Are they just lucky?
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And there is the teenage growing boy syndrome..... My 19 year old 6'3.5" son weighs 143# eats non-stop when he's awake, lots of carbs (breads, pasta, potatoes) - I am pushing more protein and drinking more water. he gets dizzy so easily. -
I keep wanting to actually record all he eats to see how much it really is...0 -
Though, he goes through periods where he's not as hungry and eats less.
This is pretty normal, they eat a ton for a few days then they eat very little. If he eats 3000 for a few days then eats 1800 a few days it can certainly offset things quite fast.
How long did you do this for?
3000 for about 2 weeks and then maybe down to 2100 for 2. He doesn't have a twitch or existing medical conditions. *Shrugs*. Each body is different. I certainly can't do that!0 -
I remember family members seeing me eat lots of food in one sitting ( just like everyone else at the table) and because I was slim comments were made about my metabolism and I heard " it's just not fair is it?" What they didn't see was how hard it had been for me to lose 20 pounds in my thirties... My brain when I was 20 pounds overweight did believe that I was the kind of person who would only get heavier... Fighting with and changing my thinking was so hard!!! So when I heard " it's not fair". My reaction was to think it has nothing to do with fair! I worked damn hard for this and anyone else can do it too!0
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I'm sorry, but I don't believe there's such a thing. It's a lie.
Most people I know believe I'm naturally skinny. To be honest, I have no idea why they'd think that - I'm vegan and I restrict my eating more than most people I know, plus I'm very active. However, I eat very frequently and when I do eat sweets and such, it's almost exclusively with friends and not alone, which might probably cause this impression.
I've had past roomates say I was just naturally skinny when they had their pantry full of chips and chocolate and all I had there was beans and lentils.
My boyfriend thinks he's naturally skinny, but I know he just eats too little for a guy who's 6'4. He's certain he eats tons, but I'm sure he hardly gets to 2000 cals a day.
No, you shouldn't assume it's just a lie. One thing no one has mentioned is how important a role genes play. Some people are simply pre-disposed to a higher metabolism due to genetics, a factor that cannot be ignored. I have never been more than thin in my entire life, whether or not I exercise. In fact, I would argue that exercise makes me gain weight (the good kind of weight though), because I tend to eat way more when I exercise. My parents are both rail thin and tall, so it's no surprise that both my brother and I are tall and thin.0 -
Though, he goes through periods where he's not as hungry and eats less.
This is pretty normal, they eat a ton for a few days then they eat very little. If he eats 3000 for a few days then eats 1800 a few days it can certainly offset things quite fast.
How long did you do this for?
3000 for about 2 weeks and then maybe down to 2100 for 2. He doesn't have a twitch or existing medical conditions. *Shrugs*. Each body is different. I certainly can't do that!
He probably has high NEAT.0 -
Though, he goes through periods where he's not as hungry and eats less.
This is pretty normal, they eat a ton for a few days then they eat very little. If he eats 3000 for a few days then eats 1800 a few days it can certainly offset things quite fast.
How long did you do this for?
3000 for about 2 weeks and then maybe down to 2100 for 2. He doesn't have a twitch or existing medical conditions. *Shrugs*. Each body is different. I certainly can't do that!
He probably has high NEAT.
*Shrugs* Either way, he can eat a lot, and doesn't gain weight.
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Yeah they are SO lucky that they never have to learn self discipline, what their true colors are in a struggle, how to push themselves to overcome real obstacles, how to make wise decisions and understand health and nutrition and how their body works. So freaking lucky.
what the hell - people will think of ANYTHING to complain about when procrastinating.0 -
It means they don't overeat, plain and simple.
Pizza, ice cream, bacon, etc do not make you fat. Overeating does.
I agree, everything is in moderation. Also you must be active!0 -
I'm the exact opposite, people wonder how I lose weight, because when they see me it is because we are usually going out to get drinks, and dinner on the weekends, or holidays and I don't hold back then, but they don't see the way I eat the rest of the week at home, and at work I actually had somebody at a wedding I was at ask if I was off my diet, just because I was eating the appetizers haha. Same as these people you see that are skinny, you are usually only seeing them in an environment like that, and they are going to indulge themselves, but may not eat anything else that day when you aren't around.0
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I'm the exact opposite, people wonder how I lose weight, because when they see me it is because we are usually going out to get drinks, and dinner on the weekends, or holidays and I don't hold back then, but they don't see the way I eat the rest of the week at home, and at work I actually had somebody at a wedding I was at ask if I was off my diet, just because I was eating the appetizers haha. Same as these people you see that are skinny, you are usually only seeing them in an environment like that, and they are going to indulge themselves, but may not eat anything else that day when you aren't around.
This! This is me as well - I eat very good at home and at work. On the weekends I indulge. I'm 5'9" and 125.0 -
Most people are within 5% of each other whether fat or thin.
