

I follow just about every one of these. I don't diet in the sense that I follow a specific plan; instead I try and eat healthfully MOST of the time...but not all of the time! I keep track of my weight by weighing myself several times a week. I'm not obsessive about the number on the scale, but it helps me stay within my target weight range.

I exercise regularly and move/stand a lot. I always eat breakfast and never skip meals (unless I'm not hungry, and in that case I'll eat something a little later). I do have "special treats" sometimes (I've had a few too many this holiday season). I usually stop eating when I'm full, although I used to not be as aware of this...it's something I continually work on.

I don't keep tempting things in my house...sweet things tempt me like ice cream, candy, dessert...and instead keep lots of fruit and yogurt to satisfy my sweet tooth. The last one that I can go either way on is solving problems with food...I'm not really an emotional eater, but I do eat out of boredom and stress sometimes. These days I'm so busy that I don't have time to get bored very often. And now that I'm finished with school my stress level has gone down too.

Think about all of these "secrets" and pick 1 or 2 to work on...it's the little things that really count. I'm not so sure that it's effortless to stay thin (especially in today's society) and I know it's a little easier for me...I am a dietitian after all. But a few small changes can really make a difference and help you lose or maintain weight.

Happy New Year!