43, 5'6, 118lbs, chase after the kids and I try to walk a lot. I'm naturally toned and I think that helps my metabolism. I eat a lot. If my metabolism ever slows down, I'll be in big trouble because I'm used to eating a lot.

I'm 50 and pretty much eat whatever I want -- which is naturally somewhat healthy foods rather than junk. I can't remember the last time I had fast food, though I'm happy to have pizza, maybe once a month. But I think the big reason I stay slim is I almost never overeat. My DH struggles with overeating so I think about this often. I really think he has a brain chemistry problem. He gets so much pleasure from overeating. I just don't.

Anonymous wrote:OP you aren’t going to get 1) honest feedback 2) it is all relative

People that are truly slim naturally and “eat what they want” don’t want to eat the same things and the same amounts that those who struggle with their weight do.

+1
My grandma only ever weighed over 100 when she was pregnant and I don’t think she would have ever said she denied herself, exactly, but she was proud that she was slim. She truly was one of those, “I have had a little and that’s enough” people, but looking back, she only ever ate these tiny, bird-like portions. And that was enough for her. She ate what she wanted, yes, but she didn’t want a lot.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP you aren’t going to get 1) honest feedback 2) it is all relative

People that are truly slim naturally and “eat what they want” don’t want to eat the same things and the same amounts that those who struggle with their weight do.

Ding! Ding! Ding!


Spot on. I had a naturally thin roommate who ate ice cream every night. But her serving of ice cream was different than mine and she wasn't going back for a second scoop. She also ate whatever she wanted at meals and was a fabulous cook, but again when she ate she always stopped when she was full and almost always left food on her plate.

Everyone wants to believe that thin people have higher metabolisms, or do some special workouts, but in reality they are just really good at self moderation. Sure exercise plays a roll in weight maintenance, but diet is the much bigger factor.

All of this. It's really about portion size, and maybe in some ways genetic because some people have better self-regulation and preferences for different food types. I was overweight in college, even though I exercised a lot and tried to eat healthy foods, because I just ate portions that were too large. Now, I look like someone who is slim and eats what they want but really I just know how many calories I need and how to get that from intuitive eating. I still do exercise regularly, but mostly moderate things like walking and light weights.

This is not 100% true. I'm slim and it's my metabolism and genetics. I'm not gonna sit here and pretend that it's because I have any more self-control or self-discipline as anyone else.

OP, know that yes for some people it's their ability to eat in moderation, but also know that people just have the metabolism for it as well. That's all.

Genetics: I'm 38, 5'5, 110, and my mom is 73, 5'4, 115, but my sister has had to work hard after puberty to maintain her desired weight.

Honestly, the truth is genetics. My dad struggled his whole life to keep his weight up. My mom is also skinny.

Kids eat whatever and are also naturally on the skinny side (narrow build). One of my kids has always been like in the 30th for weight and 90th for height.

Honestly it's genetics. I'm slim and eat what I want -- which is often junk food. I'm trying to eat better but my comfort foods are sweets and pastries. I used to work out quite consistently, but as a new mom that's becoming more and more difficult.

Not trying to brag but just want to note that some times, it's just genetics.

I just really, really like vegetables. I eat whatever I want, but what I want is mostly really healthy.

Here is a good case study. I am a twin and we are both relatively slim but my twin puts WAY more effort into working out than I do and eats less (more allergies).

I am 5'7" and weigh about 140 after 3 kids. I work out 4-5 times a week. I usually run 2 times a week and then Peloton 2-3 times a week. I eat literally whatever I want and don't really pay attention at all (horrible I know).

Twin sister is 5'7" and weighs about 132 after 2 kids. She runs EVERY single day no matter what. Sometimes its only a mile but usually she averages 5 miles a day. She doesn't eat pasta or gluten (allergies) but probably drinks more than I do.

Its pretty much genetics at this point. That is what I am seeing. If I put more effort into it like her I would probably be 132 as well. Although she had her last kid 8 years ago and I had my last kid 1.5 years ago - that is also a factor.

Anonymous wrote:Most of these posts are not “eat what you want” but either not eating or eating a very controlled diet.

But that's the thing, for those people they just don't have big appetites so it is eating what they want. They may have learned to acquire a taste for healthier foods. When you've been eating a healthier diet for a while, it starts to make you feel physically bad to eat a lot of junk food.

