Now many of us live in an affluent bubble. We are surrounded by freedom, huge privilege and endless temptations. There is far less external pressure to exercise discipline. It must now come from within, if it is to come at all.
Recent studies show that ‘intermittent fasting’ can slow down mental decline and promote healthy aging. And what is ‘intermittent fasting’? Simply put, this is when you see yourself slipping into overweight and possible future obesity, you ease off eating for a length of time.
In the past our survival environment forced us to do this. Food became scarce and we ate less. Our evolutionary heritage has equipped us to adapt to this. Now in our affluent bubble we have to engineer this process for ourselves. By the way, I call this level of affluence a bubble because outside of it people are raging and coping with unimaginable difficulties – and they are not happy about it. Inside the bubble we are largely immune to their difficulties, until some rude shock comes to prick the bubble and all will collapse.
So how does this intermittent fasting work? Of all the aspects of life, one of the things that, at least in theory, we can control is how much sustenance we intake and how much energy we exert. The following simple equation explains:
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Food input – energy output = weight gain
---------------------------------------------------------- To cut down on weight gain you can either reduce food intake and/or increase energy output (otherwise known as exercise).
Now although this equation looks simple, the practice of it is not. Large corporations have an interest in feeding us lots of low cost food which is high in refined white carbohydrates and sugar. Continual input of this food will make you overweight.
So OK, what is to be done? Discipline looks for a series of self-imposed rules that one can follow. However, it is very important that one reaches these rules by oneself. The only type of discipline that works in the long run is self-discipline. Each one must find one’s own rules. Once you set up a rule for yourself. You are much more likely to follow it. Here are some of my rules:
1. Only three things are required; (a) a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart (BMI >25 = overweight, BMI >30 = obese), (b) a weigh scale, (c) a mirror – and of course DISCIPLINE
2. It is easy to find your body weight to stay below BMI =25. I am 5’ 10” (178cm) and my BMI = 25 is 175 lbs (80kg). Every morning I get on my weigh scale. If I am even close to 170 lbs. I simply miss a meal of go on an intermittent fast for the day (often just taking fluids and maybe a few fresh fruits)
3. Why the mirror? Stand sideways and look at yourself in the mirror. If what you see frightens you then use this shock as a motivator.
4. Most food battles are won or lost in the food store. Once that high carb, high sugar food gets into your house, you are probably done, you have lost the battle.
5. OK, so you want to browse. Then limit your browsing to fruits and raw vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that have a high water content are best, i.e. oranges, apples, grapes, celery and carrots.
6. Don’t get too neurotic about this. You can modestly indulge from time to time, but keep your eye on that weigh scale every morning.
7. If you have slipped over the BMI =25 red line, declare a full scale war on your body. Start a full scale fast for a day or two. If you can resist the strong initial craving to eat, you can then enter a remarkable period of fasting elation. You are now actually quite proud of your achievement as you coast along (possibly only taking some liquids and maybe an occasional small fruit). It is important not to boast about this. This is not an occasion for public display, but instead for inner satisfaction.
8. Finally, as this fasting period reaches its end, and you have achieved the desired weight reduction, then ease back into normal disciplined eating gradually. Food binging again or overeating can be a real downer.
Why am I sharing all of this? Genetically speaking I can put on more with with the greatest of ease. However, I am very aware that if we don’t control our growing societal obesity problem, then we will have serious difficulties in the future. Plus, the fact that obesity brings with it all kinds of health problems (diabetes, heart problems, etc.).
In the USA it is estimated that that if the obesity tendency is not curtailed, then in 2030 60% of the entire population will be obese. We in Canada are not far behind this trend. This would not be sustainable. We could be looking at a societal collapse.
However, the good news is that the recent trend towards increasing obesity can be stopped. The methods outlined above have worked for me. Work on this and find your own set of rules. You will really enjoy the benefits.
Rebellious Seeker
Dec., 2016
Ottawa
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