Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Answer Boxes, Trigger Terms and Enriched Search Results
A few years ago, I wrote the following about post about Google’s OneBox Patent Application I was brought back to it, with a new Google patent that looks at answering questions within similar answer boxes, and showing rich content, like in the example below:
A patent filed by Google a couple of years ago and granted today takes another look at Oneboxes, and includes this statement early on:
A search engine provider, Google Inc. of Mountain View, Calif., has developed an “answer box” technology, known as OneBox, that has been available for several years. Using this technology, a set of web search features are offered that provide a quick and easy way for a search engine to provide users with information that is relevant to, or that answers, their search query. For example, a search engine may respond to a search query regarding everyday essential information, reference tools, trip planning information, or other information by returning, as the first search result, information responsive to the search query, instead of providing a link and a snippet for each of a number of relevant web pages that may contain information.
A recent article about the Wolfram Alpha Search Engine, Do-It-Yourself AI: How Wolfram Alpha Is Bringing Artificial Intelligence to the Masses, tells us that Question Answering of that type is one of the things that sets it apart from search engines like Google, and it differs from those searches in how it approaches answering questions:
As Wolfram stated in his panel, if you ask Wolfram Alpha for the population of New York City, it will utilize both internal algorithmic work and real-world knowledge in order to compute it, rather than just searching for an accredited answer somewhere on the internet.
Trigger Terms
To generate an answerbox, Google might rely upon a certain word or phrase to initiate the showing of that answerbox, something the patent refers to as a trigger term. These trigger terms may appear as text in pages that contain the content that they return.
A trigger term may be a category trigger term associated with a type or category of answer box, such as
- “movie,”
- “weather,”
- “convert,”
- “how . . . is,”
- “stock price,”
or the trigger term may be a parameter trigger term, such as
- a particular person name (to obtain a social network status update),
- a particular movie name (to obtain show times),
- a particular location (to obtain weather or time or map information), or
- a particular business name (to obtain stock information).
Enriched Web Resources
When Google identifies trigger terms in queries and response with an answer box result, it may provide a specialized display that is referred to in this patent as “enriched content.”
This enriched content could be an icon that triggers into action an audio or video application, a popup window that might include the trigger term as text, or show a clickable icon next to that trigger term or a “mouse-on event on the trigger term.
These enriched results could also show an answer box gadget filled with snippets that are based upon “the parametric values of each trigger term.
This enriched results could be returned to show weather related to a location, or time, or a map of a business at that location.
Google has been answering questions asked of it, and Google’s approach to showing answer boxes, in response to queries with trigger terms in them, and displaying enriched results, is a move towards the question answering described by Wolfram. The patent is:
Enriching web resources
Invented by: Xin Zhou
Assigneed to: Google
US Patent 9,146,992
Granted September 29, 2015
Filed: January 13, 2012
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for enriching web resources In one aspect, a method includes: sending a request for a web resource to a web server, receiving the requested document from the web server, sending an identifier of the received web resource to a search engine server, retrieving from a cached storage of the search engine server one or more trigger terms associated with the web resource, extracting the parametric values of each trigger term associated with the web resource, modifying the web resource by embedding an answer box gadget for each trigger term in the web resource using the parametric values of the each trigger term, and rendering the modified web resource in the requesting client device.
Take Aways
The patent presents these answer box results as the kinds of things that a searcher may need, in many cases, to have a player for installed on their browsers as a browser plugin that could display the content to be shown in that answer box, such as an audio or video player or some other kind of content that a browser couldn’t display. Not sure why it does that; it likely wasn’t necessary in most cases when this patent was filed in 2012.
Trigger terms may also identify albums or reviews when the trigger term is a musical artist or a band, may identify reviews or show times when the trigger term is a movie or a show name, may return news articles about the trigger term, or travels conditions when the trigger is travel related (airport name or flight number).
We are told that when a trigger term appears within a snippet in a search results, that may cause that search result to be presented as enriched result content within search results.
Some of the answer box content that shows up in search results in this answer box answer may be placed in cached storage, like weather, time, stock category trigger terms or parameter trigger terms (e.g., business, people or place names).
