How to lose weight--according to economists

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savor
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Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:27 pm

How to lose weight--according to economists

Post by savor » Sat Feb 03, 2018 3:49 am

This is a really interesting take on weight loss; more of behavioral economics view.

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-l ... sts-2018-1

1. use meta-rules to prevent bad choices and to
2. save mental energy
3. stick with a boring diet
4. weigh yourself every day

No-S provides the meta rules that are easy to follow and saves mental energy by reducing decision-fatigue. And I think tracking the habit probably gets you nearly as far as weighing yourself, which the article recommends to help you keep your goals in mind.

Not sure what I think about the boring diet part... I think No-S still gets you the satisfaction of enjoying splurge [S] foods... but doesn't completely limit your food choices.

I'd be interested in others' thoughts. I found it a refreshing change from the typical doctor and dietician articles about the relative merits of specific food.

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Merry
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Post by Merry » Sat Feb 03, 2018 7:44 am

LOL about the boring part--"dietary defaults" might fall into that category (though I like to think of it as consistent or habitual rather than boring--if I was truly bored of having the same thing every day for breakfast, I'd stop! But I look forward to it!)
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

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Octavia
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Post by Octavia » Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:40 am

Hi Savor! I’ve been chatting about this book with freeandeasy, on a thread she started called Partial Book Review - the Economists’ Diet. You’ll find it if you look down the list of General Discussion topics.

I certainly found it interesting and very No S compatible, though definitely more extreme and diet-like. The two guys are adorable, and make me think of Simon and Garfunkel. The idea of having just one square meal a day, and two very light ones, seemed a good one. Also the importance of occasional splurges, though they recommend ‘atoning’ after a splurge, by eating much less or skipping a meal. Reinhard advises against this sort of balancing behaviour, as it can lead to a feeling that all moments of non-compliance can be rectified later. And that’s a slippery slope.

I was also unsure about the idea that you can control the reading on the scale in the short term. As an older woman, over 50, it no longer happens like that for me. But I think freeandeasy has found that helpful. Definitely worth a read!

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