The simple answer to loosing weight-

Dear Friends,
 In the last  two blog entries, I wrote about chapters One and Two of the book Health at Every Size.  This book by Linda Bacon is affirming some of the Sacred and Fit principles- So, before going on let's review

From the book

#1 Self-loathing is counter productive. LOVE YOURSELF, no matter your size;
#2 Change your eating habits as part of a LIFE STYLE CHANGE instead of a temporary vacation from your regular eating. Remember, you will not keep weight off by being on a diet

 Additional lists from S&F

#3 SLOW DOWN enough to notice what you eat, where you eat, when you eat and how you feel while you are eating.
#4 Drink more WATER
#5 Find the fun in MOVING your body.

 The first two chapters were really focused on the science of weight loss; the biology behind yo-yo dieting and the role of the brain and hormones, like leptin in weight loss and gain.  We learned about set-points. We found out that there are restrained eaters who eat because of external cues instead of listening to their bodies natural hunger and satiety (not hungry) signals. We learned that dieting can turn off your normal hunger and satiety signals. We learned also that overweight people tend to be restrained eaters and that fighting your body with sheer will-power is a losing proposition.

In chapter three, Dr. Bacon provides even more information on  why losing weight by restricting calories is so difficult. She discusses other possible influences, such as stress, sleep and genetics. She even provides evidence that environmental toxins like pesticides can influence the delicate microbial balance in our digestive systems. Finally, she ends the chapter summarizing studies that have  measured the effectiveness of weight loss medicines and weight loss surgery. The bottom line, you will lose weight, but it comes at a cost to your health...and even then, you may gain the weight back.

One can conclude from all of this that weight loss is complicated and difficult. So what's the answer....According to this book, the answer is fairly simple. So let me fast forward.


Feed physical hunger with nourishing food, 

Enjoy the food immensely,  

Sense when you are no longer hungry and then 

Stop eating.
 
I know that this seems simple but just "feeling physical hunger" is a challenge if your set point has been thrown off. Don't worry. The body is adaptable. Set points can be re-set with nourishing food. But what exactly is "nourishing?" More about that in Chapter Four.