How not to get fat…

There are so many fad diets and cleanses out there. Low carb diet, raw veganism, south beach, lemon cleanse…the list goes on and on.  Well, I actually find all of those diets very stupid.  Obviously, if you eat a healthy variety of foods and exercise, this is the best way.  But are there also certain lifestyles that can help with weight control? For example  there are so many books and rumors out there about how French women do not get fat, and how Japanese women do not get fat or old!  So what to make of it all?  Are some cultures and lifestyles more conducive to a slimmer more attractive frame?  Is it something that us North Americans are doing wrong?  I don’t think so.  It’s got to do with just common sense. A diet based on culture can only help a little.

French women do not get fat because of portion control.  They’ll have that buttery croissant, but then they’ll only have one.  When I lived in Paris, this was true.  I only had treats once in a while, and a fresh food market was on every corner for most of my main food…And what about Japanese women?  I used to work with a bunch of Japanese girls from different parts of Japan.  The reason I think that they were skinny was partly due to their work ethic.  They ate simple foods like rice and fish, but also, they worked non-stop…burning off little calories they did consume.  So yes, in a way culture can help in terms of weight control, but still, it’s a lot based in common sense.  Eat less, eat well and be active.

I’m a true North American, born and raised in Toronto, and I’ve NEVER had a weight problem.  At the same time, I’ve never been bone skinny either.  Infact, I am a nice in between…just plump enough to have curves, but not too chunky anywhere.  Here are some tips or common sense that I find works:

1. Don’t eat if you’re not hungry.  I am naturally not much of a snacker.  I try to keep busy most of the day, so eating for fun or for taste doesn’t really appeal to me.  Think about why you are eating.  Is it because you are bored, or depressed?  Don’t just snack blindly.

2. Stay away from processed, greasy food.  I am lucky that I actually do not find fast food or pizza all that appetizing.  After eating it, I often feel kind of gross, so it’s a great deterrent.  Think about the processed food you are eating…does it really taste good?  I’m sure you will answer no.

3.  Drink water instead of juice or pop, or sugared beverages.  I’m usually kind of broke, so having tap water instead of a fizzy drink works well for me.  But it also keeps me away from a lot of unneeded calories.  Think about how optimal hydration is simply achieved by water.

4.  No chocolate or ice cream, at least not regularly.  These two foods are the death traps for weight control.  You can have other kinds of candy and dessert, but just not these two things for a simple reason.  They taste so good, but are basically fat welded together with sugar.  It’s true.

5.  Everything in moderation.  I drink only one glass of wine, I don’t smoke, I’m not super healthy organic, but I try when I can.  These are the best most simple ways.  And also, read packaging if you’re eating ready made foods.  They tell you what is in it!  If the second ingredient is something like hydrogenated anything…it makes sense to not waste your money on it!

It’s as simple as that.  No fad diets,  and don’t follow another culture for an easy out.  Everything makes sense if you just realize obvious bad eating habits and cut it out.  But most important is to be yourself.  Many girls around me developed eating disorders back when I was in high school.  They had bad self esteem, or were just distracted by media messages that didn’t matter.  Some girls had said to me that I was the “perfect weight” and saw themselves as “fat”.  Now that’s just not right.  Everyone can have their own perfect weight and it is not dependent on models, or women you think are skinnier.  Just be yourself and all will fall into place!