When you see a direct answer result at Google, it is aiming at answering questions like a Wolfram Alpha. I’ll be discussing this topic in more depth next week in Las Vegas at Pubcon, in a presentation titled Evolution of Search
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First Click Free update
Around ten years ago when we introduced a policy called “First Click Free,” it was hard to imagine that the always-on, multi-screen, multiple device world we now live in would change content consumption so much and so fast. The spirit of the First Click Free effort was - and still is - to help users get access to high quality news with a minimum of effort, while also ensuring that publishers with a paid subscription model get discovered in Google Search and via Google News.
In 2009, we updated the FCF policy to allow a limit of five articles per day, in order to protect publishers who felt some users were abusing the spirit of this policy. Recently we have heard from publishers about the need to revisit these policies to reflect the mobile, multiple device world. Today we are announcing a change to the FCF limit to allow a limit of three articles a day. This change will be valid on both Google Search and Google News.
Google wants to play its part in connecting users to quality news and in connecting publishers to users. We believe the FCF is important in helping achieve that goal, and we will periodically review and update these policies as needed so they continue to benefit users and publishers alike. We are listening and always welcome feedback.
Questions and answers about First Click Free
Q: Do the rest of the old guidelines still apply?
A: Yes, please check the guidelines for Google News as well as the guidelines for Web Search and the associated blog post for more information.
Q: Can I apply First Click Free to only a section of my site / only for Google News (or only for Web Search)?
A: Sure! Just make sure that both Googlebot and users from the appropriate search results can view the content as required. Keep in mind that showing Googlebot the full content of a page while showing users a registration page would be considered cloaking.
Q: Do I have to sign up to use First Click Free?
A: Please let us know about your decision to use First Click Free if you are using it for Google News. There's no need to inform us of the First Click Free status for Google Web Search.
Q: What is the preferred way to count a user's accesses?
A: Since there are many different site architectures, we believe it's best to leave this up to the publisher to decide.
(Please see our related blog post for more information on First Click Free for Google News.)
Internal Linking for SEO: Examples and Best Practices
S’more to love across all your screens
We made Android to be an open platform that anyone can build on, and today there are 4,000+ Android devices in all shapes and sizes. Android’s diversity is why it’s become the most popular mobile platform in the world, and the latest version, Marshmallow, takes Android to a new level of performance.
While we love all the Android devices out there, every year we build Nexus devices to show off the latest and greatest, directly from the people who built Android. Today we’re introducing the latest Nexus treats, both running Marshmallow, sweetened by amazing apps and sandwiched by some cutting-edge hardware (see what we did there?):
- Nexus 6P is the first all-metal-body Nexus phone. Built in collaboration with Huawei, this 5.7” phone is crafted from aeronautical-grade aluminum, with a USB Type-C port for fast charging, a powerful 64-bit processor, and a 12.3 MP camera sensor with massive 1.55µm pixels (hello, better photos!). The Nexus 6P starts at $499.
- You’re not the only one who misses your Nexus 5. We’ve joined forces with LG to bring it back with the new Nexus 5X, which gives you great performance in a compact and light package, with a beautiful 5.2” screen and the same 12.3 MP camera and Type-C port as the Nexus 6P. Nexus 5X starts at $379.
Pixel C
We’re expanding the Pixel family by introducing the first Android tablet built end-to-end by Google. The Pixel C brings together the benefits of a full-size keyboard with the portability of a tablet. The tablet and keyboard attach magnetically (no docking mechanism FTW), so it’s easy to switch between typing and using the touch screen.
And if you’re familiar with the Chromebook Pixel, you’ll immediately see the family resemblance: the Pixel C has the same beautiful aluminum design, great display and USB Type-C port. The Pixel C will be available in time for the holidays on the Google Store.
Cast ALL the things
Today we’re introducing two new Chromecast devices. The new Chromecast has a fresh design, and is easier to plug into TVs with crowded ports. It supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and adapts more easily to changing Wi-Fi conditions in your home, so you get higher quality video with less buffering. Most importantly, we added two new colors. ;)
Chromecast Audio is a small device that plugs into your existing speakers, so you can stream your favorite music, radio and podcasts over Wi-Fi, similar to Chromecast. It works with tons of apps, including Spotify, Pandora and Google Play Music. Just like Chromecast, it works from anywhere in your home with your favorite devices, including Android, iOS, and laptops. And it’s available on the Google Store and other online retailers for just $35—way less than most Wi-Fi speakers today.
