Eating less is a bit like global conflict and disaster

I've realised that I have identified a behaviour in the world of dieting, I'm calling it the climate-change model condition. It is characterised by wild fluctuations in calorie intake. Some days will see me eating close to 3000 calories, whereas others have seen me eating around 600 calories. But, despite all these peaks and troughs, my average intake is about where it should be so the trend line still points towards weight-loss.

I'm calling it this because it's a bit like climate science, stick with me folks, with the fluctuation of global temperatures. The planet goes through warm periods and cold periods but the average still increases so the trend is towards a significant change in climate.

We stand in the face of an enormous challenge, a struggle that will change our lives forever, it could feature starvation, misery, and anger, but that's a diet for you, no pain no gain.

You'll be pleased to hear that my diet is now back on track, I've got through the period of self-pity where I felt like the effort was pointless. I think whenever we go through challenges and are pushed out of our comfort zone, the flight or fight instinct shapes our behaviour. Like in war, when the fight has gone on so long and the end isn't in sight there's always the temptation to take flight and give in. As long as the goal is worthwhile and outweighs the sacrifice, we must stay on course, to give in is to punish your achievement and deny yourself what you've worked so hard towards.

To step up the fight, I've enrolled in a Karate class. I've seen the Karate Kid films so I know what to expect, I've already bought my paintbrush and car wax. According to the internet, so it must be true, you burn over 1500 calories in a 2 hour session. I'll give you a full report next week where I'll try to avoid comparing eating less to global conflict and catastrophe.