Two Models For Weight Loss

Two Weight Loss Models

We are all familiar with the Calorie Model of weight loss. This model states that when we consume more calories than we use, we gain weight. Consequently to lose weight we need to reduce our calorie intake to below what we use. This model has gained widespread popularity and it has put most people of the developed world in some form of dieting. The problem is that though the Calorie Model works pretty well in the short term, it just does not work in the long term. The phenomenon is so well known that the term “Yo-Yo dieting” or “Yo-Yo weight cycling” has entered the popular lexicon, and refers to repeated weight loss and gain as a result of an attempt to reduce weight by reducing Calorie intake.

This post attempts to introduce a new model for weight loss. We shall call this model “the Stress Model”. This model says that it is foolish to view calories in isolation. Since Stress controls energy usage, consumption, and storage in our mind-body systems, any attempt to manage weight in the long term should be aimed at managing stress. The core idea of the Stress Model is that if we drain stress out of our lives, then our system automatically adjusts our calorie intake, usage, disposal, and storage in a way so as to reduce our weight.

To summarize the differences: Calorie Model versus Stress Model

  1. Calorie Model puts you in charge of Energy Management. Stress Model accepts that Stress really controls Energy Management.
  2. Calorie Model puts you in a fight with your mind-body; Stress Model forces you to work with your mind-body.
  3. Calorie Model seeks to reduce weight by reducing Calorie intake; Stress Model reduces weight by reducing Stress.
  4. Calorie Model works short term, Stress Model works long term.
  5. Stress model accepts that mind-body knows how to regulate weight; the best way is to work with mind-body and reduce stress. Calorie model completely ignores wisdom of mind-body and ignores stress levels.

So how does Stress model work?
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If They Can Believe Them, They Can Achieve Them!

CNN Hero Tawanda Jones took a decision. She was going to stay put in her tough neighborhood and help struggling kids. Till date she has helped over 4000 kids. Of this decision she says, “Selfless acts of kindness will cause overflow of blessing you couldn’t possibly be ready for!”

Related: Official web site of Camden Sophisticated Sisters.

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Hell Or Heaven?

Hell Or Heaven

While walking down the street one day a successful politician is tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

‘Welcome to heaven,’ says St. Peter. ‘Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.’

‘No problem, just let me in,’ says the man.

‘Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.’

‘Really, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,’ says the MP.

‘I’m sorry, but we have our rules.’

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises….
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The Neurons That Shaped Civilization

Neuroscientist V Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it. His talk explores the thin boundary that separates us from others and shows how flimsy is our identification with our mind-body system.

You may also like: Should Yogis Have Empathy?

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How To Escape Suffering

How To End Suffering

To understand suffering we have to first answer the question: “Who suffers?”

We must keep in mind that we have an ego-identity. This is what we call as the self. But Yogis say that this is not our true identity. Underneath our ego-identity there is our true identity that is known as the Self with the capital “S”.

Ramana Maharshi often said that since there was no suffering in the Self, all suffering must inevitably be a product of the mind. The ego-identity is the one that experiences suffering.

When somebody asked him, “Is there no way to escape from worldly suffering?” He gave a typical reply: “The only remedy is to remain in the state of Self without losing awareness of it.”

When our awareness resides with the Self, we are in a state of Yoga. So to answer the question on how to escape suffering, the answer is to practice Yoga and remain as close to the Self as possible.

To clarify, Yoga is not just about practicing Yoga postures. This is just one limb of Yoga and a great starting point. The full practice of Yoga consists of 8 limbs and the primary limbs are the ones that are related to meditation. Since it is not easy to practice meditation it is important to practice all 8 limbs of yoga to gradually deepen your meditation experience. The full practice of yoga leads to the gradual reduction of the ego-self. Our awareness is increasingly expressed through the Self rather than the ego-self. This leads to a great flowering of love and happiness in our lives and a sharp reduction in suffering.

You may also like: Four Ways To Find Meaning

Credits:This has been written by Raj Shah and edited by Ketna Shah.

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