The Rule of Threes

[ouroborous 519]

I have seen a couple of posts from people worried about taking in too little food, and I thought I'd post this handy hint I learned a long time ago. It's called the "rule of threes" and is a rule of thumb for how long you can survive without basic necessities:

• 3 minutes without air
  
• 3 hours without shelter
  
• 3 days without Water
  
• 3 weeks without food
  
• 3 months without hope
  

The point of my post is that you can survive for three entire weeks without a single bite of food. Obese people like us, perhaps four. So if you're only able to eat 400-500 calories a day, don't fret. You're not going to starve for a long, long time. Just try to make sure that the calories you ARE getting are high quality (enough Protein, enough micronutrients, etc.)

And as the "rule of threes" shows, getting Water is MUCH, much more important and urgent than food, and yet even here you could (theoretically) survive three whole days without a single drop (including the water you get in your food).

So, if you're fretful or a hypochondriac like me, don't worry quite so much. Do everything the doctor tells you, tell him/her about any strange or worrisome new symptoms, and focus on recovery -- not "what could go wrong."

[AutumnBlueCarmen 4]

I like it! I will keep this in mind when I officially start my journey! Thanks for sharing! =)

[wishes 125]

So true, sometimes, it is best to just take a deep breath and just do what you can.

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

Thanks for this post - quite a cool way to look at things. And, one of the most important things about the sleeve, is that it provides us hope for getting our weight in control.