That's a very interesting statement. Citation/source?0 -
not sure it is that simple. My hubby is one of those people on the surface, still very thin and eats a lot but then if you look at portion sizes they tend to be quite sensible and he has a manual job and plays squash 3-5 times a week too. Yes a few people may have really high metabolism, but look at most people who are thin, do they work out, do they have jobs that keep them moving or life styles with lots of activity, eg dog walking, kids sport training etc and finally are they always on the go doing lots of social things that involve getting out and about, diy round the home etc... I expect that is more the case.0
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Part of what has made this time successful for me to lose and stay focused is my change in understanding of 'those other people'. I have learned that no one has it 'easy'. Some are luckier than others in that they may naturally/ genetically have a bit higher metabolism. However, they still have to balance food choice, portions, and activity.
A friend of mine used to be a body builder, great physique. He also genetically is more prone to a leaner build. His younger days, when he competed and was bulky, he worked very hard to get and stay that way. As he hit 40, he knew that his metabolism would slow down, and deliberately dropped his body fat percentage.
He has confided that even for him, getting to gym isn't always easy or fun. It is just part of the requirement to be healthy. He does indulge in treats much more than I can right now, but he definitely keeps a balance and works hard at it so he can stay fit and healthy.
Like I said, that mind shift for me has made a world of difference. No one can eat anything and all they want, not exercise, and stay healthy.
As my trainer says - "It is hard to be fat. It is hard to be fit. Choose your hard! "0 -
If they really are eating tons of food and not exercising....well look at it this way. When the Zombie Apocalypse happens, they will starve because they need lots of food to keep going and will not be able to find enough because of the zombies. The rest of us here will be able to survive for a while on our stores of fat and not be worse for wear.
Really though, yes, they have an advantage with modern diets, but most of history, if the crops didn't come in...they would be the ones to starve during the winter. I suspect that all of us here are normal, they are the ones who are the flukes.0 -
False perception.
Lean people either eat less than you think and/or move more.0 -
Yeah, it seems like they eat whatever they want because you see them on that one day a year when they splurge and eat 2 cupcakes, or you see them when they get a fast food lunch, but you don't see them the rest of the day when they are moving non-stop and don't notice an appetite or they get busy and "forget to eat". Or they eat a mostly healthy diet at home and don't have treats at home, but do eat when they are being social with friends. Or they have made exercise a regular part of their lives, for a very long time. Stuff like that. And while they may have the occasional splurge, they never actually binge eat.
Slender people will say things like, "I eat whatever I want", but "whatever they want" is not in excess.0 -
I think you'll find those skinny people don't eat as much as you think they do and that they are very active. I get accused of eating all day long but my daily intake is actually about 1300 calories. There are very few people in the world who have a super metabolism. Most people are within 5% of each other whether fat or thin.
^ This.
My husband is one of those people, and I remember thinking when we were dating that, wow, he can eat whatever he wants and never gain weight! Now that we're married I see he actually eats much less than he should be eating.0 -
Some people are blessed with a higher metabolism and don't need to worry about what they eat (so far in their lives)
Some people are cursed with a slower metabolism and seem to gain weight by just looking or smelling food.
Some people are thin because they don't eat enough.
Some people are not thin because they don't eat enough.
Some people eat moderately and never exercise because they stay within their TDEE.
Some people eat a lot and exercise a lot in order to stay within their TDEE.
Some people don't know what they're doing.... but supposedly are doing it "right."
Trust me, the more you dwell over the fact that it doesn't seem fair that he or she can eat so much junk and never seem to gain weight while you are watching every calorie of every morsel while never seeming to lose an inch will drive you insane...
Life isn't fair... we just have to learn to live with the cards we were dealt. Or do our best to change it. For those of us who aren't blessed with very fast metabolisms, we can only do our best to work out within reason and eat foods that help us feel good inside and out.
No point in wishing we were _____ for the wrong reasons.0 -
It means they don't overeat, plain and simple.
Pizza, ice cream, bacon, etc do not make you fat. Overeating does.
this!0 -
I used to be a skinny person who could eat whatever I wanted and not gain, but I was also a fairly active person - on my feet all day - and didn't have great eating habits. Someone might have seen me chowing down on chocolate or pizza, but they didn't see that I skipped breakfast or had a tiny lunch. Once I got a desk job, I gained a little. Once I got a husband and ate regular meals, I gained more.
Now, I'm a fit person who eats pretty much whatever I want, eating lots more than when I was young (I'm maintaining at about 2300 calories), but I lift heavy weights three times a week and run three times a week... It's not luck that makes me able to eat this way, it's because I put in the work. I enjoy exercising, but anyone who says it's just luck doesn't see the sweaty gross mess I am when I come home from a run. :laugh:
BOOM-TASTIC0 -
Small study but:
http://www.endo-society.org/media/ENDO-08/research/Why-dont-thin-people-gain-weight.cfm
"This finding does not support the idea that the increased metabolic rate after overeating protects thin individuals from weight gain.
“This suggests that differences in hunger, fullness, food intake and physical activity may be more important factors in why some people are thin..."0 -
I think you'll find those skinny people don't eat as much as you think they do and that they are very active. I get accused of eating all day long but my daily intake is actually about 1300 calories. There are very few people in the world who have a super metabolism. Most people are within 5% of each other whether fat or thin.
^ This.
My husband is one of those people, and I remember thinking when we were dating that, wow, he can eat whatever he wants and never gain weight! Now that we're married I see he actually eats much less than he should be eating.
