The Moderation Revolution, by Marian Lizzi:

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In the winter of 2008, Perigee published a quirky paperback original called The No S Diet, by Reinhard Engels and Ben Kallen. More manifesto than prescriptive guide, the book presents a strikingly simple way to lose weight -- one that's easy to remember and (just as important) easy to stick to: no snacks, sweets, no seconds -- except on days that start with S (Saturdays, Sundays and special days).

The book grew out of software engineer Reinhard Engels's popular blog, and is the result of his own long quest to simplify the complicated, often overly complex weight-loss methods dieters adopt and then typically drop shortly before or after seeing results. It's one of a series of quirky programs Engels has dubbed Everyday Systems -- simple, commonsense solutions to everyday problems. (Some of the other problems his systems tackle are litigiousness, problem drinking, and idleness.)

Each of his solutions hinges on one simple premise: find an irresistibly simple way to eliminate excess.

It seems the media has been a bit slow in joining what Reinhard calls the Moderation Revolution. But now, fifteen months after the book's initial publication, journalists around the US and overseas have been contacting Reinhard to request interviews. The book's sales are climbing. Whether by choice or by necessity, the moderation revolution seems to be upon us. Who isn't thinking about dialing back their indulgences in one form or another? The fact that it's easier to get a cab, a dinner reservation, or a ticket on the next flight to Vegas is just one measure of our newfound moderation (to say nothing of the price of a condo in Vegas once you get there).

Will the revolution last? If Engels and his thoughtful, pragmatic fans have their way, we'll all be simplifying, cutting back, and enjoying the fruits of our moderation for a very long time.

Posted by: Marian Lizzi, Editor-in-Chief, Perigee 

Marian Lizzi, The No S Diet, Penguin Bloggers, Penguin Books