I read an article entitled “Eight Secrets of the Naturally Slim” in an old issue of Prevention that got me thinking. Are there naturally slim people? I mean everyone has to work at it, right? Then I realized the husband is one of “those” people. He’s gaining weight now that he’s a bit older but when I first met him the dude was skinny! I mean super skinny. He stands at just about 6 foot and used to weigh under 140 pounds! Honestly, since reaching my weight loss goals, it is the first time in our relationship I weigh less them him. Man that feels good!
Anyway, I thought I would look at these eight secrets and compare our habits.
They choose satisfied over stuffed.
Is this really a secret? I do wonder why some people, me included, eat until stuffed. It is one thing I have always admired about my husband. If he’s full he’s full. It doesn’t matter if there is more on his plate or if it’s his favorite meal. Amazing!
They realize hunger is not an emergency.
I thought this was interesting because sometimes I think I use hunger as an excuse to eat more. “Oh, I’m starving, I haven’t eaten since whenever, I better stuff my face now”. The husband on the other hand needs to be reminded to eat. Again, unbelievable.
They know food doesn’t cure the blues.
DUH?!? But it tastes so good. But seriously yet another stark contrast between the husband and I. I do not think he has ever grabbed a gallon of ice cream because he of stress.
They eat more fruit.
This one I can say I do now. Since losing 65 pounds I eat on average two to three servings of fruit a day. Not a natural thing for the husband. I push the fruit on him.
They are creatures of habit.
This is so true. First of all, my husband eats only about five to six different things. Now I’m not saying they are healthy things but he sure is a creature of habit. I am now too. I only have handful of go to breakfasts.
They have a self-control gene.
Okay, still working on this but I have it. The guys at work actually bet me I couldn’t eat just one M&M. Ha! I showed them!
They are movers and shakers.
So true! I’m always out and about on the weekends, taking the toddler here and there. We meet playgroups, go for walks, hey, tomorrow I’m taking the little guy to the zoo! When I’m home I garden, straighten up, dance around like a goof, anything to stop me from watching too much TV.
They sleep well.
I am still working on this. I tend to go to bed too late and wake up early with the toddler. The husband on the other hand, can sleep nine to ten hours easily. I’ve seen him go twelve without a stir.
So there you have it. Where they really secrets? I think just good things to strive for. One additional one I would like add is “they know they can’t be perfect.” I was far from perfect this weekend but got right back on plan today!
Originally published on Roni
