The expression, “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It” is attributed to Thomas Bertram Lance (1931 – 2013), known as Bert Lance, who was a close adviser to Jimmy Carter during his successful 1976 campaign and became director of the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB) in Carter’s government. The concept of this expression is basically that if things are going well, there is no reason to tinker/change anything that is part of the success.
Let’s bring this concept to the weight loss arena: Many of you have heard from me over the years such things as:
- Protein shakes are not as effective food-based proteins
- Nuts are not a healthy food source for weight control
- Alcohol kills metabolism and therefore should be avoided during weight loss efforts
- Three meals and snacks are better for weight control than skipping meals
- Eating after 8 PM hinders weight loss
Many, many more “Posner Pearls” may be added to this list. BUT, here is the thing: If a person is using protein substitutes, snacking on nuts, still drinking alcohol often, doing intermittent fasting and/or eating evening meals after 8 PM AND weight is coming off consistently, then there is no reason to change/”fix” anything.
What I tell my patients: If the weight is NOT coming down, the approach to weight control is, in fact, “broken”, and a “fix” is needed. That “Fix” may entail incorporating those (and more) suggestions that I make to our patients. Perhaps more protein is needed, less carbs, no protein substitutes, more water, less fruit, etc. However, as mentioned above, if your current approach is being rewarded with consistent weight loss at a rate you are happy with, keep doing what you are doing.
Here is a trivia question: What Broadway show based on a fairy tale had the line: “IF IT’S NOT BAROQUE, DON’T FIX IT”? Here is a song from the show that will provide the answer:
