Surely everyone has an acquaintance who can eat pastries, pasta, and chocolate without gaining weight. From the outside, it seems that she is just lucky with her genetics. However, specialists are convinced: it is not only about heredity but also about lifestyle and eating behavior.
Why Some People Don't Gain Weight
According to specialists, several factors influence body weight. Genetics, hormonal background, level of physical activity, quality of sleep, and nutrition play an important role.
People with an asthenic body type may indeed have a faster metabolism. However, even in this case, eating habits remain an important factor in maintaining slimness.
"Genetics determines the starting capabilities of the body, but daily habits often have just as much influence on weight as heredity," explains endocrinologist Olga Pavlova.
The Secret Lies in the Order of Food Intake
An interesting experiment showed that not only what we eat matters, but also the order in which we eat it.
The study involved men and women aged 30 to 65 who were overweight and pre-diabetic. Participants were offered the same set of foods: vegetables, meat, potatoes, bread, and oil. However, one group was given vegetables and protein first, while carbohydrates were left for the end of the meal. The other group had the order reversed.
Results showed that those who started their meal with carbohydrates experienced a significantly higher increase in blood sugar levels.
"After a sharp spike in glucose, a rapid decrease inevitably follows. It is at this moment that the desire to eat something again arises, especially something sweet," notes clinical psychologist Denis Dolgov.
How to Properly Structure Meals
Specialists recommend following a simple scheme:
- first eat vegetables and greens;
- then protein foods — meat, fish, poultry, eggs;
- and only after that move on to carbohydrates — potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, or cereals.
This approach helps maintain a feeling of fullness longer and avoid sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Another Reason for Overeating — Boredom
Psychologists point out an interesting pattern: many women overeat not due to sadness or stress, but out of plain boredom.
When a person lacks emotions, interesting activities, or communication, food becomes a quick way to gain pleasure and fill an inner void.
"Very often, extra calories come not from hunger, but from the desire to entertain oneself. Cookies, chips, or chocolate become a kind of way to combat boredom," says psychologist Marina Nikitina.
There is no universal 'witch's metabolism.' Slimness usually results from a multitude of factors — genetics, activity, sleep patterns, and nutrition. However, one habit does appear among many people who easily maintain their shape: they start their meals with vegetables and protein, leaving carbohydrates for last. This simple trick helps better control appetite, avoid blood sugar spikes, and reach for dessert less often.
