All Health’s Breaking Loose:The Persona Of Thin: The Secret is to Think Thin

Years ago, a young mother of small children, I was looking for the “perfect diet” to help me lose a few pounds. When my mother heard about this she said, “Loa, if you want to be thin — you’ve got to THINK THIN. It’s as simple as that.” Yeah, right, Mom. I didn’t think much of it at the time. But now, some 30 years later, I realize she knew a very big secret. The masses have searched for this elusive secret, for it is truly a “forest for the trees” scenario. Hundreds of weight loss products and facilities abound, but the most essential ingredient might already be available to you. Natural slenderness is accompanied by a state of mind. Adopt this state of mind and your body will follow suit.

Let me explain it this way: Thin people have a different attitude toward food than those who are overweight. When carrying extra pounds, you see it every time you look in the mirror. Every bite of food you take is considered for its calories and whether or not it is good or bad for you. Did I eat too much? Maybe I should have left out the butter. How long until the next meal? What shall I snack on this afternoon? It becomes an obsession and truly takes over our thoughts. Since we are surrounded by food in our daily lives, this obsession never really goes “out of mind.” It becomes a monster.

Here’s where the guilt comes in. The guilt can weigh you down more than the forbidden food you just ate. This vicious pattern begins in your head. When you are able to get “out of your head” and truly recognize how your body feels and functions, you give yourself a “thinner” way of thinking. Thinner thinking creates a thinner body, and the best part is, this thinner body is free from the torment of the food preoccupation.

I have been collecting my own personal research on this concept for years. I was thrilled to learn that official studies are bringing forth some enlightening data and I’m excited to share it with you here. David L. Katz, MD, an associate professor at Yale University, has conducted official studies on the lives of naturally slender people. Dr. Katz says, “Thin people have a relaxed relationship with food. Those who are overweight, however, tend to be preoccupied by it...mealtime is always on the brain.”

The good news is “thin” behavior can be learned. You can practice being thin by adopting the habits of a naturally slim person. As you do, you restructure your thinking. Here are the secret habits to a thin persona. I’ll refer to The Naturally Slender as TNS.

TNS recognize that hunger is not urgent. Many of us think of hunger as a terrible thing to be avoided. We may eat more often just so we never have to feel it. When our stomach is empty we think, “I need something to eat and I need it right now!” Thin people don’t mind feeling a little hungry, they know there is another meal coming at some point and don’t pay much attention to a growling stomach. They view hunger pains as a normal function; it’s your body’s way of looking out for you, a gentle reminder, not a cry for help.

TNS dislike the feeling of “full.” They don’t worry about cleaning their plates and would rather be satisfied than stuffed. The next time your stomach is full, visualize your stomach, all stretched out and crammed full. Associate lethargy and discomfort with a full stomach. When you’ve eaten light, enjoy feeling energetic and mobile after mealtime. Focus on how easy it is to get around and how great it is be perky because you have fueled your body with just enough.

TNS eat more fresh food. A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that lean people eat more fruit. On average, thin people have one more serving of fruit per day than overweight people do. They also have less fat and more fiber in their diets. High calorie, processed foods add strain to the body and bog down the digestive system. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains nourish the body, reduce cholesterol, and bring you energy. Studies show overweight people eat less fresh food than their thinner counterparts, so be adventurous and try something new from the produce section.

TNS get enough shut-eye. A study from Eastern Virginia Medical School says that thin people sleep two more hours per week (about 17 minutes per day) than those who are overweight. One of the hormones released during sleep is leptin. Leptin is produced by fat cells that signal the degree of hunger to the brain. Lack of sleep is associated with lower levels of this appetite-suppressing hormone. Sticking to a regular bedtime helps to ensure you’ll get enough Zs.

TNS have other outlets for their emotions. Rather than turning to comfort foods when feeling emotional, they have more options. Calling or e-mailing a friend helps when lonely, walking to the park or through the mall can squelch boredom, and exercise such as jogging is great for frustration or tension and yoga relieves stress. Thin people turn to food less often than those who are overweight.

TNS don’t have a quantity issue. They don’t worry about getting “super sized,” they are content with their routine and tend to be predictable when it comes to food choices. Cornell researcher Brian Wansink, PhD. says, “It is the eyes that predict how full you are going to be, and ultimately, how much food you eat.” Thin people don’t buy into the “bigger is better” concept. Dr. Wansink also suggests using smaller dishes.

TNS move more. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. reports that thin people are on their feet for an additional 2 ½ hours per day. In one year’s time, this translates to 33 pounds that have been burned off. They sit less than the rest of us and are more likely to take the stairs or walk instead of drive. Find reasons to move around your home or office, be the first one up to get the door or phone. Moving around is productive and makes you feel dynamic. The thinner you become, the more you’ll feel like moving.

No matter what gene pool you stepped out of, the bottom line is that your relationship to food predicts the size of the jeans you wear. Attachment to food is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned. By practicing the secrets of thin people, we can reinvent our own way of thinking. When you act like a thin person, you are retraining your mind to override the body’s compulsive eating behaviors. The change in your body will delight you. Think thin and you’ll be thin. I guess Mom was right after all.

Love and Health, Loa