5 ms·

An Engineer's Guide To Weight Loss

12 points by twampss 18y ago

Tichy 18y ago
Start smoking, eat more ice cream, drink lots of coffee... Hm... Seems to be the old fashioned type of engineer.
Maro 18y ago
Start training for an Ironman. Worked for me (-16 kg).
swombat 18y ago
Lame article. First of all, that system (I've tried it) sucks. It requires constant attention and effort. I'd be surprised to meet anyone who's male and can be bothered to count their calories every day for more than 1 or 2 weeks (though some girls seem to manage, but they really care). You won't lose much weight in 1-2 weeks, so this system will only result in making you feel bad for yet again failing to lose any significant weight. As I propose in my article here: http://www.inter-sections.net/2008/01/02/feedback/ http://www.inter-sections.net/2008/01/02/feedback/ - you need a good, timely, but also effortless system of feedback. Something that requires you to carry a notepad and add up numbers every day is a still-born failure. The system that worked extremely well for me was much simpler: weigh yourself every day (including body fat %). Plot that on a grid, and that'll provide you motivation enough to keep your calorie intake down. As an engineer, you should be aware that there's a few key vital behaviours that, if you implement them, typically make all the difference. According to various food associations, there's 3 vital behaviours for losing weight: - Weigh yourself every day - Eat breakfast every day - Have a way to exercise at home Since I lost 10kg in 3 months by doing just 2 out of those 3 (but going heavy on the "weigh yourself" bit by actually charting my weight and BF%), I can say that it certainly seemed to work for me.
- scott_s 18y ago
  I'd be surprised to meet anyone who's male and can be bothered to count their calories every day for more than 1 or 2 weeks I take it you don't know any bodybuilders, or any guys in a weight-class sport, like wrestling, boxing, BJJ or MMA. I think exercise can be feedback unto itself. Performance gains in strength training and calisthenics come surprisingly fast.
  - swombat 18y ago
    (serious) body builders: a) aren't normal (they're a small minority) b) don't have 50 pounds of extra flab This article is obviously not targeted at body builders.
    - scott_s 18y ago
      You assume males can't count calories. I know plenty who can, and do when the circumstances require it. Literally counting every calorie gets old quick, but I think everyone should be able to estimate their calorie intake. It doesn't take long to calibrate your own intuition; after a week of paying close attention, most people should be able to guess the calorie contents of a plate of food.
      - misterbwong 18y ago
        Agreed. I started counting calories a couple weeks ago. Once you get the hang of it, you can estimate pretty well. In most cases, you don't need to know _exactly_ how many calories you take in. Ballpark works just as well. If you're coming close to the limits you set for yourself, stop eating.
        swombat 18y ago
        I did that too. The problem is, this system does not work "just as well". Certainly did not for me or anyone else I've spoken to. The "rough calorie intake" thing breaks down because our lives are not as regular as you imply. There are times when you will pig out, go on a bender and eat a load of food while drunk, and that's very natural and normal in today's society. At that point you need a feedback system that works whether you're sober or not. Sadly, a general resolution to "watch your calories" just doesn't do it. In order to work, a weight-loss system has to remind you each day of where you're at (in perspective with where you've come from). Ultimately there's only two measurements that count: your weight and your body fat percentage. Measure those every day and you'll be much further on the way to weight loss than by calorie counting. Sure, being aware of your rough calorie intake is useful supporting data, but you need to measure the end result to get the "proper" feedback. The end result of weight loss is not calorie intake, it's loss of weight. If you want to achieve that end result, you need to measure it. Sounds simple enough, no?
- rewind 18y ago
  What most people who have never counted calories don't realize is that once you know general counts for the foods you consume the most and once you realize what portion size corresponds to those calories, you're not doing that much counting. The reason is that most of us tend to eat the same types of food, You're only learning a bit at the beginning. After that, there is very little thought that goes into it and it becomes almost second nature because you get used to specific portion sizes for the main staples in your diet. You just have to be a little more careful of those "indulgence" meals or days or anything that might throw your count way off.
edw519 18y ago
The real engineer's guide to weight loss: "The Hacker's Diet" http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/ http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/ Written by John Walker, author of Autocad. He claimed to have solved every problem he had except weight loss, so he just treated it as another engineering problem. Very interesting read for those with scientifically oriented minds. The Palm software is cool, too.
- jgrahamc 18y ago
  I've been following The Hacker's Diet (had 7kg to lose to get to my 'ideal' weight) and it's been relatively easy. At some point I plan to blog all the data, but I've been consistently losing about 0.6kg per week since I started 5 weeks ago. Quick summary of what has worked for me: 1. Stopped eating anything between meals. I probably cut out 12 cans of Coke, 2 chocolate bars, and 2 cakes/treats per week. I estimate this at 2,640 kcal alone 2. Started listening to my stomach so that I'd stop eating when I was full, and didn't take second helpings that I didn't actually need. 3. Have been following the exercise plan and now avoid taking lifts or escalators. 4. I am not counting calories for my meals since excluding my between meals rubbish I eat fairly balanced food. Also I'm saving money... basically I'm losing weight, feeling better and saving about 26 Euro per week. Since I plan to cut out that stuff permanently I'll be able to afford a spanking new iPhone after 6 months. Lose Weight, Save Money, Feel Better, Get an iPhone!
