According to obesity researchers at Tufts, staying thin is due in part to an attribute they term as "Disinhibition." "Low Disinhibition" is the ability to refuse food when not hungry, despite being offered an item with a pleasing appearance or aroma. Some examples include leaving half of your restaurant meal on your plate, or saying NO to fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (no matter how delicious they look or smell), simply because you feel full. "High Disinhibition," on the other hand, is just the opposite -- finishing that meal despite feeling stuffed or having that cookie because it's just too good to resist.

Food "temptation" is everywhere - restaurants, grocery stores, television ads, and even your own kitchen. Does this mean a highly disinhibited person is doomed to be overweight? No, it doesn't...but it may mean losing or maintaining weight will be more of a challenge.

The researchers at Tufts suggest using various behavior modification techniques to overcome a tendency to overeat. Try the techniques below to help you get started "eating thin."

Avoidance is exactly what it sounds like - avoiding a problematic situation. For example, if passing a certain bakery always results in buying a cream puff, find another route to walk.

Elimination involves getting rid of things that have a negative effect on you. For example, clear tempting, high calorie/high fat snacks out of your kitchen.

Substitution involves replacing a less desirable behavior with a more desirable one. For example, instead of having a second helping of dinner, take a walk or call a friend.

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