The Economists' Diet

October 16, 2017
Economists Payne and Barnett apply the principles of their discipline to weight loss in this uniquely themed and user-friendly guide. The authors share their stories of taking on and then shedding excess pounds and conclude that the crux of the obesity epidemic rests on the glut of food in the developed world. They argue that the habit of eating more than necessary is fueled by mass production of processed food and by a resulting culture of abundance that prizes instant gratification. To combat this trend, the two men suggest an “austerity program,” as opposed to the “speculative boom” of choosing immediate gratification over long-term consequences. Their key suggestions include a daily weigh-in, becoming calorie conscious, eating one square meal a day (as opposed to three), rejecting fad diets, limiting variety, and adopting a “mini-feast/mini-fast” lifestyle. Payne and Barnett make clear that this is not a nutrition book, though they do advise limiting carbs and eating more fruits and vegetables. While some dieters may balk at the advice to “embrace hunger,” others will find the authors’ down-to-earth, realistic tactics (e.g., enjoy the occasional big meal, but cut back the next day) both motivating and sensible.