Monday, January 24, 2011

Naturally Thin

I finished reading Bethenny Frankel's "Naturally Thin" in just under two days and I loved it! I loved and appreciated that this wasn't a diet book, she doesn't tell you what you should or shouldn't eat but she tells you how to eat (which is what I need help with). She has a ton of great advice, tips and tricks for eating healthier, eating less and becoming "Naturally Thin."

The first half of the book is filled with her 10 rules for being Naturally Thin, she goes in to great detail what these rules mean, how to follow them and what she personally does to make sure she's following her own rules. I started to implement these rules as soon as I started reading the book (which was last Wednesday) and I have already lost 3 pounds (as of yesterday!)

I have heard people say that following these rules is unrealistic, but I disagree. Bethenny's whole point is that you don't have to be on a diet, you can eat whatever you want. But, you have to do it in moderation and balance your food choices. For example, if you go out to eat and want a steak....get a steak. BUT, if you get a steak and a salad and a bowl of soup and a baked potato you need to only have a few bites of each, or eat the whole bowl of soup and have a few bites of everything else. OR, if you want the entire steak, EAT THE ENTIRE STEAK, but balance it with a side of broccoli or a small salad. If there's one thing I took away from this book it's BALANCE! Balance what kinds of foods you're eating (protein, carbs, fruits, veggies, sugar....) and balance when you eat them. If you want to have 3 glasses of wine, fine, but then don't get dessert. Or, get dessert and only have one glass of wine. Balance.

It's really quite simple, and just common sense if you think about it. For me, this book was eye opening because I always thought I'd have to deprive myself of what I loved and really wanted in order to lose weight, and that's probably why I've never succeeded. For the last 5 days I have been eating what I want or what sounds good but in smaller portions or with less "other junk."

There are a couple of tips that really stood out in my mind that I am trying to remember and use on a daily basis.

*Downgrade! Bethenny suggests using smaller plates and bowls while eating. If you have a small (or what should be normal) sized portion of food on a huge dinner plate it's going to look pathetic and you're going to think you're being deprived. But, if you put that same amount of food on a salad plate, it's going to take up the whole plate and look like more. Plus it will keep your portion size in check.

*Plan ahead! This is one of the things I really wanted to work on. I bought a bunch of smaller sized tupperware containers to pre-pack meals in. For example, I made some amazing food this weekend (more on that later this week) and I split the leftovers in to several small containers, this way I can just grab one of them and have a pre-made reasonably sized meal for lunch!

*Use what you've got! One of the things Bethenny mentions quite a bit is using leftovers to create new meals. I used this one this weekend and am super excited about it! I had a ton of leftover sauce from one meal, and normally I would have just tossed it. Instead, I saved it and figured I could find some way to use it later. Then, I had a bunch of leftover vegetables from a different meal I made....so I saved those and am going to combine them with that yummy sauce and make a delicious side dish!

If you're trying to make a lifestyle change and get healthier I highly recommend Bethenny's book. Even if you don't follow it to a T (which I'm not) there are some great ideas (and recipes!) that can help get you on the right path.


11 comments:

love jenny xoxo said...

I definitely going to pick this book up, thanks!!

XOXO

steph c said...

I just started reading this yesterday, and I already love it. So amazing that you already lost 3 pounds! Go you!

shear indulgence said...

I have read this book 3 times now because I love it so much...I also felt I stuck to the rules better if I was reading the book so I'll open up to a random page and just keep on track with it all. I've had friends say it's unrealistic, but like you said I totally disagree with them-it's about controlling your eating rather than letting eating control you. :) congrats on the -3 lbs

Ashley Lauren said...

I love this post! ps. I just saw that you're reading Water for Elephants! Great book!!! I'm thinking about re-reading it before the movie comes out! I can't wait :)
xoxo

Jessica said...

There are so many of these rules that I already follow! I love it! Smaller portions are a big one along with knowing when to let yourself have what you want. Depriving myself isn't going to help me get healthy. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, these are such great tips! Thanks for sharing!

Kristen said...

i just read your first two sections and requested the book from the library and should be getting it this week. that's so awesome you lost 3 lbs already and it sounds like there's some great advice.

Anonymous said...

Walk...I mean RUN to B&N and pick up French Women Don't Get Fat. Life changer!

Sara said...

I am a big big fan of leftovers becoming lunches and/or new meals & using smaller plates. I gonna add this to my nook :-) Thanks for the recommendation

Kelly said...

I just love Bethenny! Sounds like some really "common sense" type ideas that you really don't think about often. Before we go out to eat I make sure to look up the nutrition online so that I'm prepared with what to order. You're so tiny already Kristin, but I'm glad that you found some valuable information! :-)

Saying I do said...

This book sounds great! i'm def. going to get it! thanks for sharing!