Working on the web all day long is a recipe for fatness. Not metaphorically, I mean literally. You’re sitting on your butt all day. And especially when you’re working at a startup and putting in 16 hour days, it’s hard to find time to take care of yourself...
I'm surprised he didn't mention sleep. There is a well- established correlation between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Not that I am acting on this knowledge, particularly. But someone could!
Super simple: eat to keep insulin and cortisol levels low.<p>Avoid sugar (including artificial sweetners), juice, grain, starch and sweet fruit (berries are fine). eat enough fat and protein to feel full. get plenty of sleep (8+ hours / night).<p>Exercise will improve strength, muscle tone and metabolic conditioning, but diet is far more relevant to body composition.<p>As Gary Taubes taught us in "Good Calories Bad Calories" this is a hormonal issue, not a thermodynamic one.
Interesting, working has the opposite effect on me. This past week I barely ate. I usually get so caught up working that I'll only stop to grab a bite to eat when my stomach won't allow me to continue. I'm curious to see what the distribution is for HNers.
Bike to work, if it is possible. For me it is actually faster than using public transport, and it does wonders for my health, since I am not physically active at most other times (especially when working).
Eat less than you feel like and get 30 minutes- 1 hour of exercise per day.<p>The health and productivity benefits will outweight the lost time in food preparation and exercise.
The second "proposal" reminded me of the South Park World of Warcrack episode, where Cartman....you know. Let's just say he didn't need to get up to fulfill basic bodily functions.<p>Anything can be taken to the extreme, even productivity ;-)
Another thing that helps is a stand-up desk (this has been discussed on HN a few times). It won't reduce calorie intake, and by itself will not prevent you from gaining weight. But I believe it does encourage movement and improve posture.