Top Ten Secrets Of The Intuitively Slim!

The Intuitively Slim Approach
In our super skinny obsessed culture, it seems that everyone is on a diet, struggling to lose weight, and talking about their latest approach to dropping pounds.

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Is it possible to maintain a healthy weight without dieting?

I have known several intuitively slim people in my life including my grandmother, and a colleague with whom I had the pleasure of sharing an office several years ago. Both taught me a lot about how healthy slim people think and act. They were able to maintain their normal weight with relative ease; enjoying food, but not letting it rule their life. Their relaxed and comfortable relationship with food and eating was completely foreign to me; however, I found that by acting like them and adopting some of their behaviors I could actually start to look and feel like a naturally slim person too!

As I watched and learned and sought guidance from other healthy and normal eaters, I found that there were many commonalities in their food-related attitudes, beliefs and behaviors, that I call the Top Ten Secrets of the Intuitively Slim.

Top Ten Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of the Intuitively Slim

1. They Eat To Live, Not Live To Eat
   Instinctively slender people have lots of interests beyond food and their next meal. They just don't give that much power or thought to food and eating. They fill themselves with things other than food. Have you ever noticed that when your life is going well, you are engaged in work you love, and your relationships are running smoothly, your food issues are much more manageable? Work to fill your life with people and activities that fulfill your body, mind, and spirit, leaving less time and space to focus and worry about food.
2. They Have A Healthy Body Image
   The intuitively slim don't seem overly focused on their weight and appearance. They have a realistic, relaxed relationship with their body. Try it out for yourself; Change your focus away from what you hate about your body and move it to what you like. I have learned to focus less on my thighs and more on my collarbones!
3. They Listen To Their Bodies And Trust Their Intuition
   They instinctively know what they need at any given time to really nourish themselves, whether a small handful of nuts in the middle of the afternoon, or a warm bowl of veggie soup and salad for dinner.

   You can develop this ability too. Listen to your body and learn to trust it. Just because you have ignored the signals up till now, doesn't mean they are not there. Your body will tell you exactly what you need to be nourished, especially if you are focusing on eating clean whole foods (not the processed stuff).

   Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. You will learn a lot. Some things I have discovered since tuning into my body's messages include:

   • More than one cup of coffee will make me jittery
   • Highly processed carbohydrates like white toast, pancakes, or refined cereal will leave me ravenous and out of control in two hours or less
   • Wine makes me sleepy
   • Lean protein and a big green salad is perfect for lunch leaving me feeling satiated and energized for a productive afternoon
   • Too much dairy leaves me feeling heavy
   • If I don't get enough green veggies I will soon be craving broccoli or spinach for dinner
4. They Understand Hunger Isn't An Emergency
   Hunger pangs come and go. There is no cause for panic or need to grab whatever is available to avoid feeling hungry. Have you ever experienced a very busy day and suddenly looked at your watch to realize your last meal was more than six hours ago? You were able to function just fine! The next time your stomach starts to grumble, hold off and notice what happens. Allow yourself to be with your hunger for a while. Have a glass of water and wait for a bit, realizing that when the time is right you will nourish yourself perfectly.
5. They Only Eat When Physically Hungry
   The intuitively slim don't chronically use food for emotional comfort or eat when they are not hungry, even if it is mealtime. If you are not hungry don't eat. Tune into your body and learn to trust its signals.
6. They Choose Foods Instinctively
   They tend to eat whatever they desire and seem to know exactly what they want, be it a butterscotch lifesaver or turkey sandwich. They figure out exactly what they want before they begin eating. When they want a soda, they drink the real thing. The intuitively slim don't eat food that they don't find tasty and enjoyable. They are less likely to label foods as "good" or "bad" and instead focus on feeding their bodies what they desire, trusting in what their bodies are telling them.
7. They Eat Mindfully And Savor Their Food
   When eating, the intuitively slender focus on enjoying the food. They don't eat while driving, watching TV, or checking email. They don't eat mindlessly while standing in front of the fridge or pantry. They chew their food slowly, savoring every bite. They naturally eat less because they savor more. They stop eating when it is no longer serving them—if it no longer tastes good. Try this behavior out the next time you eat. Sit down, pause, take a few deep breaths and really pay attention to what you are eating.
8. They Leave Food On Their Plate
   When they are full they are finished. They are not members of the clean plate club. They don't understand why anyone would ever want to stuff him or herself to the point of discomfort. They use the magic words, "I am full" when someone offers them more. Try to model this behavior of the intuitively slim the next time you get to the point where you are full and are tempted to eat more; find an enjoyable distraction or other way to nourish yourself—a warm cup of herb tea, a walk, a book, or a bubble bath for example.
9. They Use Non-Food Comforts And Rewards
   They treat themselves to massages or manicures instead of cookies and ice cream while also finding solace in bubble baths, walks, or herb tea not nachos and cheesecake. The next time you are feeling sad or lonely, instead of reaching for the Ben & Jerry's, get out of the house and take a walk or call a supportive friend. You may learn that you can find nourishment in things other than food.
10. They Take Care Of Themselves
    Another characteristic of the intuitively slim is the ability to tune into their needs. They will rest when their body tells them it's time and are much more apt to get enough sleep. They also possess the ability to indulge in guiltless self-care, demonstrating the ability to love themselves even though they aren't perfect.