Everyday Systems

Jonathan Bailor, author of smarter science of slim, just posted an interview he did with me a few weeks ago. And I think it actually turned out pretty well. It's the second video from the top (audio only video), and there's also a transcript if you just want to read it. Gives a relatively recent take of mine on big picture no-s, and since Jonathan comes from a somewhat different angle on the problem, some definition vs. other approaches.

http://thesmarterscienceofslim.com/engels/

Curious to hear what you think!

I enjoyed that, Reinhard! And it confirmed for me yet again that No S is a "when and how" approach rather than a "what" -- and thus, compatible with whatever other nutritional foibles we've found helpful. Thanks for all you do!

I really needed that today, Reinhard! After a three day s weekend (my bday was friday) I woke up feeling sorry for myself for pigging out and ready to cut s days to twice a month. But after reading your transcript I am reminded that my problem is not s days it's OVEREATING!! I have solid n day habits that I am very proud of but I still act like a two year old on the weekends.

Thanks for reminding me that my problem is really simple. And also thanks for sticking to your guns when asked about food quality. It really doesn't matter the food as long as you eat moderately. I've lost about 10 pounds in about 5 months following your awesome plan!!

Loved the transcript and it couldn't have come at a better time, as for as I'm concerned. Thanks for the sane approach you've shared with the world!!

Glad you both liked it!

Here's a direct link to the mp3 audio, for folks who who just want to listen:

http://thesmarterscienceofslim.com/podp ... Engels.mp3

And also thanks for sticking to your guns when asked about food quality.

It was hard to do that! Not because Jonathan was bullying -- on the contrary, he was super friendly, and I wanted to agree with him simply out of courtesy. But I think I managed to hold my ground without being touchy or rude.

I was just looking over the transcript and besides some oddities (did I really say that, or was it just the transcription?), I was struck by how good an example the spinach issue is for how our approaches differ. Jonathan is (probably) right that it's physically impossible to eat to much spinach. But is really an issue? Is anyone even remotely tempted to do so? If you allow yourself to gorge on anything, however harmless or even intrinsically nutritious, you're feeding the habit of gorging. And eventually that habit is going to turn to more destructive fodder. Spinach today, double-stuffed pepperoni pizza bites tomorrow.

I haven't listened to or read the interview yet, but I totally agree about the spinach issue. I'm assuming he gave the impression that if you allow free rein on certain foods, you can't go wrong, but as you say, no one is having a problem bingeing on spinach. And "feeding" that all-too-frequent urge to eat is likely to lead to overeating much denser food than spinach for all but the most motivated.

I stumbled on the science of slim stuff before, and even signed up for the newsletter, but have ignored most of it because of the restrictive attitude. It doesn't matter that most of us would be better off without most manufactured food; it just isn't reasonable to think most people won't need a weaning period since their attachment to those foods is stronger than most of them think. Hey, I think the world would be a better place without the single combustion engine, but I'm not going to try to live in the urban sprawl of SoCal without my own car.

It kills me that Smarter Science of Slim, sweet and well-intended though Baillor may be, has so many more likes than No S does. I'm sure glad you are a more realistic person than I am, Reinhard!

But if we can get some of the fallout from SSofS, so much the better!

Just read the transcript. Baillor certainly was gracious. I was waiting for you to say that exercise specialists can get all caught up in the best protocol to build muscle or burn fat, but that that's not the point. It may seem like a person is being more efficient with the "perfect" workout, but it's actually more efficient just to have a routine that you'll actually do.

Maybe if I get regular with exercise, I'll get inspired to become a fanatic and get really lean, but I'm not going to optimize first!

I listened to the interview and it was great. I thought you did a great job holding your ground. It's what made me come back to The No S Diet and try again. Logically what your saying makes complete sense to me. Now if I could only get my brain to agree.

Great interview Reinhard. Listening to you talk NOS, was like listening to Pavarotti sing at the opera.

You effectively countered Bailor's attempts to represent diet as an issue of consuming good and bad foods. Congratulations!

I have been on NOS since Nov 2010. Although my year to date habitcal score is 80.8%, I've lost during this period 70 lb. and I'm 15 away from a healthy BMI. Slowly but surely I'm getting there. Thanks!

Jethro-you nailed it. . . I agree that Reinhard's interview was spot-on and I'm pleased to be a proud No-S-er.

This is just another one of those times that my biggest issue with this board is that there is no LIKE button! (Guess FB has spoiled me!) But geesh, I wish I could easily show that I "agree" or say "attaboy" or "right-on" so many posts that grace these boards!

It just feels good that "we" are in this sort of "secret" society that we're still eager to share! How about that for some positive "S"s!

Uh, guess that my self proclaimed No S cheerleader persona is coming out today, huh! And I'm not even sorry!

No S almost begs for cheerleaders because it itself is so subtle in comparison with the competition.