  - eru 18y ago
    I read that guide, too, some time ago. Unfortunately, I am not overweight -- so no iPhone for me coming soon.
  - benzado 18y ago
    I hope you have made progress in the two months since you posted this. I developed an iPhone app called FatWatch, which is modeled after The Hacker's Diet Palm application. Perhaps you can get an iPhone now, if you justify it as an aid in your weight loss effort. :-)
- mhartl 18y ago
  When I saw the link at HN I figured it was this. Thanks for posting it.
tungstenfurnace 18y ago
My goodness, if he'd advertised his thoughts as "The Cholera Diet: a great way to lose 20kg" they could hardly be less attractive. If he could discover why he desires cheeseburgers so much then perhaps he could find a way to _want_ to eat less. As it stands he is using force on himself and there is a heavy psychological price tag for that, as he acknowledges. This will effect the rest of his life in ways he may not appreciate.
- edw519 18y ago
  "The Cholera Diet" There used to be a diet bar named "Ayds". In the early 80's people just stopped buying them. Nobody wanted Ayds anymore.
gaius 18y ago
"Dieting and exercising suck. This is possibly the most miserable thing you can do to yourself. You are not going to have fun." Bzzzt! Wrong attitude. If you hate the exercise you are doing, find another one, there are more sports than anyone can count. If you hate healthy food, learn to cook, I guarantee that anyone who knows what they are doing can prepare a healthy meal that tastes better than pizza or a burger. Setting out to make yourself miserable is setting out to fail.
- pg 18y ago
  Yeah, that was weird. To me playing soccer is just about the most fun thing in the world.
  - ardit33 18y ago
    second that. It is one the most geek friendly sports, it can be from very relaxing to very competitive (depending on who you are playing with). You don't have to be huge, extra tall, have any extra abilities to be decent in soccer. And I love that there are soccer field sprinkled all over SF, and plenty of co-ed leagues (which tend to be more fun). Plus, having a great run, gives you a certain natural high, that it is just awesome. Running all the way to Golden Gate Bridge from my home and back, feels just great.
    - eru 18y ago
      > It is one the most geek friendly sports, Soccer is _the_ jock sport in Europe. Ultimate Frisbee is geek friendly even here, though.
      - pg 18y ago
        Soccer is _the_ jock sport in Europe. Yeah, it's strange. I convinced a friend who was visiting from Holland for a semester to play on a team with me, but he said he'd never do that at home.
      - ardit33 18y ago
        huh? I am european, and everybody plays soccer back home. I mean everybody (girls a little less, but usually at the beach). I hope you don't think everybody is a jock. Are you FAT, you would be a great for a golie (if playing small goals). Are you tough, but kinda slow, play defenese. Do you have great endurance, then midefield, are you good at sprinting and shooting, then offense. In soccer there is a place for everybody, as long as you can run some. Ah, probably ultimate frisby is a very geeky sport, in kinda lame way. It is a very demasculating sport.
frederiksen 18y ago
This article was terrible. Staying fit is easy if you can have a great time doing it. I work out with friends and try to play as many sports as I can with people whose company I enjoy. The self-discipline with respect to eating can be tough, but he's right, if you can keep your intake low for a couple of weeks you won't find yourself wanting to eat so much all the time.
augustus 18y ago
I am in the top 5% of fitness of those above 30. My weight has been consistent for more than 12 years. I have more muscle today than I did 12 years ago. Frankly, I have never followed any diet. I simply limit my carbohydrates to a level that matches my physical activity. I eat about 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight and limit fats. I lift weight three times and try to run about 2 times and it works. All those micro-managed diet programs have never worked for me. The main thing is to enjoy your workout and to enjoy the fitness lifestyle.
Prrometheus 18y ago
I disagree with the exercising part. Playing pick-up and adult league sports around town is far more satisfying and less boring than an elliptical or treadmill machine. As a bonus, you get to satisfy some of your social needs as well. I play Ultimate Frisbee and Basketball. I sucked at first, but eventually it taught my brain to think and react in new ways and I got better - which is pretty cool! For a guy like me who moves to a new city every two years, the social benefit of being part of the Ultimate Frisbee network cannot be overstated.
signa11 18y ago
why should i care, i have the body of a god : http://www.huongsengrand.com/ http://www.huongsengrand.com/
umjames 18y ago
South Bronx Paradise!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_%28Aqua_Teen_Hunger_Force_episode%29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_%28Aqua_Teen_Hunger_Force_... Seriously though, if coffee is an appetite suppressant, what about the sugar and cream most people put in their coffee? Not to mention the fact that coffee servings can come in large containers too. And recommending smoking to replace drinking? Surely he can't be serious.
kingkongrevenge 18y ago
> Caffeine is an appetite suppressant. It is not.
jakewolf 18y ago
Chew more times per bite and use smaller plates. Reduces available food and taking longer to eat let's your brain realize you're not hungry anymore.
Tamerlin 18y ago
I hike in the mountains regularly (with a 50 pound pack) and spend 6-8 hours a week in the dojo. :)
mightybyte 18y ago
http://crossfit.com http://crossfit.com Enough said.

