No cravings? Is it possible?
Written: Sep 11 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Even emotions, no cravings, weight loss
Cons: You can't cheat or it defeats the purpose and is harder to get back on plan, naysayers
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| shelxland's Full Review: Carbohydrate Addict's Diet |
This is part two of my best vs. worst fad diet epinions. If you'd like to check out the first part or the worst fad diet... the Cabbage Soup Diet is here...
http://www.epinions.com/well-review-809-1598EC0C-39BD89F6-prod6
This epinion is about the best "fad" diet and actually the best eating plan I have come across for me... Carbohydrate Addict's Diet.
The not so simple basis
The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet or CAD, as it is affectionately known as, was written by Richard and Rachel Heller and is founded on the principle that when certain people eat carbohydrates their body produces too much insulin and when the excess insulin stays in the blood the body 1. becomes insulin resistant causing glucose in the blood to turn to fat and 2. the body also doesn't produce the right amount of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that sends the message that someone is full to the brain and body. Those with the lack of serotonin being produced don't get those messages about feeling full until they physically feel *full* and will continue to crave and eat until that point.
When a carb addicted person doesn't eat carbs, the body doesn't have the insulin release that it needs so it breaks down the fat in the body to create a new source of fuel. Also the lessened insulin results in higher serotonin productions and feeling fuller faster.
What makes this diet different?
This diet is different than the other no/low carb plans because you do get to eat carbs. You have two complimentary meals which are carb-free a day. This includes foods like beef, chicken, some bacons and ham, certain non-fiberous veggies, cheese and eggs. You could have a mushroom, ham and cheese omelet for breakfast, and a cobb salad for lunch.
Once a day, for one hour only, you can have what is called the reward meal. It needs to be balanced, but it can include any of your favorite foods, sweets too! The thinking behind the hour time limit is that the body typically releases insulin when you begin eating. By not eating carbs earlier in the day, you essentially fool your body into producing less insulin. But if you keep eating the body will release a second dose of insulin (according to the book usually at 75-90 minutes after eating). So you want to stop eating before that happens.
My experience with the plan
Like the Cabbage Soup Diet, I started CAD with co-workers. The hardest part, I figured, would be giving up my Mountain Dew which I had been taking in through the I.V. called a straw in mass amounts for years.
I started the first day with eggs and cheese for breakfast and a cobb salad for lunch. For dinner, I had McDonalds. The next morning I felt great!! No cravings for Mt. Dew, no cravings for anything. I just wasn't hungry at all.
I continued on this eating plan for 8 months without so much as a slip up. I felt more even keeled (a side effect of not having the spikes in my blood sugar from excess carbs) and I was losing weight. Effortlessly. I lost almost 35 lbs. in that time frame.
Once a cheater...
My fall from grace happened when I had to have my gallbladder removed. I had complications and for the next 8 weeks I couldn't eat much of anything, let alone be picky about what I was eating. I ate a lot of soup and rice and noodles. They were bland and easy to tolerate, but were loaded with carbs and I could feel the tiredness and cravings come back.
Once healed, I strived to get back on the plan. It wasn't as easy the second time, but I finally got back to where I was not craving and losing again.
A system of support
Needing the extra help to get back on the program, I started scanning the internet for support of any kind. I found the Heller's webpage and through that I found their email list. I joined. This was pre-Oprah show, so the list was small, friendly and full of recipes and tips and most of all, support. Just what I needed.
The Hellers contributed to the list by answering the scientific questions and offering suggestions to people about plateaus and struggles. They also hosted a chat one night a week where people could gather and ask them questions directly.
What now?
I stayed on the plan for another year and a half before venturing out to try more restricted plans like Protein Power and Atkins. I lost fast with both of those plans and still didn't have the cravings but after awhile I found that I was really missing things like pizza crust and french fries and cream of mushroom soup. It wasn't that I craved them... I just missed them.
So after a brief haitus I have found my way back to the Hellers and CAD. I feel better and after discussing the "feeling better symptoms" with my doctor, I found out that the lack of serotonin (which also incidentally is what tells your brain that you are okay) is also what results in depression. No wonder I was feeling better.
And now, I eat this way habitually, more for the feelings of stability than the weight loss. But hey, that's a perk too!
Naysayers
Now, please don't go leaving me a ton of comments about eating healthy and exercising. I've gone that route and failed. Actually I drink more water and get more exercise when I am on CAD. When my body is working chemically like it should, I crave both.
My doctor happens to be very pro CAD and has supported me the entire time. And outside of his approval, I don't seek it from anyone else. I guess in the long run I figure what works for me, works for me. And what works for you, works for you. As long as we feel good and are healthy.
Most importantly, I hope that someone out there reads this and finds it as helpful as I did... mentally, emotionally and physically.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
shelxland
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Member: Shelley
Location: The Great Northwest
Reviews written: 207
Trusted by: 83 members
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