The first thing that people usually ask me after I tell them I'm on a slow carb diet is if its the same thing as the Atkins diet. No, it is not the Atkins diet (aka low carb diet) which if followed you eat as few carbohydrates as possible. What the Slow carb diet allows is "select" high fiber/high protein carbohydrate foods like beans.
Upon researching many articles from other bloggers and health websites, I believe there is a bit of confusion. Many suggest that the Slow carb diet allows whole grain foods like bread and pasta. The Tim Ferris version of the diet does not allow bread or pasta or white/starchy vegetables such as potatoes. Many of those foods are not high fiber/high protein so the food will convert to glucose before it exits your body. The point of the slow carb diet is to prevent or slow down this conversion from carbs to glucose as much as possible. This way you will not spike your blood sugar and are less likely to keep storing fat.
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| My friends and I enjoying the Slow Carb Cheat Day! |
The other secret weapon in The Four Hour Body's version of the diet is the use of a cheat day. You get to designate a day of the week (I love saturday ;D) to eat whatever you want as much as you want. Supposedly it rocks your hormones and reminds your body you are not starving so you won't store as much fat.
Upon writing this it's been two weeks of following a slow carb diet and I've lost 4 pounds. I've had some rocky days but I've been pretty good to follow a strict routine and fully utilize my cheat days (which should be supplemented with squats and a few other workout techniques). Having a juicer handy has also helped. Check back soon for my update on my progress, Read this post if you'd like some tips for following a Slow Carb Diet!
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5 comments:
the first two weeks are the most difficult. i just started, too, and the withdrawals are crazy. i blacked out one day while watching lost, and all i saw was a sizzling pan with a pancake in it. it only lasted a few seconds, but it was so vivid. it reminds me of when you cut out caffeine for a month.
it's not that daunting after a few weeks, however, and this diet is much more fun when you are doing it with friends/family. ;] and the cheat days are AMAZING.
just three more sleep cycles!
the problem with this type of diet is that it disregards the body's natural reliance on glucose to make energy. rather than providing sufficient amounts of glucose it limits it to the point where protein catabolism occurs which becomes more detrimental, particularly if binges occur every so often. balance and moderation is key to a healthy regimen. rather than restricting carbohydrate intake solely to high-fiber foods, including whole grains would provide not only the body's daily carbohydrate requirement but they also supply beneficial vitamins, which are also crucial to proper weight management.
Hello,
I have been on this diet for one week approximately and besides my cheat day on Saturday, i've lost 6 lbs. I must add that I weight train and do aerobics 5 days per week. This Slow Carb Diet has been great for me. I follow it to the letter and I am not taking additional supplements just eating the foods.
Tam
"balance and moderation is key to a healthy regimen"
I absolutely agree. I was experimenting with the slow carb diet and while I think it can be an effective way to jump start weightloss, I believe a balanced nutritional intake is crucial over the long term.
Thanks for posting!
For the one who can't stay without carbs I advice to use carbs in the morning, for exemple for breakfast and never in the evening.You can see a result in your belly after one or two weeks. Be carefull with wines too. Never in the evening.
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