55 years old. I’ve always been thin. Right now 5’5 and about 115. I do exercise, but not to an extreme. I eat whatever I want. Here’s the thing - I am rarely hungry. I have to remind myself to eat lunch, for example. I’ve realized at 6pm while cooking dinner that I haven’t eaten at all the entire day. It’s not healthy at all. I have alarms set to remind myself to eat. If you put a piece of cake in front of me, I’ll devour it, but I wouldn’t think to get it myself. I just don’t have hunger cues.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP you aren’t going to get 1) honest feedback 2) it is all relative

People that are truly slim naturally and “eat what they want” don’t want to eat the same things and the same amounts that those who struggle with their weight do.

Ding! Ding! Ding!


Spot on. I had a naturally thin roommate who ate ice cream every night. But her serving of ice cream was different than mine and she wasn't going back for a second scoop. She also ate whatever she wanted at meals and was a fabulous cook, but again when she ate she always stopped when she was full and almost always left food on her plate.

Everyone wants to believe that thin people have higher metabolisms, or do some special workouts, but in reality they are just really good at self moderation. Sure exercise plays a roll in weight maintenance, but diet is the much bigger factor.

All of this. It's really about portion size, and maybe in some ways genetic because some people have better self-regulation and preferences for different food types. I was overweight in college, even though I exercised a lot and tried to eat healthy foods, because I just ate portions that were too large. Now, I look like someone who is slim and eats what they want but really I just know how many calories I need and how to get that from intuitive eating. I still do exercise regularly, but mostly moderate things like walking and light weights.

Anonymous wrote:OP you aren’t going to get 1) honest feedback 2) it is all relative

People that are truly slim naturally and “eat what they want” don’t want to eat the same things and the same amounts that those who struggle with their weight do.

Ding! Ding! Ding!


Spot on. I had a naturally thin roommate who ate ice cream every night. But her serving of ice cream was different than mine and she wasn't going back for a second scoop. She also ate whatever she wanted at meals and was a fabulous cook, but again when she ate she always stopped when she was full and almost always left food on her plate.

Everyone wants to believe that thin people have higher metabolisms, or do some special workouts, but in reality they are just really good at self moderation. Sure exercise plays a roll in weight maintenance, but diet is the much bigger factor.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I run or cycle 4-5 days a week, yoga or light strength training the other days. Typically get 10k+ steps daily. I don’t really take full rest days unless I’m sick or traveling. My body craves motion and I don’t feel good unless I’ve moved a lot.

I eat what I want, but for me that means an extremely light breakfast and lunch then a normal dinner. So until 6pm I’ll eat maybe a piece of fruit or a green smoothie, toast with butter and/or a scrambled egg. I just don’t get hungry or think about food much until dinner time. I eat big meals for dinner and indulge in desserts when I feel like it.

"I just don't get hungry or think about food much until dinner time."

THIS is the difference between someone who can manage their weight naturally and those of us who can't. I wake up hungry. I can eat a large breakfast and be hungry 2 hours later. Not just "my mouth wants food, I love sweets" but my stomach is empty again hungry. Maybe it's not empty, but that's the message my body and brain are sending me. I get cranky and sometimes shaky when I haven't eaten in 5 hours. I can't fathom people who just don't feel like eating breakfast or just eat a yogurt cup and are fine until lunch. Im not obese, but I work hard to stay at a size 8 and it can creep up to 10 if I eat intuitively. But I hate thinking about food as often as I do. Im jealous of those people who just don't get hungry much!

Valid point. I have to be strict (though not joyless/inflexible) with myself about snacking. I plan my day around food, to a big extent! But I also really really enjoy exercise, so that helps.

Anonymous wrote:I workout twice a week. Here’s the thing though- I eat what I want but don’t want junk. I’ll get my kids donuts on occasion but have no desire to have one. Fried food makes me feel sick so I have no desire for it. I’m not a big fan of sweets generally. I only drink water, tea and wine occasionally. A typical day would be similar to yesterday where I had Ezekiel cereal with walnuts and blueberries and unsweetened almond milk for breakfast, some beef and barley soup for lunch and salmon with broccoli and sweet potatoes for dinner. I almost never snack and prefer sticking to three meals a day.

I’ll add my stats- 47, 5’8” 120 lbs.