If you're slim, what's your lifestyle/ eating habits like?

[thefedupmummyofgoats]

I'm a size 16 which is slightly on the plump side as I'm quite short. I'd love to trim down to about a size 10 so that I'm not crossing my arms or wearing baggy clothing to cover my belly.

If you're slim or have lost weight what is your secret? Do you eat takeout very rarely? Do you walk a lot? Do you make home cooked meals?

I just feel I can't seem to stick to any long term goal. I'm 43 and probably peri which is probably why I've put on weight.

Can we have a little discussion on what the key is for slim living please 🙏

Size 8 here and have been all my adult life aside from pregnancy x3. I don't have the best diet (lots of biscuits and chocolate etc) but I only eat when hungry and am very fussy. Definitely eat to live rather than the other way round - allow myself to eat whatever I like so don't really get excited by things like birthday cake or "treats", and annoy my husband by being able to eat one biscuit in a packet and forget about the rest! Normally eat the same kinds of things - cereal for breakfast, graze during the day and then have a big dinner plus dessert. Don't deny myself a McDonald's every couple of weeks but don't really care much for most restaurant food.

I don't like sitting still and enjoy yoga, pilates, running etc but not with any serious approach, just YouTube videos and winging it!

I do think some things are genetically programmed - whether you are fussy, whether you are excited by food or not etc. But also think a big thing is not attaching emotions to types of food. If you're allowed to eat chocolate all day you won't want to and will probably crave an apple.

What I see is someone whose lifestyle has been to prioritise others before themselves. Beating yourself up about it is not going to help you feel better or lose weight.

You are the weight you are and it's fixable.

Firstly language matters. There is no healthy or unhealthy food. There is no good or bad food. There are no treats or sins or boring foods. There is simply food that has a higher or lower nutritional value. And if you are literally starving (and I mean days without food) and all that's available is a donut, which is of low nutritional value, eat the donut.

Secondly you can never outrun your fork. So don't worry about being sedentary. Even if you run for an hour a day you're not going to burn many calories compared to what you're eating. You have to eat food that encourages your body to burn its own fat and you have to adopt eating habits that do the same.

I have lost four stone using the following method. I am still two stone away from my target and I put on a stone so far over Christmas but it will be gone by February 1 when I restart the regime.

Stop drinking fizzy drinks, even if they have zero sugar. They are generally full of caffeine and sweeteners. The body doesn't know how to process sweeteners. If you were drinking coke with sugar you would probably drink less. Replace the fizz with tap water and you will easily drink 2 litres a day. You will be hydrated (caffeine is dehydrating) and less hyper. Get a portable water bottle. If you don't like tap water straight from the tap, fill a jug or a bottle and put it in the fridge. After an hour it will taste fine.

Stop the takeaways because this is costing you money and is full of carbohydrate and therefore sugar.

Eat between 11am and 7pm. No snacks, nothing but water after 7. You can drink coffee or tea once you wake up before 11 but no caffeine after 2pm. Try and cut out milk and certainly don't add syrups.

White carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes) are sugar. You wouldn't eat a third of sugar on your plate, so until you've lost the weight, don't eat sugar.

Don't pick at the kids' meals because you'll eat way more than you think. As much as you can, eat every meal at a table. Eventually it will feel weird eating on the sofa. If you want to snack, eat as many seeds and nuts as you want but don't eat after 7pm.

Do not drink fruit juice as it's sugar. Do not drink alcohol as it's sugar.

The actual food you eat can get repetitive but it won't leave you hungry and you will start losing weight quickly.

I batch cook at weekends which means I just have to heat food up making meal times very quick.

Every day for breakfast: half a four egg omelette with chopped peppers and onions and turmeric mixed into the egg. Black tea and a glass of kombucha.

Lunch: a bowl of live yoghurt with berries, seeds and nuts.

Dinner: roast chicken/pork/beef plus roasted vegetables in winter or salad in summer.

I don't count calories.

On Mondays and Wednesdays I restrict (a bit like 5:2 but more food) so I have two boiled eggs with paprika, cayenne pepper and mayonnaise for lunch and have the yoghurt for dinner.

Weigh yourself every day, but the only weight that counts will be the weekly weigh in on the day after the second restricted day, so a Thursday in my case. Track this weight because your weight will go up and down throughout the week but the morning after the second restricted day is the lowest you will be.