Yeah I used to think my sister-in-law was blessed with some crazy never-gain-weight gene, because she uses so much butter in EVERYTHING she makes. When I started watching what I eat I noticed how she eats compared to me... nowhere NEAR the quanities I used to. It was an eye opener for me.
My sister's best friend can knock back bag of chips in a night and it can make you think "how's she stay so skinny?" Until you spend a whole day with her and realise that's pretty much the only thing she'll eat in a day.0 -
Years of this.... and we found out he had a SUPER hyperactive thyroid (Graves Disease) which caused serious medical problems (weakness, mental issues, heart problems, body shaking).
I should dig up a source on this as I recall reading about it -- apparently hypothyroid is not nearly as pronounced as hyperthyroid. I still believe that these conditions are more often excuses vs when it's actually diagnosed (people often assume thyroid problem without being diagnosed) -- but those who legitimately have an overactive thyroid indeed need to eat crap-tons of calories.
I hate the "I think people use it as an excuse..." Yes, I agree with you; if someone is "self-diagnosing" or "assuming" they have a thyroid condition and blame it for their metabolic issues, that's one thing. Many people don't quite know the struggle that is dealing with a thyroid condition, in a field of medicine where we're all still the guinea pigs! So yes, hypothyroidism CAN result in a very sluggish metabolism (and this isn't just factoring weight loss/weight gain, but energy in general).
For instance (and anecdotal), I was "hyperthyroid"... by symptom. I haven't had a thyroid since I was 13, was put on a high dosage for an extended period to kill potential cancerous tissue... than boom, apparently hit my threshold, wound up in the hospital with thyroidtoxcosis... and even though I was active, ate very little (as I had my whole life)... it caused a big enough increase in cortisol from my adrenal glands working too hard for too long, that I gained weight.
So really, hormonal things can REALLY throw the "eat whatever I want" or "I can't eat anything without gaining weight!" conundrums.0 -
Yeah, I agree. I see skinny people who look and act sick, are sick, cold and miserable and who refuse to eat what they need to to be healthy. When I see folks like that I feel okay that I am overweight, but still healthy and fit. I recently read an article that said that if you can improve your fitness and maintain that, even if you don't lose weight (provided that you are not grossly obese, but if it were possible to be fit and grossly obese, it would still improve one's health) that you will live longer, up to 4-5 years longer just from maintaining fitness. So, stop obsessing about how skinny people stay skinny and go work out!I wanted to add that I know skinny doesn't equate healthy. To me, healthy is more important and whether or not someone is skinny or not, they may not be in the best health if they are eating nothing but processed/junk food. But again, this was just a silly little rant for the day.0 -
Yep... I have friends that can eat buckets and they won't gain anything. They're also about just as active as I am (which is not much at an engineering school). But the other day I was talking to them about it and they said, "Even though I can eat a buffet and say I'm STILL hungry, have you ever actually SEEN me eat more?" And it's true; they don't. They're fatties, just like the rest of us, but they control themselves. I wanna be like them!
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A friend of mine is extremely skinny and does eat like a horse, I've seen the meals she puts away lol. However, she is not necessarily fit or healthy and she has very high cholesterol. Alternatively, another friend is rather large and yet is very fit and shows me up every time in the gym. Some people do have higher metabolisms than others, we are all made differently.0
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Yeah they are SO lucky that they never have to learn self discipline, what their true colors are in a struggle, how to push themselves to overcome real obstacles, how to make wise decisions and understand health and nutrition and how their body works. So freaking lucky.
what the hell - people will think of ANYTHING to complain about when procrastinating.
Well some days I didn't eat because I didn't have food. That can be real obstacle at times.0 -
I used to be one of those people. People used to say I was lucky. That I had a crazy metabolism. I could outeat everyone. I was active but not unusually so.
People saw the meals. What they didn't see was that was it. I didn't snack. I never ate breakfast. There were plenty of days where I simply forgot to eat.
I realized this at the time. I tried gaining weight, and was moderately successful, but it took me purposely eating on a schedule to make it happen. I could go on a massive binge, but afterwards it took real effort to eat something for a while.0 -
Just watched a documentary about this on youtube "Why thin people are not fat" it is about an hour long.0
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My husband has always been thin, and he could eat a 2L container of ice cream. I saw someone say that a thin person doesn't eat as much as they seem - but trust me... my husband sure does! At least 2500 calories a day and probably more. My sister in law is the same way. But, I suppose that will catch up to them eventually as they get older. He's only 25.
Anyway. It's possible to be thin and be unhealthy. It's called "skinny fat". Your body can be terribly unhealthy even though you appear to be very thin. What's most important is health and treating and feeding your body right!
I think the idea that you can eat anything you want is also skewed by body size as well. I'm 6'2" and my caloric goal for a day is 2100ish. If I wanted to just maintain my weight it would be in the 2400 range and that's on an inactive diet. If you have moderate activity I'd need close to 2800. If you're shorter, the less calories you need to get through a day. Sure it'll catch up to you, but comparing caloric intake needs to be apples to apples comparison.0
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