12 points by twampss 18y ago

Tichy 18y ago

Start smoking, eat more ice cream, drink lots of coffee... Hm... Seems to be the old fashioned type of engineer.

Maro 18y ago

Start training for an Ironman. Worked for me (-16 kg).

swombat 18y ago

Lame article. First of all, that system (I've tried it) sucks. It requires constant attention and effort. I'd be surprised to meet anyone who's male and can be bothered to count their calories every day for more than 1 or 2 weeks (though some girls seem to manage, but they really care). You won't lose much weight in 1-2 weeks, so this system will only result in making you feel bad for yet again failing to lose any significant weight. As I propose in my article here: http://www.inter-sections.net/2008/01/02/feedback/ http://www.inter-sections.net/2008/01/02/feedback/ - you need a good, timely, but also effortless system of feedback. Something that requires you to carry a notepad and add up numbers every day is a still-born failure. The system that worked extremely well for me was much simpler: weigh yourself every day (including body fat %). Plot that on a grid, and that'll provide you motivation enough to keep your calorie intake down. As an engineer, you should be aware that there's a few key vital behaviours that, if you implement them, typically make all the difference. According to various food associations, there's 3 vital behaviours for losing weight: - Weigh yourself every day - Eat breakfast every day - Have a way to exercise at home Since I lost 10kg in 3 months by doing just 2 out of those 3 (but going heavy on the "weigh yourself" bit by actually charting my weight and BF%), I can say that it certainly seemed to work for me.

