I did an informal poll of many of the exhibitors of healthy foods and equipment products, and every dietitian I could talk to when I was in Denver at FNCE last week. Almost unanimously they all "tell" their clients/patients about themselves when their client states, "you don't have to worry about what you eat--you're naturally thin". They say, "oh no! I watch what I eat, I exercise too!". But, it's not about YOU, it's really about your client, and what your client is thinking about their ability to make changes.
What I say, and what's so effective (try it!) is, "Oh, do you think I can eat and drink whatever I want, whenever I want to? Do you think you can't do anything to modify your usual diet, or add some activity, so that you can be "naturally thin" too?"
This is an effective statement, because most everyone knows that even people who used to be "naturally thin" when they were young, as they age begin to gain weight, unless they modify their habits. Here is what happens when you take a clear look at your usual diet, and see where you're overeating or under-exercising. The light bulb begins to shine, you may think, "hmmmm. You may be on to something--maybe it is my attitude that's keeping me from making some healthy changes!"
Making weight control second nature means making your Usual choices smart for YOU, planning healthy meals and snacks, and grabbing activity wherever you can. It's all in the book--all the tips, ideas and strategies for living thin naturally.
Here's the revelation! Being thin and healthy, eating what you like yet liking yourself, and controlling your weight without fixating on it for the rest of your life is not about natural gifts, but about the gift of knowing how.
