Extremism

[Guest guest]

Hi Francesca:

Some input for you about 'extremism' in CRON, fwiw, not even

requiring a reply (but perhaps it will prompt some thoughts at your

end on this important issue?):

As you know I am rather new to CR, and while I have learnt a lot in

the last couple of years since I first read BT120YD, I realize I will

be learning a lot more in the next sixty!

One of the things I would like to get to understand (in due course,

the sooner the better!) is a working definition of 'extremism' as it

applies to CR.

Specifically, whether or not there is an important distinction

between an extreme EARLY implementation of CR - defined as, for an

example, dropping caloric intake from 3000 calories one day to 1500

for ever thereafter - on the one hand; and a very slow rate of

caloric reduction and weight loss - say half a pound a week - to an

EVENTUAL caloric intake that is, say, 40% to 50% less than pre-CRON.

As one of the OFs on this site I am glad to be reminded that it may

be advisable to implement changes gradually. And in response to your

advice, that is what I have done, and I probably would not have taken

that approach if you had not sort-of 'insisted' on it. (Thank you).

On the other hand, while fully recognizing the desirability of a

careful introduction of CR, I would like to think I will be able to

take maximum advantage of it. Which may perhaps mean a sizeable

reduction in caloric intake eventually ........... that is, after a

year or two (perhaps something like one year for those starting CR

from near their 'setpoint'; and two or more years for those starting

out well above their setpoint).

I guess the question is whether there is decent evidence of the

dangers for older 'specimens' like us of even just a gradual decline

in calories to an eventual 40% or 50% reduction.

My personal approach for now, definitely to be adjusted in the light

of further information, is, after a couple of months respite now at

16% BF, to continue to gradually edge my caloric intake down as my

weight continues to decline by half a pound a week until I get to BF

of 10%. Then I will stabilize again and reassess.

I guess what I am saying is a definition of exactly what 'extremism'

covers, and the evidence that supports the need to avoid it, would be

helpful to me as well as to anyone about to start CRON.

Just some thoughts. As I said no need to respond unless there seems

to be a compelling need to do so.

Rodney.