If you are slim, what, in your opinion, keeps you that way?

[pepsicolagirl]

I read the other thread with interest and as an obese person a lot of the comments range true but it made me wonder. Those of you who are in the ideal/normal weight category, what do you attribute that to?

Also think the genetics thing is interesting. I think they may be a factor in appetite; ie, how much food someone needs to feel full, rather than any superhuman ability to burn off food.

Pushing the buggy up hill for 15 mins to collect DS from nursery, then walking back. Plus walking everywhere else.

Mixture of genes and relatively healthy diet growing up (I’m guessing). Family are all slim. Have never dieted.

I hate the gym and exercise but can never sit still in one place for long. I move around loads even in sleep. It also takes me forever to eat my food. I chew everything loads - read this is common with skinny people.

Have been told I look too skinny and asked if I’m anorexic before.

DH put on weight when he stopped playing sports and became a dad. And he found cutting out processed food (even the low fat type) helped a lot.

I've always been very slim and have been able to eat what I want, when I want. I never drink alcohol (have never enjoyed it) and, pre-lock down, lead a very active life - am always busy and can never sit still or just relax and sit about.

My parents were always very slim. My figure mirrors my mother's - petite, 5ft 2 and small framed. I was 7 and a half stone all through my late teens and twenties. In my mid-late thirties I went up to about 8 stone and then 8 and a half stone in my late forties. I turn 50 next month and now weigh 9 stone. I think it's probably down to WFH since March and less daily rushing around.

However, I find it much more difficult to eat whatever I want now without putting on a few pounds - so I do need to be much more careful.

I am terribly guilty of not doing any proper, focused exercise - I need to change this. I want to start running again and doing some weights and yoga.

Body shape and weight, I believe, is mostly down to genetics but age is definitely a factor for most, but certainly not all, people.

Not thinking about weight or obsessing over food, but eating what my body tells me I need - be it cake or broccoli - and enjoying it without any guilt. Not denying myself anything or eating something ‘healthy’ when I feel like eating something else, as that builds distracting thoughts around what I’ve missed out on. Having regular meals with sufficIent fat and protein in my diet to feel satiated and keep my blood sugar levels regular.

I actually used to be slim because I worked with kids which kept me active and unable to eat as much as I wanted to. Got too slim which made me unwell, so had to gain weight. Now much more healthier weight than when I was slim but all the activity and less food ( and also food with low calories) kept me slim before.

Genetics and always being busy.

My diet is ok but I don't ever count calories or not have something I really fancy. I don't exercise specifically but walk the dog, we have an allotment so I'm often digging stuff up etc, decorating etc. I will say don't drink so that helps.

I've weighed the same for 27 years with the exceptions of three pregnancies and I am at the lower end of of the ideal BMI for me.

I’ve been slim all my 45 years no matter what I ate. Slim family too. Now I’m on corticosteroids and lockdown lack of exercise and I’ve put on loads of weight for the first time ever!! It’s truly shocking. Hormones / steroids / mental health play a huge part I’m guessing.

No alcohol. Walk everyday.

@TheVeryHungryTortoise thank you for rescinding upthread. You are very young, I tend to assume people on mumsnet are more my demographic (53!). I am a state registered dietitian and the older women with enduring eating disorders I sometimes come across are my age group and above. It seems to me that while it does not go away for some women, it can express itself more fiercely at times of stress, as you have found. I think it’s good that you have insight and are prepared to admit the issue. Many of the women I have seen appear to lack insight and be in denial as to the damage the condition causes, to themselves physically, and emotionally to those around them. I guess I’m just saying at least give yourself credit for your honesty and clear mindedness.

I'm slim with a sub 20 BMI. I eat what I want and drink alcohol and coffee etc.

I don't over eat, nor do I obsess about my weight. I don't weigh myself, but I do look in the mirror.

Have you ever been on an all inclusive holiday?

No, because I like getting value for money and I know all inclusive would tempt me to over eat. We always go self catering... in the true sense. i.e. We self cater.

Mainly luck I think but I don't eat much fat, rarely have chips and have stupid amounts of fruit and vegetables.

And porridge for breakfast. I swear this helps!

I think I'm just into the underweight category. I have adhd which for me means I sometimes skip meals because I struggle with decisions about what to eat when. I also have quite a small appetite and hate feeling too full.

Keeping active and having a sensible diet.I am so lucky I dont have a sweet tooth so do not eat chocolate,cakes or biscuits.I do like my crisps and will have them once a week!Lots of fruit and salad.God I sound boring dont I!🙄

Genetics and occasionally cutting back on the snacking

Genes is a key factor.

And I think if someone was sporty & active as a child & teen, it really sets them up for later life.

I eat less carbohydrates. Although I still eat crisps and drink wine. That's has made all the difference.

Avoiding sugar, white refined food (pasta, rice, bread) fruit juice, etc. where possible

Hard work in the gym 3-4 times a week, limiting junk food. I'd say 80-90% of what I eat is healthy no junk food and high protein.

I’m 5.2 and have been a size 6-8 most of my life. I’m currently nearer an 8 but before my I had children I was nearer a 6.
I think not eating between meals is a good start, I don’t like sweets and chocolate much. I do follow a vegan diet but haven’t always as I used to be veggie. I never skip meals either, that would make me snack on rubbish I think. I do restrict my food if I put on a few pounds, not the amount of food but choose low fat options. I would recommend to anyone wanting to loose weight to run too. Its a great mood booster and great for loosing weight, it really helped me loose baby weight.

I think genetics play a big part but also I try to eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full. I think lots of people simply eat too much, whether it’s too often or large portions. If my clothes feel tight, I will exercise more and or cut back on treats or alcohol, until my clothes fit better. I always try to balance the eating with moving.

I'm not sure what people mean by genetics.
I suppose it's genetics that makes you enjoy sugary food, eating large meals, not taking much exercise, not cooking from scratch.
I'm a fidgety person and in an office job was up and down out my chair for one reason or another whereas others barely moved. I suppose that is partly genetics.
But others eat a lot in compensation for trauma or unhappiness in their lives. Can that be genetics too?
I'm sure genetics is the largest influence but life events must make a difference too. Eg a parent with an addiction. So you don't get fed well at home or get a good example of meal preparing. I suppose you could say the predilection to the addiction could be genetic too.
I wonder where it leaves everyone if it is mainly genetic as you can't change your genes.

In my honest opinion - my age, my build and my metabolism. It’ll probably catch up with me.

Oh and I literally NEVER have takeaways. Partly because I'm a tight wad, but also because I know they're calorie-loaded. It's an easy good habit to adopt

Smaller portions, watching the carb intake on things like bread and pasta
Cutting down on the snacks
I often skip breakfast or lunch..just have a banana or apple instead..I dont get a break in work at lunch and get home at 3 so to me I might as well wait until dinner to eat.
I do a lot of walking