If I want to drink I will drink on special occasions but mostly I will move that to a weekend and only drink on a Friday and/or Saturday night.

Please don't be ashamed. This has been done to you deliver by the food companies.

The food companies have spent a fortune appealing to our instinct for fat, sugar and salt. They have spent millions on working out the EXACT squish and chew that we love so we come back for more. Getting hold of boiled sweets - just sugar and flavour - is almost impossible because we don't eat as many of those as we eat Haribo. They spend a fortune making food cheaper, replacing recipes with UPFs so they make more money.

And then the diet industry shames us about our weight so we spend money on their stuff.

I've posted what works for me. I hope can find something that works for you. And if you set up a regime and you eat earlier or later or have a sandwich, that's fine.

It's all about the general direction of travel.

I’m exactly your age and a size 6-8.

Savoury protein-rich breakfast (no carbs) always
Walk quite a bit but nowhere near 10k steps a day - trying to increase this
10-15 mins of Pilates every day
Low carb
Lots of protein and fibre and fermented foods
Three big meals a day, not really into snacking
No takeouts, but that’s due to cost more than denying myself

Most importantly, if I want something I will eat it, I never weigh myself and I never calorie count

I eat all the sweet stuff, but try to keep the portions pretty minimal (one or two biscuits instead of a whole pack, etc). I’m going to make an effort going into the new year though to up my intake of fruit, veg, and healthy protein, just for the sake of feeling better. My job is also quite busy on my feet, so on my work days I get my steps in without having to make a specific time to exercise. (42 years old, size 8-10.)

I've been slim all my life and think a lot of it is genetic tbh.

I have found the weight is distributed differently now I'm mid 40s. Weight used to go on my hips but now it's on my waist.

I have always had a sport I've enjoyed. The current one is twice a week or so for 2.5hrs a time. Also walk and cycle to get to places. I loathe jogging and the gymc. Activity has to be really fun or get me from a to b.

I don't drink alcohol or fizzy drinks. Very little except water and fruit juice tbh.

I cook 99% of meals myself avoiding upf as much as possible. Very rarely eat takeaways because I can make tastier, healthier, cheaper food myself.

But I eat pretty much every food - often eat chocolate, cheese, bread, cake etc. But if I have to make it myself I have to really want it! Can't just mindlessly grab a mars bar!

I don’t know if there is any science to this. But I eat 5 small meals throughout the day rather than 3 main meals.

I’m nearly 42, peri and size 10. I think I will need to add some weights to this to tone up as the belly fat has tried to creep in. 😏

Size 8-10. I workout everyday and never over eat. I have toned arms and legs and a hard and flat stomach. I don’t think you can be toned without exercise.

Yes, forgot to say that I also eat virtually no UPF.

This (imo) is the key.

I'm mid 50s and 10-10.5 stone (not that I weigh myself often).

I eat lowish carb, focusing on protein and plants. I either fast till lunchtime or have a coffee protein shake after a morning workout. One thing I heard recently is it's about restraint not restriction and enjoyment not indulgence. Swapping for healthier choices is easier than denying yourself - and no, I didn't always have such a good attitude to food.

I am also pretty active, I walk a lot: 10,000-12,000 steps a day, do daily yoga with some weights and pilates thrown in. It's about being healthy and feeling good long-term. I would also suggest making changes as baby steps, this is what I did post dcs and the changes have stuck.

I think (and it's back up by the people I've worked with, but not a scientific study!) that the difference is the amount of time slim people think about food, compared to those who want to lose weight.

I'm 61, 165cm and about 63kg and I only think about what I'm going to eat when I'm actually hungry. I don't food plan or daydream about eating - I enjoy food but it's a small part of my thought process. I believe it's now called 'food noise', I don't hear it.

Edited as I'm not 62 for several months!

I'm dairy intolerant which makes a big difference - can't eat most cakes or biscuits, no sauces, no cheese etc. I don't really eat snacks except maybe a few salted nuts or an apple. And I make all my own meals and keep things simple so I can see exactly what I'm eating. I went to a naturopath once who said to cup my hands together to see the approximate size of my stomach and base meal size on that. Pretty enlightening!