scott_s 18y ago
I'd be surprised to meet anyone who's male and can be bothered to count their calories every day for more than 1 or 2 weeks I take it you don't know any bodybuilders, or any guys in a weight-class sport, like wrestling, boxing, BJJ or MMA. I think exercise can be feedback unto itself. Performance gains in strength training and calisthenics come surprisingly fast.
- swombat 18y ago
  (serious) body builders: a) aren't normal (they're a small minority) b) don't have 50 pounds of extra flab This article is obviously not targeted at body builders.
  - scott_s 18y ago
    You assume males can't count calories. I know plenty who can, and do when the circumstances require it. Literally counting every calorie gets old quick, but I think everyone should be able to estimate their calorie intake. It doesn't take long to calibrate your own intuition; after a week of paying close attention, most people should be able to guess the calorie contents of a plate of food.
    - misterbwong 18y ago
      Agreed. I started counting calories a couple weeks ago. Once you get the hang of it, you can estimate pretty well. In most cases, you don't need to know _exactly_ how many calories you take in. Ballpark works just as well. If you're coming close to the limits you set for yourself, stop eating.
      - swombat 18y ago
        I did that too. The problem is, this system does not work "just as well". Certainly did not for me or anyone else I've spoken to. The "rough calorie intake" thing breaks down because our lives are not as regular as you imply. There are times when you will pig out, go on a bender and eat a load of food while drunk, and that's very natural and normal in today's society. At that point you need a feedback system that works whether you're sober or not. Sadly, a general resolution to "watch your calories" just doesn't do it. In order to work, a weight-loss system has to remind you each day of where you're at (in perspective with where you've come from). Ultimately there's only two measurements that count: your weight and your body fat percentage. Measure those every day and you'll be much further on the way to weight loss than by calorie counting. Sure, being aware of your rough calorie intake is useful supporting data, but you need to measure the end result to get the "proper" feedback. The end result of weight loss is not calorie intake, it's loss of weight. If you want to achieve that end result, you need to measure it. Sounds simple enough, no?
rewind 18y ago
What most people who have never counted calories don't realize is that once you know general counts for the foods you consume the most and once you realize what portion size corresponds to those calories, you're not doing that much counting. The reason is that most of us tend to eat the same types of food, You're only learning a bit at the beginning. After that, there is very little thought that goes into it and it becomes almost second nature because you get used to specific portion sizes for the main staples in your diet. You just have to be a little more careful of those "indulgence" meals or days or anything that might throw your count way off.

edw519 18y ago

The real engineer's guide to weight loss: "The Hacker's Diet" http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/ http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/ Written by John Walker, author of Autocad. He claimed to have solved every problem he had except weight loss, so he just treated it as another engineering problem. Very interesting read for those with scientifically oriented minds. The Palm software is cool, too.

jgrahamc 18y ago
I've been following The Hacker's Diet (had 7kg to lose to get to my 'ideal' weight) and it's been relatively easy. At some point I plan to blog all the data, but I've been consistently losing about 0.6kg per week since I started 5 weeks ago. Quick summary of what has worked for me: 1. Stopped eating anything between meals. I probably cut out 12 cans of Coke, 2 chocolate bars, and 2 cakes/treats per week. I estimate this at 2,640 kcal alone 2. Started listening to my stomach so that I'd stop eating when I was full, and didn't take second helpings that I didn't actually need. 3. Have been following the exercise plan and now avoid taking lifts or escalators. 4. I am not counting calories for my meals since excluding my between meals rubbish I eat fairly balanced food. Also I'm saving money... basically I'm losing weight, feeling better and saving about 26 Euro per week. Since I plan to cut out that stuff permanently I'll be able to afford a spanking new iPhone after 6 months. Lose Weight, Save Money, Feel Better, Get an iPhone!
- eru 18y ago
  I read that guide, too, some time ago. Unfortunately, I am not overweight -- so no iPhone for me coming soon.
- benzado 18y ago
  I hope you have made progress in the two months since you posted this. I developed an iPhone app called FatWatch, which is modeled after The Hacker's Diet Palm application. Perhaps you can get an iPhone now, if you justify it as an aid in your weight loss effort. :-)
mhartl 18y ago
When I saw the link at HN I figured it was this. Thanks for posting it.

tungstenfurnace 18y ago

My goodness, if he'd advertised his thoughts as "The Cholera Diet: a great way to lose 20kg" they could hardly be less attractive. If he could discover why he desires cheeseburgers so much then perhaps he could find a way to _want_ to eat less. As it stands he is using force on himself and there is a heavy psychological price tag for that, as he acknowledges. This will effect the rest of his life in ways he may not appreciate.

