The Commandments

Yesterday’s blog post discussed commitment devices and how to use them for getting things done and for creating habits.  Today, I’ll discuss some ways commitment devices and ‘go to hell’ rules can be used for diet.  The premise is fairly simple, but the challenge for most people lies in the execution of the premise.

Simple doesn't mean Easy  

 Several years ago I decided to help a friend of mine stick to a diet and I agreed to follow whatever rules we put forth.  Are rules were fairly straightforward: 

1. Eat only meat, vegetables, fruits and nuts

2. Fast a minimum of 19 hours every day

3. Sleep at least 6 hours

4. Weigh yourself every day:  This step of course violates everything the experts say, but I view that as more of motivator than a deterrent (my little wife will attest to the fact that nothing gives me greater pleasure than acts of defiance).  This is also directly related to the next step. 

5. ‘Keep it between the ditches’:  I keep my weight between 155 and 165 and if I notice that my weight starts creeping towards 165, then I’m required to make some adjustment to my diet.  Most of the time that means I have to forgo or reduce my consumption of sweet potatoes, almonds or cheese.  Additionally, this rule requires that I go to bed somewhat ‘hungry’ (I usually only eat between 5 and 10 pm).  My friend used this method to lose over 60 pounds.  He created a 10 pound window that he monitored daily, made adjustments according to what he weighed and shifted the window to the left by two pound every week. Example: week 1 window 260 to 250, week 2 window 258 to 248 etc…  This technique has been the most effective method I have found for maintaining my weight.  It seems tedious, but the few times I have been in the position in which I couldn't daily weigh myself, my weight always increases by at least 5 pounds.  Although it’s quite embarrassing for my wife, I don’t travel anywhere without my scales.  And yes, I do derive some pleasure from causing her undue embarrassment.

6.  Designate ‘poison days’ to ensure that your system can still survive on processed food, but more importantly so I can have my wife’s carrot cake at least a few times a year. 

7.  ‘Poison days’ require a 48 hour fast prior to consumption.  Like I said, simple, but not necessarily easy.  Easy is for suckers.

8.  Treat the rules as ‘holy’.  Frankly, I’m convinced I will go to hell if I violate my rules. 

 Will this work for you, I have no idea, but it has worked for me.  I have less body fat now than when I graduated high school in 1980, back when Lincoln and Davis were still debating and Jimmy C. was giving away the canal.