How the hell do thin people stay healthy?

Question

I have struggled to be content with my weight for years, doing the typical diet yoyo of calorie counting then going back to eating normal and repeat. I'm not a super unhealthy weight, just a little extra thick. Anyhow, I feel like I always managed to stay relatively healthy while I was doing all that with no noticable nutritional deficiencies. When I started cutting cals AND doing intense HITT, I struggled with depression, low immune system, lower appetite, and doctors are absolutely useless. So I quit doing intense workouts and forcing myself to eat cause I didnt have appetite, it helped eventually. All docs can see is that my my B12 is on the low side and my vitamin D. Well, when I take any vitamins I get weird symptoms and the more research I do points to evidence that taking them can cause imbalances of other vitamins. So vitamins are a no. I try to eat "healthy" food (baked chicken, turkey, salad, veggies, fruit) it's not enough ****ing nutrition and leaves my skin and lips dry and peeling and my depression comes back. I feel my best when I just eat "normal" food(combo of healthy homemade food, and standard american diet, occasional restaurant food, fast food, ect) But I'm not going to lose any weight like that so I just feel so trapped. I feel like I eat normal portions, eat when I'm hungry. I'm darned if I do and darned if I don't. :( (Yes I have always drank plenty of water since high school)

Answer

Are you drinking enough water?

Answer

When I was thinner, I was also more tired and got sick easier. I honestly stopped trying to lose weight and accepted my natural body type. BMI says Im overweight (Im 5'4 size mostly L/some XL) and I dont care, I know Im healthier, and thats what matters. I mostly just eat whole cooked at home foods and very little prepackaged foods and sauces, low sugar etc but I dont deprive myself of full meals, and Ive maintained my size for years.

Answer

Based on your OP, here are some rapid fire helpful suggestions you could consider (from a vitamin manager at Sprouts):
- healthy living consists of balancing what your body needs specifically. However, some general guidelines are nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Optimize these three areas of your life for best results.
- regarding nutrition, you have already experimented with this a bit, but you could consider what I call “an intermittent fasting carnivore keto diet.” 
- 100 grams of protein per day
- take an omega 3 fish oil supplement (we have some great options at Sprouts)
- limit sugar to 24 grams per day (according to the American Heart Association for women)
- exercise 3-4 hours per week
- practice focused breathing exercises throughout the day and before bed to limit stress and help you get better sleep
- sleep 7-9 hours per night
- since you mentioned depression, I will also suggest that you find the root of those depressing thoughts. Why are you feeling depressed? Are you comparing yourself to others? Or are you just not happy with how your body looks?
Emotional and mental health is probably more important than physical health. Try focusing on positive things and think more about the blessings in your life instead of what’s wrong or negative thoughts. 
- one last suggestion is to listen to positive and encouraging motivation messages. My favorite artist for these types of messages is Billy Alsbrooks.
- I hope at least one of these things encourages you to become the best version of yourself.

Answer

when you start losing weight, it sends your body into panic mode at first. your body is used to excess. if you see it through, your body will regulate eating clean with enough cals. You could be lacking some carbs or protein or even some fruits/veg. Sometimes you have to play around with it. I’m sorry but there’s no way eating processed junk is helping you in anyway other than staving off cravings/withdrawals from the crap in the food. I eat tons of crap though im not judging haha.

Answer

“Dieting” doesn’t work and thin doesn’t mean healthy. 
Sounds like you’re not drinking enough water and you’re likely under eating because people think calorie deficit means 1200 calories. There are easy and efficient and ways of o calculate the right macros for you and it isn’t the typical weight loss app or fad dieting you see all over social media.

Answer

You should definitely consult a nutritionist, they know how to best support your needs. Eat healthy does not mean anything, as this can be interpreted very differently by different people

Answer

Honestly if I observe the “thin” and healthiest people I know personally- they generally do not focus that much on it. Eat intuitively and small portions. Eat simple foods. Low intensity exercise everyday like walking. Get good amounts of sleep and reduce stress. No sugary drinks or super processed foods. But being thin doesn’t automatically mean you’re healthy and being thick doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy. You may just have a different body type and carrying around “extra” weight might just be the right weight for you. I know I’m way too overweight so when I’m no longer pregnant I’m really going to try to mimic the healthy habits of people around me but not let it take over my life.