We’ve also updated the Chromecast app to make it easier for you to find great things to watch or to play, across the thousands of apps that work with Chromecast—whether you feel like browsing or want to search for a specific TV show or movie. For Cast-enabled apps that aren’t already on your phone, we’ll suggest one for you. The updated Chromecast app is rolling out on Android and iOS over the next few weeks.
Your favorite apps... for the whole family
All your shiny devices get even better when you have great apps to go with them. So we’re making a few updates to Google Play Music and Google Photos.
First, Google Play Music will offer a new family plan later this year. Up to six people will be able to use one account for a shared fee of $14.99 a month (instead of $9.99 per person). Get the dance party ready.
Sharing is a theme of today’s Google Photos updates, too. We’re adding Chromecast support to give you that old-school slideshow experience—dimmed lights optional. In the U.S., you can now add private labels to your photos to make it easier to search for specific pics of people with things, places or other people—say, that photo of Mom at the Grand Canyon, or of your daughter with her pet bunny. And soon you’ll be able to pool all your photos and videos with friends and family in one place, and get updates as soon as new photos are added. Best of all, there’s no setup involved, and you can use any device. So that dance party we mentioned earlier? Now it’s easier to gather all the memories from everyone who was there.
More to love, for more people
From Nexus to Chromecast to Pixel C to Photos, these updates are more than the sum of their parts—they unite great apps with devices that are designed to support them. They’re built to work together, so they do—seamlessly, across all your screens.
SMX Liveblog: Evening Forum With Danny Sullivan
SMX Liveblog: Evening Forum With Danny Sullivan was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Read the Liveblog now.
Fit Fix: It's National Coffee Day
Morning dudes. Here's the latest in cool stuff to start your Tuesday, September 29:
Coffee Coffee Coffee: It's #InternationalCoffeeDay. Here are six reasons to drink it. Here are seven more. And did we mention it can help you power through a workout? Celebrate accordingly.
Genius Grant: Congratulations to 2015 Game Changer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is among this year's 24 recipients of the 2015 MacArthur "Genius" grants. Not gonna say we told you so, but...we did kinda call it. Congrats, Mr. Miranda! [New York Times]
Papelbon Suspended: The Washington Nationals suspended Jonathan Papelbon for four games Monday, a day after he choked out teammate Bryce Harper in the dugout. Not a good look, dude. [Washington Post]
Superheroes: They're Just Like Us!: Take a look at the newly released gag reel from Avengers: Age of Ultron. (Why is there so much kissing?)
The cast deploys their fancy footwork in this @Avengers #AgeofUltron gag reel, out on Blu-ray October 2! https://t.co/uW7YJFO5sF
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) September 28, 2015
Great Scott!: Doc Brown is back (from the future, presumably) to remind you that the movie trilogy is on Blu-ray.
Back to the Future Trilogy - Own it on Blu-ray 10/21Great Scott, Doc Brown’s back! Here’s a sneak peek from the new short coming exclusively to the Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Blu-ray and DVD Trilogies. #BTTF2015Order now > http://uphe.biz/BTTF30thAnni
Posted by Back to the Future Trilogy on Monday, September 28, 2015
Do You Have a Diversified Local Strategy?
Fresh Inspiration and New Ideas (You Haven’t Heard!) for Content Creation @SMX East
Fresh Inspiration and New Ideas (You Haven’t Heard!) for Content Creation @SMX East was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Read the liveblog coverage.
SMX Liveblog: Local Search Q&A with Top Local Experts
SMX Liveblog: Local Search Q&A with Top Local Experts was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Why did Google’s switch to the 3 pack from the 7 pack?
Does anyone have statistics regarding how clicks are distributed between Google Maps and Google organic?
Links vs. citations?
How are apps affecting local?
How are you getting reviews?
Read the liveblog coverage of the Local SEO Q&A at SMX East.
Google SERP Eye-Tracking: 2005 vs. 2014
Google SERP Eye-Tracking: 2005 vs. 2014 was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Read the liveblog coverage.
