I’m in favor of simple, workable solutions. The No S Diet is exactly that. The basics are simple. You could read the cover of the book and get the whole idea of the diet.
No Sweets.
No Snacks.
No Seconds.
Except (sometimes) on days beginning with S.
That’s it.
Reinhard Engels, librarian-trained computer programmer, came up with the diet as a way to control his own weight issues. Over a period of time, combined with some other systems he came up with for exercise he lost about forty pounds.
Did he stop doing the diet afterwards?
No! No! No!
And that’s exactly the point. The No S diet is a long-term solution rather than rather than a short term patch. You won’t lose ten pounds in two weeks on this. On the Everyday Systems bulletin board, the successful No Sers are more likely to talk about losing 20lbs in a year than something more dramatic. There’s even been a “throw away the scale” thread among people who get more focused on scales than good habits.
Not that the more dramatic losses don’t happen, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. (I also note they tend to be male. Men lose fat easier, damn them. I used to cuss about it internally when I was a Diet Center counselor).
So? Friends, I’ve gained that much in a year many, many times. Yes, I’m awful when it comes to yo-yoing and it’s one of the reasons I like No S.
This ties in to the Kaizen post I made a few days ago. The constant simple refinement often gets the best and most lasting results. It’s a non-invasive, sustainable habit — certainly more so than my gym fixation. You would not believe what I go through to make sure I have the money to keep that up! (I just like lifting heavy stuff and swimming, what can I say?) No-one has to make special meals for you, and it includes the idea that yes, you’re going to have a treat sometimes. It just contains the excess.
I’ve actually put the concepts to the test — three single plates of food three times a day. I don’t stint. I eat enough to carry me through to the next meal. And you know what? When I do a caloric analysis using FitDay, I’m eating about what I need to to lose weight at a gradual pace. Not only that, you’d be amazed how good food tastes when you’re genuinely hungry.
When you get the book, do pay special attention to his section on snacking. It’s a real interesting eye-opener.
I will note that Mr. Engels did include exercise in his routine. He Urban Rangers a whole bunch, and does Shovelglove every N day (Normal day. Weekdays and non-holidays). It is the combination of portion control and exercise that worked for him. I think only one or only the other would not have had nearly the effective results.