I am reading "The Body: A Guide for Occupants" by Bill Bryson aloud. We have read Bryson before. He is a good writer. His history of the layout of our houses and his history of the last few centuries of science are both excellent. His book on hiking the Appalachian Trail was made into a movie.
The whole book is about the human body and contains interesting facts and valuable reminders. I had never given a thought to dead skin cells that I guess we all slough off all the time. I have recognized the importance of body weight, body fat, muscle tone and the general problem of calories and waistlines. As a child, I didn't have much trouble with being too fat and I haven't had much as an adult. I realize that body weight and body shape is influential throughout our lives.
About three years ago, I posted "Bright Line Eating" about the book by that name, its PhD author and her efforts to guide people to a better body weight. She advocates two basic rules for a modified diet: no added sugar and no flour.
When we feel we have gained too much, usually five or so pounds above our everyday weight, we follow her guides, plus some that Lynn learned working Weight Watchers. We are both past entering our 9th decade and are somewhat able to stop worrying too much about looking svelte. We will probably never be completely indifferent to either looks or the burden of too much weight.
"The Body" and many other sources mention the health factors related to being too heavy. It is hard on several body systems. Bryson does mention the slowly emerging fact that older people (65+) do better with some diseases with a body mass index as much as 30, not the usual recommendation of 25. This idea has support from data but many sources still recommend 25.
It is tricky to keep a balance between not over-eating and at the same time, enjoying both snacks and alcoholic drinks. Lynn's practice of being conscious of simply being drawn to chocolate, Manhattans or a glass of wine as opposed actually feeling genuinely hungry helps as a guide. While I was writing this post, I got an email from YouTube with the subject line:"Hey, Bill, grab some snacks and enjoy this".
