Marc David interview -- Drylandfish 02:17, 6 April 2012 (PDT)
I must take issue with some of the assertions made by Mr. David in this interview. No doubt there are health benefits to be derived from a less stressful and wholesome eating regimen. However, to deny the impact of caloric restriction and exercise on weight loss and maintenance is slightly dishonest.
Case in point: me.
I lost 115 lbs over 12 years ago and have kept it off. Am I vigilant? Yes. Stressed, miserable? No. How many formerly morbidly obese persons can he document with the same success following his regimen?
I feel Mr. David is cashing in on a variety of woo. Telling overweight persons they do not have to make the perceived sacrifices of permanent lifestyle change and regular exercise is really just telling people what they would like to hear.
I lost the weight and maintain my fitness through a tasty, low-glycemic, whole foods diet and daily exercise, mostly hiking.
Mr. David makes some valid points about the effects of stress on digestion. Will these make a large difference in a weight loss program? I am inclined to doubt it. But please, by all means try and change my opinion! Show me the formerly fat individuals that have lost and maintained on this program without reducing calories or increasing exercise.
He speaks of awareness. This does resonate with me. Awareness of what you are taking in. Awareness of your level of physical activity. Awareness of how your clothes are fitting. You must pay attention to what is going on and be willing to make adjustments if you would like to be or remain fit. This does not have to be unpleasant. You do not have to feel deprived. That is entirely up to you and your priorities.
Best,
John
Re: Marc David interview -- Robin 11:32, 7 April 2012 (PDT)
- Hi John. I'm glad that calorie reduction worked for you. I think there may be something in what you say about Mr. David, though I have met a lot of people for whom calorie reduction hasn't worked over the long term. Have you read Charles Eisenstein on weight loss, BTW? I'd be interested to hear what you think, since he suggests a fairly similar thesis, I think.