What Healthy and Slim People Do Differently

Lisa Franchi March 07, 2016

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Most of us have that common friend - that person who seems so effortlessly slim and healthy. And we wonder why we couldn’t have that good-looking body as that person has. If you’ve ever wondered what the secrets of these effortlessly slim and healthy people are, here’s a good read. A growing body of research tells us that they actually share some common healthy habits that make them look and feel good. 

They don’t skip breakfast. Never. 

Yes, your elementary school teacher is right. You shouldn’t skip breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day.  Take note that your body goes through a period of fasting during the night while you are asleep. So if you don’t eat breakfast, your body will not have enough source of energy to get through the rest of the day. You are more likely to feel tired and lethargic. Worse, your craving for food later in the day is likely to go up, so you might end up binge eating. The problem is, your body needs less food at night as you will not have intense physical activities to do. What’s more, skipping breakfast has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease - according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Another research published in the Journal of American Diabetic Association has found that skipping breakfast leads to weight gain over time.  

Exercise is part of their lifestyle. 

For slim and healthy people, working out isn’t something they will do only when they want to or when the time permits them to. For them, exercise is part of their lifestyle. Not only does exercising help you burn calories, it also boosts the release of endorphins in your brain, lifting your mood. Also, it lowers your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, depression, and many other health conditions.

They track the numbers on their scale. 

Stepping on the scale is a habit that should be treated just like brushing your teeth. Being aware of your weight gives you an idea about whether you are doing well or not. Also, knowing your numbers would motivate you more to achieve your ideal weight.

They practise mindfulness all the time.

Mindfulness is a very good habit that can bring amazing changes to your life. By practising mindfulness in everything you do, you become more in control of yourself in whatever situation you are in. Fit and healthy people are conscious of what they eat and how much. What’s more, they enjoy the food more than those who engage in mindless eating.

They prep food from scratch.

Yes, you can prepare your food and eat it too. Healthy and fit people don’t like to eat processed food much because they know that it contains fewer nutrients than a meal prepared fresh at home. You might think that it is very time-consuming. But if you ever watch any of Jamie Oliver 30-minute meal shows, you’d realise you can make a healthy, mouth-watering feast in no time!

There you go - the habits commonly shared by slim people. Try incorporating one or two of these tips to your daily lifestyle and see how it could benefit your health… and your confidence too!