The term "Yo-Yo Dieting" was coined by Dr. Kelly Brownell at Yale University in reference to the cyclical up-down motion of a yo-yo with regards to body weight. The dieter is initially successful in the pursuit of weight loss but is unsuccessful in maintaining the loss for the long-term. The dieter then seeks to lose the regained weight, and the cycle begins again.

I am no stranger to the phenomenon. At 13, prior to my Bar Mitzvah, I lost 23 pounds in 21 days to fit into my suit. I gained 40 pounds within the following two weeks.

On August 20^th, we moved to New York City . I lived adjacent to Lincoln Center having come from South Beach ’s  Lincoln Road. On September 19^th, we moved back toward Lincoln Road. In the course of the past month, I have lost 18.6 pounds and gained what feels like a second PhD in life experience. This is no “Yo-Yo” diet… I imagine I will be successful in maintaining the loss of my savings for at least the foreseable future. The South Beach Diet is more palatable to me in the end – more financially and emotionally affordable. New York afforded a view of the Hudson through the ABC parking lot. Miami Beach affords resort amenities and an easier way of life.

That is the thing about diets. Different diets work best for different people. Different cities, too, I suppose.

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is a song from the Elton John album Honky Chateau. It is based on Bernie Taupin's experience in New York City after hearing a gun go off near his hotel window during his first visit to the city. The lyrics are as follows:

“And now I know…
Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say,
I thought I knew…
But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City ”

Everything and every experience in life has a frame, including one’s body. I frame myself in size 31 jeans now. This frame looks great on my wall of skin.

The bottom line is that we’ve all done the Yo-Yo diet in one form or another. This doesn’t signal failure, it signals an effort made with the hope of success. Rose trees grow wherever they are planted if we nurture their growth.

P.S. I have been back in South Beach for 2 weeks, and haven’t gained back a pound! And that’s how I lost the dreaded “Dissertation Weight”!!!

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