edw519 18y ago
"The Cholera Diet" There used to be a diet bar named "Ayds". In the early 80's people just stopped buying them. Nobody wanted Ayds anymore.

gaius 18y ago

"Dieting and exercising suck. This is possibly the most miserable thing you can do to yourself. You are not going to have fun." Bzzzt! Wrong attitude. If you hate the exercise you are doing, find another one, there are more sports than anyone can count. If you hate healthy food, learn to cook, I guarantee that anyone who knows what they are doing can prepare a healthy meal that tastes better than pizza or a burger. Setting out to make yourself miserable is setting out to fail.

pg 18y ago
Yeah, that was weird. To me playing soccer is just about the most fun thing in the world.
- ardit33 18y ago
  second that. It is one the most geek friendly sports, it can be from very relaxing to very competitive (depending on who you are playing with). You don't have to be huge, extra tall, have any extra abilities to be decent in soccer. And I love that there are soccer field sprinkled all over SF, and plenty of co-ed leagues (which tend to be more fun). Plus, having a great run, gives you a certain natural high, that it is just awesome. Running all the way to Golden Gate Bridge from my home and back, feels just great.
  - eru 18y ago
    > It is one the most geek friendly sports, Soccer is _the_ jock sport in Europe. Ultimate Frisbee is geek friendly even here, though.
    - pg 18y ago
      Soccer is _the_ jock sport in Europe. Yeah, it's strange. I convinced a friend who was visiting from Holland for a semester to play on a team with me, but he said he'd never do that at home.
    - ardit33 18y ago
      huh? I am european, and everybody plays soccer back home. I mean everybody (girls a little less, but usually at the beach). I hope you don't think everybody is a jock. Are you FAT, you would be a great for a golie (if playing small goals). Are you tough, but kinda slow, play defenese. Do you have great endurance, then midefield, are you good at sprinting and shooting, then offense. In soccer there is a place for everybody, as long as you can run some. Ah, probably ultimate frisby is a very geeky sport, in kinda lame way. It is a very demasculating sport.

frederiksen 18y ago

This article was terrible. Staying fit is easy if you can have a great time doing it. I work out with friends and try to play as many sports as I can with people whose company I enjoy. The self-discipline with respect to eating can be tough, but he's right, if you can keep your intake low for a couple of weeks you won't find yourself wanting to eat so much all the time.

augustus 18y ago

I am in the top 5% of fitness of those above 30. My weight has been consistent for more than 12 years. I have more muscle today than I did 12 years ago. Frankly, I have never followed any diet. I simply limit my carbohydrates to a level that matches my physical activity. I eat about 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight and limit fats. I lift weight three times and try to run about 2 times and it works. All those micro-managed diet programs have never worked for me. The main thing is to enjoy your workout and to enjoy the fitness lifestyle.

Prrometheus 18y ago

I disagree with the exercising part. Playing pick-up and adult league sports around town is far more satisfying and less boring than an elliptical or treadmill machine. As a bonus, you get to satisfy some of your social needs as well. I play Ultimate Frisbee and Basketball. I sucked at first, but eventually it taught my brain to think and react in new ways and I got better - which is pretty cool! For a guy like me who moves to a new city every two years, the social benefit of being part of the Ultimate Frisbee network cannot be overstated.

signa11 18y ago

why should i care, i have the body of a god : http://www.huongsengrand.com/ http://www.huongsengrand.com/

umjames 18y ago

South Bronx Paradise!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_%28Aqua_Teen_Hunger_Force_episode%29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_%28Aqua_Teen_Hunger_Force_... Seriously though, if coffee is an appetite suppressant, what about the sugar and cream most people put in their coffee? Not to mention the fact that coffee servings can come in large containers too. And recommending smoking to replace drinking? Surely he can't be serious.

kingkongrevenge 18y ago

> Caffeine is an appetite suppressant. It is not.

jakewolf 18y ago

Chew more times per bite and use smaller plates. Reduces available food and taking longer to eat let's your brain realize you're not hungry anymore.

Tamerlin 18y ago

I hike in the mountains regularly (with a 50 pound pack) and spend 6-8 hours a week in the dojo. :)

mightybyte 18y ago

http://crossfit.com http://crossfit.com Enough said.