Tall, slim and 50. I eat what I like but I like mostly the good stuff, veggies, fruit, fish and dark chocolate. I eat cake but maybe coupe of times a month and home made usually. I drink wine but weekends only.

I also rarely sit, walk into town or around London. Do some light weights at home when I feel like it. Walk the dog. Do my own housework and washing which involves going up and down stairs several times a day.

However, I imagine menopause is around the corner and then who knows….

I've lost about 1.5 stone over the last year. I'm 59, 5ft6 and approx 9st12 (haven't weighted myself since Christmas so might be a pound or two heavier as I've relaxed). I was in a size 14/16 but now comfortably a size 12 but can fit some size 10 clothes that I hadn't got rid of.

Mainly I have started running again and have gradually built up to 3 x 5k per week, at least one long walk on a Monday plus an hour of strength and conditioning twice a week.

I cut down on sugar, don't drink many fizzy drinks (an occasional tonic water but rarely a Diet Coke), eat less bread, no grazing, no takeaways, fewer UPFs and I try and cook meals almost from scratch. I haven't cut out all UPFs as I still use things like stock cubes, curry pastes and an occasional tomato pasta sauce. I also try not to go back for seconds but have one decent portion.

One major difference in my life has been retirement. I had a desk job too and found it difficult not to graze. It became a habit and a reward for finishing a bit of work before moving on to the next. There were also colleagues who used to bring food to share into the office like cakes and biscuits. The biscuit tin was too handy at home too.

Good luck - you can make the changes but also make sure that you can still have something you enjoy. I love those Choco Liebniz biscuits that have the big bit of dark chocolate on the top. One in the evening feels decadent. I don't have them all the time as they're too pricey but wait until Sainsbury's have them on Nectar Price. The mint one is yummmm 😋

There’s a big natural/ genetic element I think. However, I’ve stayed the same weight virtually all of my adult life apart from pregnancy - went from 8.5 stones to 10 and was back down to 8.5 in a year or so.

I am happy between about 8.5 and 9 post menopause. Good to carry a little more weight with age to protect bones and stop facial wrinkles! I’m one of the few women of my acquaintance who has no ‘issues’ with food. Thanks mum. I enjoy eating but stop when I’ve had enough.

I avoid processed food apart from good chocolate and crisps with wine once weekly. I breakfast on same every day - banana and oatcakes , soup or chicken/ avocado salad for lunch and salmon stir fry or baked potato or similar for dinner. I snack on seeds and nuts and have wine and crisps and choc once or twice a week. I rarely weigh myself. Exercise needs to be increased! I lift weights and do online workouts. Aiming to do more in year ahead.

I find it really annoying when people assume that people who put on weight easily are greedy. I lived with my best pal when younger and she ate far less than me but put on weight. There’s undoubtedly a genetic/ body type component.

Size 10 but very fit.

Drink white wine 2/3 times a week.
Pretty much eat what I like.

Found the answer to be Pilates twice a week plus riding 3 times a week. All for 30-45 mins. Love it too now. Actually missing it over Xmas shut down.

Also drink loads of water. Skip breakfast and combine it with lunch at 11ish - porridge of some other cereal. Filling and gives me energy. Stop have sugar in tea.

By anyone's standard I'm tiny, a size 2-4 and am 5'3". Now I have a life limiting condition and am tube fed but was never larger than an 8 before and am now post menopausal and in my 50s.
I've always eaten exactly what I wanted just not much of it and have never been on a diet. The difference between friends and me (I think) is I've never thought of food as anything but a means to an end. I can't remember ever treating myself with food, nor feel the need to empty my plate.
I'm a qualified chef, although now retired on health grounds, so it isn't like I don't know how to cook. Friends and family love coming over for a meal.

I'm a size 10, having lost nearly four stone over twenty years ago, when I was in my early fifties.
I did it by calorie counting and looked on my 'diet' as a life style change. I do still drink wine and eat out, as an occasional treat, but for the majority of the time I'm very careful with what I eat and I walk at least 5 miles a day. I weigh myself regularly, and if I I've put on a few pounds I go back to My Fitness Pal.

I eat when I am hungry and stop when full, (i.e. I don't always clean my plate). Usually have two meals a day not three. I try to eat a lot of vegetables and minimum 100g protein a day.
I have thought about what junk food I like and what I can pass - so for example I never eat pasta, ice cream, most desserts, crips etc, but have chocolate, biscuits, chips, and croissents often.
I drink wine maybe once a month, and never have fizzy drinks.
Exrcise a lot: pilates, weights, ski, climbing, hiking, walking.

