Eating the equivalent of one peanut M&M less every day could transform the trajectory of your body weight.

The LATO Nudge

Benjamin Franklin said, “Little strokes fell great oaks.”

Look after the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves

That is a phrase from backpacking. Backpackers need to be really careful about what they take along and how much it weighs because all the little extra things add up and pretty soon your lugging an uncomfortably heavy pack.

You keep the weight of your pack under control by making disciplined scrutinized decisions about everything you put into it.

This has similarities to the strategy of the great football coach Bill Walsh which he delineates in his book The Score Takes Care of Itself.

Look After The Ounces: LATO

I have found the same approach is helpful in controlling my body weight. Exercise is important to burn some calories and diet is important to get proper nutrition. But the most important aspect is simply the amount of calories ingested.

I have been coming to understand this especially as I get older and don’t bounce back as easily from binging undisciplined behavior. I end up paying a high price for what I convince myself in the moment are slight lapses.