I generally do not suggest or try fad diets that restrict whole food groups, but.I have 3 weeks before a pool party weekend and it is crunch time. A few friends suggested the slow carb diet, which is described in detail in Tim Ferris' book The Four Hour Body. So, in true Powellful fashion, I began listening to the book on the plane ride home from Buffalo, where I had eaten EVERYTHING. I am in day 4 and things are going well. I do not feel to hungry between meals and I am tolerating a high amount of legumes. I will report my results after the 3 weeks. So, what is a slow carb diet?
The slow-carb diet, popularized by Tim Ferriss in his book *The 4-Hour Body*, is designed to help people lose weight and maintain stable energy levels by focusing on specific types of foods and eating patterns. Here are the main principles of the slow-carb diet:
### Core Rules
1. **Avoid "white" carbohydrates**: This includes bread, rice (both brown and white), potatoes, pasta, tortillas, and fried food with breading.
2. **Eat the same few meals over and over again**: Choose from a list of approved foods and stick with them for most meals. This simplifies meal planning and helps with consistency.
3. **Don't drink calories**: Avoid milk (including soy milk), soft drinks, fruit juice, and alcohol (with a few exceptions). Caloric drinks can spike insulin levels and slow down fat loss.
4. **Don't eat fruit**: Most fruits contain a lot of fructose, which can interfere with fat loss. However, avocados and tomatoes are exceptions.
5. **Take one day off per week**: This is known as the "cheat day." On this day, you can eat anything you want. The idea is that this helps reset your metabolism and provides a psychological break from the restrictions of the diet.
### Approved Foods
#### Proteins
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Eggs
- Fish
- Legumes (lentils, black beans, pinto beans, etc.)
#### Vegetables
- Spinach
- Kale
- Mixed vegetables
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
#### Fats
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Nuts (in moderation)
### Sample Meals
- **Breakfast**: Scrambled eggs with spinach and black beans.
- **Lunch**: Grilled chicken breast with a side of broccoli and lentils.
- **Dinner**: Beef stir-fry with mixed vegetables and pinto beans.
### Benefits and Considerations
- **Benefits**: The slow-carb diet can help with weight loss, improved energy levels, and stable blood sugar levels. It is relatively simple to follow and does not require calorie counting.
- **Considerations**: The diet can be restrictive and may not provide enough variety for some people. The cheat day can lead to overeating or poor food choices.
The slow-carb diet emphasizes whole foods and balanced meals, which can lead to sustainable weight loss and better overall health. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new diet plan.
Here is an example of my slow carb breakfasts this week:
Egg pie with spinach, tomtoes and garlic over black beans sauted with peppers and onions.
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