I'm size 8. My lifestyle is...

• intermittent Fast
• run 2 x a week fasted
• powerlift 3 x a week
• walk every day
• don't like fizzy drinks so drink water and occasionally tea
• never eat ready meals
• don't eat sweets
• don't eat big meals (hate the feeling of being overfull, makes me panic)
• eat fruit and veg every day
• have never counted a calorie in my life

I'm 5'9'', weigh 9 stone. Eat quite indulgently (dessert once or twice a day, quite a lot of full-sugar soda, only full-fat milk) but maybe smaller portions than some at main meals. No formal exercise but walk a lot. Drink far too much.
The only obviously weight-reducing habit I have is no snacking. I don't think it is good for you.

I’m relatively slim although heavier than I’d like to be (10-12). I don’t snack because I have coeliac disease and when I was diagnosed you couldn’t get any nice biscuits or cake so basically I don’t eat sweets or eat between meals, which probably helps. I never eat breakfast. I usually have soup for lunch so my calories are concentrated in whatever I have for tea. I don’t really exercise though.

I was 8 stone for many many years until I hit peri. I've always eaten when I'm hungry. Quite active but not into fitness. I'm sure it's mostly down to build and DNA for me.

@Chonk it's not about losing weight for me, I already did that by cutting out carbs/sugar. The sacrifices are for maintenance. Having half a sandwich is less sad than having no sandwich at all (I love bread!)

I wouldn't eat a packaged sandwich so there's rarely a slice to throw away. But, you're right, I do waste food in other ways - if I'm out for dinner and fancy the sticky toffee pudding, I'll only eat half or try to share it. Likewise if my meal comes with chips, I'll eat a few but leave the rest.

It's what works for me - and doesn't feel restrictive :)

Hmm. I do think about food a lot.
Had breakfast- shit, it's about 4 hours before I'll get to eat again.
Snack.
2 hours until lunch. But it's a shit boring lunch. Maybe I should have brought something nicer?
Get home about 6. How long until tea? What we having? I'll just have a biscuit to keep me going.
Should I have something after tea? Don't know. How many biscuits did I scarf in work?
What shall I have for lunch on Saturday at home? Will I need a big lunch?

So I guess I do think about it, but being honest, part of that is thinking about whether eating too much/ the right thing. I never weigh myself, but my clothes tell me instantly if I'm too big. I keep telling myself just to kick back and do what I want over Xmas, but 2 weeks of crap eating takes about 3 months to lose these days (mid 40s). And by lose, I don't mean actively doing much- just hating the way I feel and telling myself I need to cut down.

I'm in my 30s, 5ft3 and about 8st.

My day starts early—my alarm goes off at 5:30 am, and if I’m heading to the office, I’m on the train by 6:30am. I don’t eat breakfast, except on the odd weekend outing. My first meal is usually lunch around 12 pm, but if work is busy, it can be as late as 1:30 pm. If I don’t eat by 2 pm, I’ll have something small instead, as I always eat dinner with my husband, and a late lunch spoils that.

I’m not much of a snacker. Occasionally, I’ll have one Lotus Biscoff biscuit at work, but I rarely think about food when I’m busy. I don’t eat much chocolate either—just one or two pieces if I do, and I usually decline it at work. Dinner is before 8 pm, and I avoid snacking afterward, though I might have the occasional pudding.

I enjoy wine but have been switching to lower-calorie drinks like gin and tonic or vodka with lime and lemonade. I drink plenty of coffee and try to stay on top of my water intake.

I avoid bread and stick to lighter meals like salads with chicken, veggie salads, or rice with meat. Even with takeout, I opt for bunless burgers or chicken salads. If we go out out and have steak I skip the Chips, in the curry house I’ll go for “dry curry” and skip the heavy sauces. Sugary fizzy drinks are rare—maybe a Coke or Fanta once a month.

I try to go to the gym twice a week, always in the morning on the days I WFH and I’m back by 8 am to start my day. If I don't go in the morning then I'm skipping it completely as I have no chance later in the day/evening.

In a way, I suppose I’m unintentionally fasting.