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
- Calorie Model puts you in charge of Energy Management. Stress Model accepts that Stress really controls Energy Management.
- Calorie Model puts you in a fight with your mind-body; Stress Model forces you to work with your mind-body.
- Calorie Model seeks to reduce weight by reducing Calorie intake; Stress Model reduces weight by reducing Stress.
- Calorie Model works short term, Stress Model works long term.
- 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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