Unintentional Weight Loss: An Unexpected Consequence Of No Diet Restriction

In 2021, amidst the global rampage of COVID-19, I found myself in a serene and quiet town in Switzerland. Freed from the responsibilities of cooking for my family and the hustle and bustle of busy streets, I savored the tranquil melodies of birds singing in the background.

My daily routine commenced with an 8 a.m. breakfast, consisting of 200 milliliters (about 7 oz.) of milk, an egg, and a slice of toast. By 9 a.m., I dove into my work, utilizing my scientific and medical expertise to assist the public in coping with the pressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This involved hosting a weekly live broadcast on a highly influential TV channel.

Engrossed in the critical nature of my work, I often neglected to eat until hunger struck around 4 p.m. At that point, I typically prepared a Chinese dish called stir-fried cucumbers with eggs and rice.

After two weeks, a noticeable transformation occurred: I lost 15 lbs, reducing my weight from 123 to 108, and my BMI dropped from 23.2 to 20.4.

While consuming less undoubtedly contributed to my unintended weight loss, the primary factor was my unwavering focus on fulfilling my professional duties.

Individuals struggling with excess weight are often advised to rectify their poor eating habits by reducing junk food intake and exercising better self-control. However, achieving weight management through diet and exercise is an arduous endeavor in a society teeming with tempting, delectable food offerings and countless electronic distractions.

Given these challenges, many people turn to weight loss medications as a potential solution.

It is noteworthy that some of these medications may require long-term usage to sustain their effects, and discontinuation could result in weight regain. Additionally, certain drugs might impact muscle mass and fat loss and potentially affect nutrient absorption, necessitating careful consideration of these factors when utilizing such medications.

A study conducted by E.L. Garland from the University of Utah and A.W. Hanley from Educational Psychology & Learning Systems enlisted 51 college students to engage in a two-hour dishwashing task.

The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. One group of 25 individuals received descriptive instructions on the proper dishwashing techniques, such as filling the sink with water and effectively cleaning the dishes.

Conversely, the remaining 26 students were instructed to focus on the significance of mindfulness and being fully present while washing the dishes. Emphasis was placed on perceiving this task as a meaningful moment in life rather than a mundane chore.

The participants who approached the task mindfully experienced a 25 percent surge in positive inspiration and a 27 percent decline in feelings of nervousness.

These findings highlight that, beyond the direct physical benefits of exercise, one’s positive mindset and beliefs about the impact of exercise on their health carry great significance.

This study underscores the fact that, in addition to the direct physiological advantages of exercise, one’s positive attitude and belief in the benefits of exercise for their well-being are pivotal.

Insulin can be likened to money in a bank. When we eat, we utilize insulin like making withdrawals. Excessive withdrawals deplete the supply rapidly, sometimes necessitating the injection of additional insulin, akin to borrowing money.

Therefore, let us prioritize vegetables as the foundation of our meals and place carbohydrates as the host. Going forward, there is no need to restrict ourselves to eating only celery; we can enjoy the same foods but in a different order.

We can enhance our eating habits by making healthier choices more visible and accessible. For example, displaying colorful plates filled with vibrant vegetables and fruits on the kitchen counter makes these options more enticing and readily available. In the refrigerator, storing nutritious foods in easily reachable locations while placing less healthy options further away can also foster better decision-making.

A Chinese proverb wisely states, “One may work hard to plant flowers, but they may not bloom; yet a willow tree grows into shade without any effort.” This saying serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most fruitful outcomes arise from actions carried out without specific intention.

When I arrived in New York City, my friends were astounded by my transformation: “Look how slim you’ve become! What did you do to lose weight?”

Without intending to, I responded, “I simply focused on fulfilling my responsibilities to aid others and forgot about food.”

Similar to the students who derived health benefits from their mindful approach to dishwashing, the seemingly daunting task of weight loss becomes more manageable when our minds are focused and serene. As inner peace and joy enrich our hearts, we find ourselves in better physical and mental shape.