Posted on 12/07/2001 7:24:26 PM PST by Partisan Hack
Okay... I did it. I read the New Diet Revolution and I've bought into the whole notion of a 0 - 20 gram per day, low carbohydrate diet. I'm in the "induction phase," and the Doctor assures rapid weight loss during this initial two-week run. Supposedly, as success is achieved, the dieter can begin to gradually increase the amount of carbs that they consume. The trick is to remain in ketosis while attempting to shed weight.
My most important question is if any freepers out there have had any success with this diet and what tips might they be able to pass on.
Also, are "free" foods truly "free?" Does nutrasweet negatively impact this diet?
I'm a week into it, (and have confirmed that I am indeed in ketosis) but I'm not yet loosing any weight. I'm hoping to loose 40 lbs!
Sitting in front of this computer, glued to Free Republic has caused me to gain this weight btw!!!
Now select the low (almost zero) carb foods like sauerkraut, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese. Stay away from grains on cycles. Select one day a week as eat what ya want day (within reason of course). I'll usually knock down a slice of pizza etc during this day of free food groups.
I'll go all week, drinking crystal light that has zero carbs versus a diet soda. The snack bars I have for work are from GNC. They are pure protein bars from worldwide sport nutrition. The only versions I can recommend are the Strawberry cheesecake and smores. They only have 7 grams of carbs. Myoplex makes a bar also with 3 grams of carbs and a drink from GNC or Walmart (cheaper) that has 5 grams but is real nasty tasting IMHO.
A good multi-vitamin and some vitamin "C" keeps the imune system up to par for me so far. I use a lifecycle exercise bike, free weights and a treadmill for at least 2 hours a day (freepin while I workout).
Fried chicken, fish etc is OK as it has "trace " carbs in the batter but the oils have potential for concern so I avoid it if possible.
Grill a lean steak, or chicken/fish with lemon juice as flavoring, kraut will fry and come out like home fries. I have 100 ways to cook kraut. Key is to do this slow. Life style change for me. My doctor keeps an eye on my blood work and lets me know if I'm getting too carried away but so far 60 pounds are off and my Body fat measurement is back to 21 percent (water tank test). I'm shooting for 14% and then going to go on a maintenance menu of 30 cabs max a day.
Let me know if have any better ideas or tips.
Stay Safe !
It is very important to take your supplements if you choose to stay on this diet. The most important is potassium. Your body throws off too much potassium when it goes into ketosis. This causes muscles to cramp. It is important to remember that the heart is a muscle and needs potassium for regulation of the heartbeat. Some doctors consider these diets to be dangerous. These diets tell you that ketosis is the "desired state." Ketosis is never a desired state.
The Sugarbusters diet is the safest of the low carb diets. However, I wouldn't recommend any of them. You can certainly lose weight on these diets but most everyone gains it all back plus more. Most people also feel horrible on these diets. You cannot stay on a diet for several years if you feel horrible.
I encourage you to check out the diet recommended by the Coronary Heart Disease Taskforce, the Mediterranean Diet. The Coronary Heart Disease Taskforce is a group of some of the finest doctors in the world. This is especially true for heart disease and diets. These doctors meet annually and usually issue important statements concerning health issues like diets. NONE OF THESE DOCTORS ARE PAID FOR THE STATEMENTS THE GROUP ISSUES. YOU'RE GETTING THE OPINIONS OF THE BEST DOCTORS IN THE WORLD CONCERNING DIETS. They issued a concensus statement concerning diets. They are not trying to sell you a book or anything else. They're just offering the opinion of the the finest doctors in the world. Their site and their opinions can be found at www.chd-taskforce.com. Click on "Practical Aids to CHD Prevention" and you'll see their diet opinion. It was a concensus statement by over 30 of the best doctors from around the world including many from some of the finest medical schools in the USA.
Not only is this the safest diet in the world but it also works. It is also a diet you can stay on for the rest of your life. There are several good books about Mediterian diets in your bookstores.
Losing weight is very hard if you are not committed to the long-term aspect of dietary change coupled with exercise.
I lost 95 lbs. It took me a year and a half. That was a year ago. I have kept it all off. This is the proudest achievement of my life.
Why did I do it? I wasn't happy with myself. I didn't feel good, I sure as hell didn't look good. I had to do it.
How did I do it? I stopped drinking any kind of alcohol, carbonated beverages, (even diet)fruit juices. I cut back on the portions I was eating by using the portion size written on the packaging of foods. NO candy. NO fast food. Low fat content. I would allow myself as much vegetables as I wanted, a lot of fruit, not much bread because that is my weakness.
But most important of all, I started walking. I walk 5-6 days a week an average of 6 miles, 2 at-a-time. I have come to enjoy my solitary walks more than I used to enjoy eating. Clears the lungs and the mind, you know?
I guess what I'm saying is you have to change your life, permanently. It isn't at all hard to do if you are ready.
Good luck to you!
A bump for my buddy Lyle (I helped him form the original Low-Carb-Exercize list, when it split off of the original Low-Carb mailing list). He is definately the expert in respect to ketogenic diets.
Funny thing though, if you still follow him, he has sorta changed his mind. While he still believes the ketogenic diets are workable and do some good things, he no longer thinks they are that much different than any regular hypocaloric diet. The only advantage he sees now is the appetite supression of ketosis.
Water is key, staying away from caffeine and nutrasweet were also effective for me. I used more vitamins et al the second time and noticed a big jump in energy.
I recommend the diet, but it's hard to stay on long term, mainly because of lack of eating variety.
By the way I cheat once a week. Pizza or some such garbage. It has NOT hurt me at all. Good Luck!!
Finally figured it out. Whew!
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