Sherlock Goes Local: How We Solved 3 Local Ranking Mysteries
Sherlock Goes Local: How We Solved 3 Local Ranking Mysteries was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
See how Mary Bowling, Andrew Shotland and Joy Hawkins solve local SEO mysteries in this liveblog coverage from SMX East.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
7 Stories That Make You Proud to Be a Runner
Here's a look at some recent stories that will motivate you to continue to lace up your running shoes each day, and possibly find a great cause of your own.
Hogwarts Running Club Fundraises for Charity
This group certainly runs like "You Know Who" is chasing them. In March of 2014, the Hogwarts Running Club was officially launched by Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Biggs, 39, who admits to great fandom of the Harry Potter series. He's built a Facebook-based community of runners who hold virtual races at a variety of distances. (Often distances include sorcery-themed lengths, like the Department of Mysteries 6.2442, which spells out "MAGIC" if you type it on the phone.) In 2015, this online community has raised money for various charities, including some focused on cancer research, military pet foster care, and cystic fibrosis. More
4-Year-Old Girl Learns to Run on Prosthetic Legs
Ellie Todd knew exactly what to do when she put on her first set of prosthetic running blades. The 4-year-old, who was born with a genetic condition that kept her tibia bones from forming, ran straight to her mother, Miranda Todd. Miranda Todd was instrumental in helping her "always on the move" child acquire her new set of prosthetics. A Facebook group called Momastery donated $20,000 to offset the cost for Ellie's running blades after Miranda submitted an essay about her hero--Ellie--for the group's charity drive. Additional funds were later donated by the Hanger Clinic, which manufactures the prosthetics. All done to help this little girl run. More
11-Year-Old's Streak Raises $10,000 for Friend With Cancer
A 30-day running streak is a commitment at any age, but Ryan Tarapchak of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, ran for a month with more than miles on his mind. When Ryan heard that his friend's 6-year-old sister, Isabella O'Brien, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he decided to run start a run streak along with a GoFundMe page for Isabella. To date, he's exceeded his initial goal by raising more than $13,000 to help with Isabella's treatments. "For an 11-year-old kid deciding to do something like this so selflessly for someone else, his parents should be very proud of him," Isabella's dad, Scott, said. More
Cross-Country Run Raises $100,000 for Racing Wheelchairs
The Evans family went coast-to-coast over the summer--at a pace of 50 miles a day for 60 days. Shaun Evans and his 9-year-old son, Shamus, who has cerebral palsy, ran with the rest of his family as they followed along in an RV. Because Shamus cannot run on his own due to his physical limitations, his father pushed him in a racing chair. From Seattle to New York, the family raised more than $100,000 so other children like Shamus could experience the feeling of running. Along the way, they donated 25 running chairs to families in need. "It's a little bittersweet it's ending," Shaun told Runner's World near the end of the trip. "It's been such a great summer." More
Halls Adopt Four Ethiopian Sisters
The elite running couple, Ryan and Sara Hall, made a big announcement that had nothing to do with their racing plans. The couple recently announced their adoption of four Ethiopian sisters--Ana, Mia, Jasmine, and Lily. This is not the first time the couple has lent a helping hand. Aside from running marathons in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston, the couple still finds time to help build hospitals in Kenya and fund health clinics in Mozambique. Their Hall Steps Foundation allows them to be active in these Africa charitable projects. More
Runner Equips His Teammates With New Running Shoes
Although high school senior Stefan Pressley longed for a car, he spent two-thirds of his summer job earnings on something more rewarding. Pressley spent $540 on running shoes for his cross-country teammates who needed them. "My team is my family, and I want them to have the best season," he said. Fortunately, Pressley's teammates aren't the only ones aware of their captain's act of kindness. Two car dealerships have written checks to pay Pressley back for the shoes. Pressley said having a car would allow him to drive to cross country practice and give his teammates rides. He just has to pass his driving test first. More
50 Ironmans, 50 States, 50 Days
James Lawrence definitely took his body to the limit for a good cause. The 39-year-old triathlon coach and personal trainer set out this summer to complete 50 Ironman-distance events in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. He completed his quest in July, raising $70,000 for the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation. Along the way, Lawrence's wife and four children traveled with him in a motor home. His 12-year-old daughter, Lucy, ran 50 consecutive 5Ks with her dad to make the trip even more memorable. "She's setting an example for the next generation," he said. More
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Big ideas for an even better Bay Area
Today, after reviewing hundreds of submissions, we’re unveiling 10 finalists chosen together with our panel of advisors—a group that includes the San Francisco Chronicle’s Editor-in-Chief Audrey Cooper, The Golden State Warriors’ Harrison Barnes, The San Francisco Giants’ Hunter Pence, and CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, Fred Blackwell.
