Stay slim without dieting, just healthy eating

I write for a living. My job entails writing about food. I’ve been to countless media events, attended many restaurant visits, met local and international chefs, and exposed my palate to new food adventures along the way.

Despite everything, I’ve pretty much maintained my five-foot-two-inch, 100-pound frame all these years. Some of my clothes from college (almost 20 years ago) could still fit me, although the style is a bit questionable.

I can say that I haven’t changed much physically, but it’s not because I’m on a diet craze or something. Far from it! In fact, I don’t believe in diets. I’ve heard a lot about programs like the South Beach Diet, Atkins, Cohen, and the like, but I never joined any. I just ate according to my preference. After all, I live to eat.

Some people have asked me how I never get fat, and isn’t that supposed to be part of my occupational hazard?

I suppose I discovered my own formula for maintaining a slim figure. Here are some tips on how to stay slim sans diet programs.

Eat the rainbow. I find it visually appealing when my plate has full of colors. Aside from the usual protein and rice, I try to get my daily dose of leafy greens and other colorful vegetables and fruits. Always aim for a balanced meal so you’ll get the essential nutrients your body needs.

My hubby and I even got a slow juicer so we would have the option to make our own freshly pressed juice at home. My favorite is pineapple and carrot juice, but I’ve also juiced vegetables like beets, celery, broccoli and cucumber in the past.

Train your palate. Instead of going for instant food or snacks, I make it a point to consciously eat healthier. I used to enjoy waking up to the smell of bacon, corned beef or luncheon meat, but now, my usual breakfast would include buttered toast and some sort of vegetable omelet. I simply rummage through the fridge to see if we have any leftovers I could add with the eggs, but I prefer fresh shiitake mushrooms, arugula or spinach. My taste buds are now happier eating the veggie omelet rather than the mystery meat that is Spam.

Avoid processed food. As much as possible, go for foods that are in its “rawest” form. For instance, opt for whole grain rice instead of milled rice, whole wheat bread instead of white bread, raw vegetables rather than cooked… You get the picture. In our household, we also try to avoid stocking up on a lot of canned goods. We do keep a couple in our pantry, but we don’t really consume them until necessary.

I think it also helps that I don’t drink soda—I stopped consuming this overly sweet thirst-quencher since my college days. I prefer warm water than any other drink.

During snack time, I nibble on some nuts or have a pack of yogurt in place of junkfood like potato chips or cookies. I go for the healthier alternatives these days. I admit though that I have an occasional cheat day or two—those moments when my hubby would buy a bag of Cheetos and I couldn’t resist getting some especially when he eats it in front of me. I allow myself a small taste, but I won’t finish the whole bag!

To market, to market. Before, I used to go with my mom to the weekend market until I was able to train our house helper to shop there herself. Early on, I learned how to pick fresh fruits and vegetables and even haggle with the vendors. There’s nothing like choosing your own food and making sure that it’s the best you could give your body.

I’ve also gone to the seaside market a few times, but I have yet to master selecting the best seafood in the bunch. I’m sure in due time I’ll be able to do so effortlessly. All it takes is some effort, exposure and practice to buy fresh food for your household and cook it yourself. Your body would thank you for it.

Eat in moderation. I eat many small meals a day not because somebody told me so, but because I listen to my body. I know when my stomach has reached its maximum capacity already. I stop eating when I feel almost full and not totally stuffed. This is also why I avoid buffets—I don’t like the pressure of eating a lot and I don’t really get value for my money there.

Regularly work out. Exercise—it seems easier said than done. The trick is to set realistic goals for yourself. I’m not the hardcore type who enrolls at a gym or joins a weekly workout activity. For me, the most doable exercise is brisk walking around the village. And when I’m in the groove, I would sometimes bring out my yoga mat and do some stretching at home. Nothing strenuous for me, but it beats having a sedentary lifestyle.

See, there’s really no cold, hard secret in staying slim. I’m fortunate I found the formula that fits my lifestyle—with no diet programs involved. So, start with these tips as you create a healthier you and your figure will follow suit. — BM, GMA News