Rocking a body you’re proud of (and reaping the mental and emotional benefits that come along with that effort you put in), doesn’t happen by accident. It requires doing things that aren’t always popular and avoiding the path of least resistance.
That being said, it can be tricky sometimes to stick to your goals and not feel like a turn-off to those who haven’t quite made it as far as you. Here are 10 supportive things that skinny people say to help stay on track. (Well, at least the nice ones.)
#1. Could you maybe go light on the oil and put the dressing on the side please? Perfect, thanks!
High-maintenance customers are fuel for food servers’ behind-the-scenes vent sessions. Ask politely for healthy accommodations to your restaurant order—don’t make demands. If by chance the server slips and forgets your special request, assume the blame. Say something like, “I’m so sorry. I guess I wasn’t very clear. If you could still make that switch, that would be great!”
#2. I’d love to bring in treats to the office for so-and-so’s birthday. How about some bagels and fruit?
Sugary, doughy, sprinkly morsels somehow seem to be a magic glue when it comes to building team rapport. Get in the habit of being proactive about the food that comes across your break-room threshold, and make sure there are a few whole-grain, high-protein options. It’s hard for anyone to accuse you of not being a team player when you’re the one volunteering to bring the grub.
#3. We should for sure get together sometime soon. How about a yoga class?
Yes, it is possible to have girl time without brandishing a martini glass. While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional happy hour, if you’re a social person those “quick drinks with friends” can really add up. Plus, all those after-hour meetups are likely to cut into your sweat time sooner or later. Mix it up by asking friends to catch up over a hike, fun class, or pick-up basketball game.
#4. Why don’t we start to wind down after this tv show?
Late-night television can be a real time-trap, messing with your sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, launching carb and fat cravings, impeding your ability to wake up for your workout the next day, and, obviously, interfering with your sex life. DVR your favorite shows only, and limit your weeknight screen time to only one or two nightly picks of your top entertainers.
#5. I feel better when I exercise.
Jealous people have a tendency to dish out backhanded compliments like, “You’re so thin—skipping one workout won’t kill you,” or “Oh, please, why are you worried about what you eat? Look at you!” The fact that they attribute insecurity as the sole reason to take care of yourself only serves to illuminate their own struggles. When you explain to people that you feel better when you exercise and eat well, it takes the spotlight off their own comparisons and prompts them to cut you some slack. After all, who would deprive you of something you rely on to save your sanity?
#6. I can’t believe I’m passing that up, but I’m so full. Really, that looks amazing!
Okay, so maybe it’s a tiny bit of a stretch to say you’re too full to try your co-worker’s super-duper-fudge brownies, but make an effort to make her feel that she’s a good cook (even if you didn’t partake). Blaming it on something other than her food selection will make you sound gracious and appreciative of her gesture. That being said, there’s always someone bringing something in for some occasion. If you indulge every time there’s anything out of the ordinary, you won’t make it very far towards your goals.
#7. I think I’ll pass on the bread. Otherwise I know I’ll fill up before dinner!
Even though you’re setting a good example for others, people want to know you’re human. Don’t pretend you don’t want all the extra goodies—simply push the temptation out of arms’ reach and know you’ll still get plenty to eat with your entrée. A good rule of thumb is to decide on enjoying either some pre-dinner bread OR wine with dinner OR dessert afterwards. Saying yes to everything will not end well.
#8. Do you want to work out with me?
Skinny people know that exercise makes their day better…and their week, month, etc.! Invite your partner and/or friends to share in the love. Having a non-judgmental friend there to support them may help ease their fears about starting an exercise program, and feeding off of each other’s results is so motivating.
#9. I’m doing my best.
People who consistently maintain an ideal weight don’t compare themselves to others—they turn inward for that day-in, day-out motivation. Highly competitive people are often those whose weight yo-yo’s the most. While it’s natural to feel proud of your results (and also natural to notice how you stack up to others), don’t let that be your primary driver.
#10. I can have that…later.
It may sound counterintuitive, but people who plan regular indulgences actually fare better in the long-run than those who take an all-or-nothing approach. Even most competitive bodybuilders schedule a weekly cheat-day until the last few weeks of their event. Scan your upcoming schedule and pick a time that you’ll plan to treat yourself when you’re most likely to enjoy it. For most of us, a decadent dessert or a Saturday-night pizza-and-movie date are more satisfying than an unplanned binge on store bought cookies at the PTA meeting. Planning your treat will help you feel better about turning down unhealthy options the rest of the week, so you can enjoy your splurge without guilt. And what can be better than chocolate WITHOUT guilt? That’s what we say!