Representing San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Clara, San Mateo and more, these organizations span the Bay Area. Learn more about these groups and their ideas for change:
What happens next is in your hands! Anyone can vote for the new projects they think will have the most impact on the Bay Area. Again, the top four will receive $500,000 in grant funding, the remaining six will get $250,000 each. 15 additional organizations will each receive $100,000 and all nonprofits will be connected with Googler volunteers and coworking space in San Francisco. We’ll announce winners on October 21.
To vote, visit g.co/bayareachallenge or check out one of our voting stations across the Bay Area.
When creative, socially-conscious minds and the Bay Area’s innovative spirit join forces, big things can happen. Congratulations to all finalists, and best of luck the rest of the way!
In Greece, a Little Goes a Long Way
"A little goes a long way" is usually the mantra of the travel companies encouraging clients to take advantage of Greece, this economically-beleaguered but scenic and hospitable country. I notice here on Aegina Island that huge tourist coaches are on the increase. They careen these mountain roads on a race to the sites before returning to the ferry for the dash to the next island of their one-day tour.
But this is not what I am talking about. Not about bargain holidays or stretching a travel budget. I am talking about how in Greece right now we can give a little and have it return a great deal more.
Every country is known primarily by its collective cultural persona. The national character is perceived by the behavior of politicians, bureaucrats and the effect of its economic skill and power in the global game. And when a country is disadvantaged by these standards, the world rushes in to take advantage. Or so it seems.
I despair when I hear what others say of Greece outside of the country, "the people brought it on themselves," "'they're lazy" "they're looking for a handout." But I know a different reality. In fact I am an active participant in a different reality. And here it is.
Underneath the skin of the collective national persona are 11 million plus stories. I am one of them. I am Philhellene. I chose to come here from a more "advantaged" country because there is a pulse to this land that is hard to measure by our material standards. It is beguilingly beautiful from north to south and east to west including its hundreds of islands with such diversity of ancient mountains, teal blue seas and rich arable lands. In the still-wild mountains, herbs and wildflowers grow in unmolested natural abundance. Six thousand species of flora and 200 species of olive trees offer up a precious pharmacopeia unmatched in most other lands.
There is a reverence for what matters in life notwithstanding the hardships that bend the spirit, but somehow strengthen what really matters. Tight family bonds, the pleasure of unhurried time spent with friends at a café -- the simple foods, simple pleasures and simple values. This is why I came and this is why I stay. But I ended up with something more than what I bargained for and there is a certain irony in it.
Long before I dreamed of living in Greece, I incorporated a company called Artemis Alliance Inc. It has had many faces, but all were of a holistic nature pursuing what is authentic, healthy, creative and vibrant in life. The irony is today that company is in partnership with the University of Athens and has a patent (pending) for an in-the-field test kit to measure the health protective compounds in EVOO, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (once again Artemis is the protector of virgins). These phenolic compounds are oleocanthal and oleacein, only found in olive oil. Studies around the world are researching these compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer's, arthritis, cancer and other illnesses.
My partner Athan and I adhere to the Hippocratic doctrine of "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" and it was an easy trail to the Hippocratic writings about the healing benefits of early harvest olive oil. From here we discovered unprecedented research based on these same ancient writings conducted by Drs. Prokopios Magiatis, Ph.D. and Elleni Melliou, Ph.D. at the University of Athens.
We met on several occasions and Athan has written extensively in other media of the research method invented by Magiatis and Melliou for measuring individual compounds in olive oil using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). Research, incidentally, that has been acknowledged worldwide but marginalized here in Greece.
