Think thin to be thin

Years ago, when I was a young mother of small children, I was looking for the “perfect diet” to help me lose a few pounds.

When my mother heard about this she said, “Loa, if you want to be thin you’ve got to think thin. It’s as simple as that.”

Yeah right, mom.

I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now, some 30 years later, I realize she knew a very big secret. The masses have searched for this secret only to be eluded because it is truly a “forest for the trees scenario.”

Hundreds of weight-loss products and facilities abound, but the most essential ingredient might already be available to you. Natural slenderness is accompanied by a state of mind. Adopt this state of mind and your body will follow suit.

Let me explain it this way: thin people have a different attitude towards food than those who are overweight. When carrying extra pounds, you see it every time you look in the mirror. Every bite of food you take is considered for its calories and whether or not it is good or bad for you.

Also you might think, did I eat too much? Maybe I should have left out the butter. How long until the next meal? What shall I snack on this afternoon?

It becomes an obsession and truly takes over our thoughts. Since we are surrounded by food, this obsession never really goes “out of mind.” It becomes a monster. Here’s where the guilt comes in. The guilt can weigh you down more than the forbidden food you just ate.

This vicious pattern begins in your head. When you are able to get “out of our head” and truly recognize how your body feels and functions, you give yourself a “thinner” way of thinking. Thinner thinking creates a thinner body, and the best part is, this thinner body is free from the torment of the food preoccupation.

I have been collecting my own personal research on this concept for years. I was thrilled to learn that official studies are bringing forth some enlightening data.

Dr. David L. Katz, an associate professor at Yale University, conducted official studies on the lives of naturally slender people.

“Thin people have a relaxed relationship with food,“ he said. “Those who are overweight, however, tend to be preoccupied by it…mealtime is always on the brain."