Social Antibodies

Why is it hard to eat less?  Most of the reasons I hear center around the idea that it is unfair for some people to have to eat less than others to maintain a healthy weight.

We have a culture (or at least a large part of our culture) that supports that idea that more is better -- more food, more square footage in our homes, more toys in our garages.

Food has become a plague for many people.  It causes stress for them to eat (What is healthy? What is organic? Does this have a provitamin or probiotic?)  And it is stressful to limit ourselves.  We use food like a drug to separate ourselves from the stresses of our days and provide entertainment when there isn't anything on the 183 cable channels.

So what got us through the plagues of history?  Our bodies developed antibodies to the disease. 

And what is going to get us through this plague on our culture and ourselves?  I just came across the idea of "social antibodies".

What are social antibodies, you ask???

Social antibodies are those mindful eaters out there not only walkin' the walk --  They are also talkin' the talk.  They are letting their friends and neighbors know what they are doing -- that there is another, simple, way to manage your weight.  That if you don't overeat, you won't be overweight.  That you have the option of eating really, really good foods.  And if you eat a reasonable portion of those, you don't ever have to give the low-fat, low-cal versions another thought.

So what do you think?  Are you part of the plague solution?  Or part of the problem? Are you ready to become a social antibody?

*and thanks to Paul Graham for the social antibodies idea that got me thinkin')