When the question of how a simple inexpensive test kit might change the way an olive grower or mill would sort and price their olive oil, we all saw the immediate advantage to the Greek olive oil industry in a global market. For too long, the industry has lacked cohesive marketing support with much of the production sold, often internationally, for low bulk prices. Again, commercial interests benefiting from growers economically stressed and, in many cases, subsistence farming.
But, funding had been cut. The crisis had the university in a grip. At one meeting at the university laboratory, we learned that the professors had to clean their own washrooms. There was no maintenance staff. The halls were dark. Cutting funding to research and innovation is the death knell of any culture that would proceed into the future with verve and independence. What could we do to help?
Well, it turned out that as a result of a little investment in research and funding of the patent, Eurobank has now named this invention in the top ten finalists in a contest run for innovation in Greece.* What this partnership means is that the more successful we market and sell this kit, the more it benefits the university. This is good for us. It is good for the university and it is good for the many growers who will learn the best way of harvesting and production to create an olive oil that is measurably the most health promoting of any on the market. This in turn making the ultimate beneficiary, the health conscious consumer. The name of this innovation? Why, Aristoleo, which in Greek simply means "excellent oil."
The olive represents Greece for good reason. It is the symbol of resilience and long life under difficult conditions. For me it is the symbol of the Greek spirit that I so love and respect. It seems only fitting that Greek EVOO takes its place on the global market for excellence and that two Greek scientists working with inspiration and diligence from an idea scripted millennia ago are setting a new standard for excellence.
There are many brilliant minds right here, right now in this country that for wont of recognition, trust and a little funding will go a long way to the change the course of the economic wellbeing of Greece.
*The announcement of finalists and prizes was postponed from July 9, 2015 due to capital controls. Eurobank expects to make the announcement sometime in October.
Photo credit: Athan Gadanidis
Watch for my next post when I share that when it comes to the healthiest olive oil bitter is better!
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
No One Wants to Do Them, But Content Audits Are Worth It. Mike King Explains Why at #SMX
No One Wants to Do Them, But Content Audits Are Worth It. Mike King Explains Why at #SMX was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Or so says Mike King (@IPullRank). He's diving into content audits in "Perfect Starts: How to Get More of the Right Traffic" at this SMX East 2015 session. Fair warning: he has a lot to say, and he talks fast — this liveblog captures the highlights.
Read more of the liveblog (and slides) for Content Audits Are Worth It
Focusing on Consumer Attitude to Understand Behavior
Optimizing for Pinterest at @SMX East
Optimizing for Pinterest at @SMX East was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Read the liveblog.
Branding and Problem Solving: Thinking Bigger than Ranking with Wil Reynolds @SMX
Branding and Problem Solving: Thinking Bigger than Ranking with Wil Reynolds @SMX was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
Wil Reynolds (@WilReynolds), founder of Seer Interactive, wants you to think about this.
Does your content solve a problem, or does it exist simply to exist? If you're doing content for content's sake, or focusing on ranking just for ranking's sake, you're playing the digital marketing game wrong. Because your chief concerns should be the user, their frustrations, and creating content they can trust.
Read the full liveblog.
SEO for Ecommerce: What You Need to Know from #SMX East
SEO for Ecommerce: What You Need to Know from #SMX East was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
As SEO marketers today, we need to be familiar with everything. However, there are two major pillars of SEO: the technical side and the audience side. Here are some of the main issues of each that relate to ecommerce sites.
Read the liveblog of SEO for Ecommerce: What You Need to Know
Ask Men's Fitness: I started a diet and dropped 10 pounds the first month—but since then the loss has slowed to a crawl. What am I doing wrong?
Most people believe the popular circa-1950s “rule” that when you cut 3,500 calories from your diet over time, you lose a pound. In fact, as The Washington Post recently reported, that’s a fallacy—the body fights weight loss with all its might, so the longer you diet, the more stubborn your metabolism gets. (“Oh, you’re feeding me fewer calories? Then I’ll burn fewer calories.”)
5 Fast Bodyweight Workouts for Weight Loss >>>
“As time goes on, it gets harder to drop pounds,” says nutritionist Elizabeth Ward, R.D. “The less you weigh, the less you get to eat. A 250-pound guy with a lot of fat can eat much more than a 150-pound guy just trying to drop the last 10 and he’ll still lose weight.”
