Thinking like a thin person

As I’ve been getting closer and closer to my goal weight, I’m realizing that part of what has to change is my thought process around eating, exercise, and health in general. You see, for the longest time, I’ve thought of myself as a fat person, and as a fat person, I’m supposed to eat a lot, not do a whole lot of exercise (or give up quickly if I start), and relegate myself to the XL or larger section of any clothing store (or if I’m really big, to a specialty big-and-tall store). A lot of times, I put the changes I’ve made to my eating and exercise habits into the ‘well, I’m on a diet’ category. However, I’m realizing now that that thinking is self-defeating - if I think like a fat person, I will act like a fat person. If I think like a thin person for now, then go back to my ‘fat person’ thinking once I’ve reached my goal, I’ll gain back the weight and lose any health gains I’ve made. If I think like a thin person, even if I’m fat or not at my goal weight yet, I’ll be more likely to reach my goal, and maintain it once I’m there.

So how does one think like a thin person? Here are a couple of ideas:

• You are probably use to eating as a fat person - lots of calories, lots of processed and/or fast foods, and large portions. As a thin person, you have to get used to eating a smaller portion - it’s not like you’ll get to your goal weight and then go back to your old eating habits and portion sizes. If you do, over time you’ll end up fat again.
• Exercise has to become a daily way of life - it’s not just something you do to lose weight. Regular exercise is a vital part of remaining healthy, regulating your metabolism, and ensuring that the pounds don’t creep back on you.
• Buy clothes that make you feel good, not that make you feel hidden - as a fat person, we sometimes attempt to drape ourselves in loose clothing, wear black or dark colors (which supposedly give the illusion of thinness), and don’t buy those clothes that might fit more snugly. As a thin person,  you have the freedom to buy clothing for both comfort and style, and you shouldn’t forgo the latter for the former.
• Overall, realize that it’s a daily, long-term process - many people fail and gain back weight because they think that once they reach their goal weight, they’re done. Nothing could be further from the truth - if your goal is a number on a scale, then fine, you might be done; however, if your goal is better overall health, better image, and a better lifestyle altogether, then you’re not done - you’ve simply have to change the way you’re living long-term. As you get closer to your goal weight, start thinking now about what your life will be like once you hit that goal - if you’re honest with yourself, not much should change from the way it is now (if you’re being successful at your weight loss and health goals, that is). Could you allow yourself an extra reward meal periodically? Of course. Could you increase your calorie intake slightly so you hold at a good weight instead of continue to drop? Sure. Can you go back to ordering from the drive-through, eating a super-sized Extra Value meal on your way home to a full-sized, high-calorie dinner with a big dessert? I don’t think so. (And don’t tell me you’ve never done that before when you were fat…..)

The most recent email I received from the Biggest Loser Club had a list of items as well (funny how the timing works). Here’s their list - if you can think of others, comment on this message and share it with everyone.

Thinking Like a Fit Person
It’s the thought that counts

Fit and healthy people come in many different shapes and sizes and make a wide variety of food choices. Despite their differences, fit and healthy people are remarkably similar in the way they think! Here are 10 thoughts that fit and healthy people think, according to BLC expert Greg Hottinger, RD.
1. “This is fun.” Fit people enjoy activity for the sake of the activity. The fact that the activity also happens to be “good for you” is secondary.
2. “You get what you pay for.” Healthy people realize that quality foods cost more than overly processed foods. They think about how the food was grown or raised and are willing to pay more for local and/or organically grown foods. They believe that good health is built from quality foods.
3. “This is easy.” Fit people move! The thought of walking to get somewhere is not foreign or averse. Being fit means daily activities and chores are less taxing and fit people revel in being able to do these things easily.
4. “I’d rather throw this food away than wear it.” Healthy people do not succumb to the “all you can eat,” “super size,” and “two for the price of one” traps around food. They know that bigger portions lead to eating more…