As we ease out of lockdown there is an opportunity to reflect on what we want to hold on to. For me it is time. I knew I was time poor before the imposition of rules that brought a temporary halt to my fairly manic daily routines. After ten weeks of having time at the beginning and end of the day to do other things I’m reluctant to resume normal service. So there are decisions to be made, discussions to be had.

During the ten weeks I have taught myself to crochet, I’ve done a number of online courses, I’ve got fitter and I’ve read. Some of what I’ve read has provided me with one or two a-ha moments, a better understanding of myself plus a clarity on where I want to be this time next year. This is what I have read over the last few days.

Your Intelligent Appetite

Throughout this period I have been reading the New Scientist. I have made reference to this magazine before in my blog as I only buy it when it has a health related article on the front cover. Due to the pandemic this has tended to be a weekly occurrence. Black holes have disappeared for the time being.

In last week’s issue on the front cover was ‘Your Intelligent Appetite. The hidden laws of hunger and how to make them work for you’. The article proved to be fairly illuminating as to why we find ourselves in an obesity epidemic.

To paraphrase a fairly lengthy account scientists have identified that we don’t have one appetite where food is concerned we have five. Protein, fat, carbohydrates, sodium and calcium. All animals if left to their own devices will eat a range of food to satisfy each of these appetites and in doing so optimise their health and fitness.

Experiments have shown that when the balance is manipulated dire consequences follow. Initially they looked at locusts. If locusts were fed a low protein diet they would overeat carbohydrates. They would put on weight (fairly uncomfortable when you have a ectoskeleton) and mature at a slower rate. A high protein diet resulted in too few carbs being consumed. They became too lean and died prematurely.

When the same restrictions were placed on humans those on a low protein diet ate 35% additional calories to satisfy the ‘appetite’ for protein. Most of these additional calories were consumed as savoury snacks. Many of these snacks are flavoured with umami, the signature flavour of protein. So that craving for crisps may be a sign that you are protein depleted. And the craving won’t be satisfied.

At least 15% of calories should come from protein. But as we have moved from a whole food diet to one dominated by processed foods this percentage has dropped to less than 13% resulting in an over consumption of carbs and fats.

The scientists concluded that we have been looking at the obesity problem the wrong way. It is less about the overconsumption of fats and carbs but the underconsumption of protein. It certainly makes sense to me. I cracked my weight issues when I started a high protein, low carb diet a number of years ago. I continue to prioritise protein but have a more relaxed approach as to the fat/carbohydrate split.

A very illuminating article and another example of how the processed food industry is destroying our health.

The Miracle Morning

One book I’ve read in the past week is The Miracle Morning. A self improvement book. Like a good number of people I’ve read many of these during my lifetime. And even more so since I became a professional coach. Many are on the prerequisite reading list for training and ongoing development. A few I have found helpful but many don’t hit the spot. I‘ve just added to Amazon’s coffers. But The Miracle Morning hit the spot.

It is probably a book I wouldn’t have considered before as I didn’t have a morning where I could be miraculous. Believe me there is nothing miraculous about the London Underground at 7am. But now thanks to lockdown I had the time.

The book immediately grabbed my attention. I could relate to what was being suggested. I was already practicing some of it. Taking a few minutes to reflect on the day ahead. Looking at what I wanted to achieve. And being silent. No television. Just my coffee and clicking heart.

I started reading the book on my kindle but felt the urge I to make notes in the margin and highlight particular areas so I bought the paperback. I know you can do all that stuff on a kindle but I’m old school.

The sign of a good book for me is when you read something that has such an effect that you have to stop reading to think about it. On this occasion my dog got an extra walk.

It was a section on accountability and the link between success and accountability. ‘Virtually all highly successful people — from CEOs to professional athletes to the President of the United States (really?) embrace a high level of accountability’. It struck me that I’ve always viewed my need for accountability as a weakness. Being seen to be working hard and delivering to a high standard albeit a project, a briefing paper or just completing a workout. Wouldn’t it be enough for me alone to know. And if accountability is so important where am I going to find it in my post retirement life.

So plenty to think about. But I’ve got the time.