To beat the body at its own game, Ward says to try the USDA-approved SuperTracker (supertracker.usda.gov), whose Body Weight Planner uses your weight, height, age, etc., to give you a calorie target and time goal. Then update it every few weeks, says Ward, “and as your weight changes, it will adjust the recommendations.”
The Truth About Governor Christie's Weight
As it turns out, General Cunniff did not meet the military's basic combat-readiness criteria, and the governor was the one who had to issue the command.
In response, Cunniff said: "Many people struggle with weight control -- I am not immune from this."
The irony, of course, is that Governor Christie himself has had his own share of weight struggles. In fact, in 2013, the governor had surgery -- known as a gastric band procedure -- to close off a section of his stomach. At the time, experts believed he weighed in at more than 400 pounds.
Many people pointed the obvious finger at Governor Christie, accusing him of hypocrisy.
But I think these people missed the whole point.
Whatever you think of their politics or positions, there is no doubt that both Governor Christie and General Cunniff are smart, motivated, successful men.
And therein lies the powerful enigma of obesity.
More than two-thirds of all Americans are overweight. And right now, more than 108 million Americans are on a diet. The average dieter makes four or five attempts each year. And less than one percent of these attempts actually result in long-term weight loss.
We hear these statistics all the time, but I think we've become numb to what they're actually telling us. Is there any other sphere of endeavor where so many people try so hard with so little success? What would we think if fewer than 1 percent of people who enrolled in college ever graduated, while the other 99 percent spent billions dropping out and re-enrolling four or five times each year?
Many of life's problems can be solved by an onslaught of intelligence, ambition, motivation, and perseverance. But for the vast majority of people, that just isn't true for weight. So clearly our approach and commonsense understanding are flawed.
The fact is that, for most people, lasting weight loss takes a lot more than willpower or desire. According to recent research, it takes a fresh understanding of how the brain interacts with food.
Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson is a tenured psychology professor with a Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. For 16 years she struggled under a torturous relationship with food. She dieted again and again, only to watch her weight balloon back up. She was clinically depressed, and, in her darkest hours, would lie in the fetal position and weep for a solution.
Finally in 2003, Dr. Thompson's cognitive studies put her in the path of the answers she'd been seeking. She shrank from obese to slender in six months and today she's among the top .01 percent of successful weight loss maintainers.
Now Dr. Thompson has created a program called Bright Line Eating to share what she's learned about how the brain blocks weight loss and so far the results are promising. She reports that for the first 1,000 graduates, her program was three times more effective and seven times faster than Weight Watchers.
I asked Dr. Thompson if she had any insight into why Governor Christie and General Cunniff might be struggling to lose weight, despite intense scrutiny from the public and the threat to the viability of their future careers, not to mention their health.
She had this to say:
I don't know them, of course, but my guess is that they're both really high on the Susceptibility Scale. That's the scale that measures how susceptible someone is to the addictive properties of refined foods. They're not alone. Research shows that one-third of people are high on the Susceptibility Scale. It makes it nearly impossible to lose weight unless you understand what you're up against. If you're low on the Susceptibility Scale, indulging in a craving makes it go away. But if you're highly susceptible, indulging just makes the craving stronger.
In evolutionary terms, Dr. Thompson explained to me, being highly susceptible was a good thing. But today we're surrounded by cues to eat foods that have been refined to affect our brains exactly the same way as drugs do. We have a food industry that spends tens of billions of dollars every year marketing highly processed, highly sweetened, and highly addictive foods. In this context, being susceptible is seriously dangerous.
We live in a society that, all-too-often, blames overweight people for their suffering -- as if they lacked willpower. But, according to Dr. Thompson, the problem isn't at all a deficiency of willpower. The problem is that some of us are highly susceptible to food addiction -- and have no roadmap to conquer it.
Fortunately, there are answers that can help. And Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson has developed something that appears like it could provide tremendous help to a lot of people.
Perhaps even Governor Christie and General Cunniff.
To find out how you score on Dr. Thompson's Susceptibility Scale, take her free quiz here.
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