Summary
In this video, I share how my background in freelance software testing helped me lose 80 pounds by teaching me to think like a computer. While humans are emotional, computers are predictable—they simply follow their programming. I realized that if I could “write a program” for my weight loss and run it consistently, I could bypass the emotional pitfalls that usually lead to quitting.
I explain how I used concepts like “while loops” to make daily weighing an objective data-gathering task rather than an emotional struggle. By treating my plan—intermittent fasting and walking—as code to be executed regardless of how I “felt,” I was able to build consistency. I also discuss how to handle “bugs” in the plan (like unexpected social events) by writing new “if/then” conditions that allow for human moments without crashing the whole system.
Key Takeaways
- The “While Loop” of Weighing: Treat the scale as a data point, not a judgment. My program is: While I am alive, I weigh myself every morning. This removes the fear and helps me track long-term trends.
- Data Over Drama: In 2016, my weight was only down on 48% of the days I weighed in. If I had relied on my emotions, I would have quit, but looking at the 7-day average data proved the “program” was working.
- Run the Program Regardless of Feelings: Most days I don’t “feel” like walking 6 miles or fasting, but I do it because it’s part of the code. The consistency of the program is what leads to results.
- Handling “Bugs” (Life Events): When life throws a curveball (like a neighbor bringing donuts), create an “if/then” statement. If someone brings treats to share, I will enjoy them and then immediately return to my fasting program.
- Iterative Maintenance: Maintenance is just another program that requires constant iteration. If you start gaining weight, you don’t quit—you just tweak the code and keep running the loop.
Resources Mentioned
The Laid Back Guide to Weight Loss Maintenance is the guide I wrote to help you navigate maintenance. It teaches you how to make a plan that’s enjoyable and helps you keep the weight off for good.