JUDD/JohnsonAlternateDayDiet Feb 2009

[Ilpirata]

7 pounds is awesome, and almost 60 pounds overall is even better!

Thanks! Its been a real real long journey so far... but I'm looking pretty good finally and feeling GREAT.

[dasiey]

Originally Posted by Ilpirata

Welcome Penny and Sherrie! Glad you're going to give this WOE a try. The first DD is the very hardest. I swear they get easier after that! A few of us have taken several tries to get the first succesfull DD under our belts.

Hey Soon, look... you're right! It was totally TOM. Just start over TODAY with good DD and you'll be right back on track.

Congrats Dasiey & Kind on your awesome weight losses...

thank you

[retroworx]

Originally Posted by SpaceCowgirl

Does anybody know the effects of this WOE on our metabolisms? I am scared that if I do this for a while and then go back to normal Atkins that I'll gain weight like crazy because my body is used to starving every other day. Any thoughts?

Actually, SCG, the whole "schtick" on Johnson's plan is that your body is not supposed to "recognize" that you are restricting calories, so "starvation mode" and metabolic slow-down are, in theory, avoided. In simple terms, the plan claims that the body does not detect the reduced calories because it only "checks in" on intake about every 2 days or so. Without the continual string of low calorie days one might find on other diet plans, with the JUDDD very low calorie days alternating with regular ones, the body supposedly never "sees" severe restriction, just a gradual, average caloric reduction.

That's my interpretation after having read the book anyway.

HTH,

[Leo41]

Retro has explained it well, SCG, but I'd like to add another twist to Kisha's advice about maintenance. If you look at the combined calories you're eating on a DD/UD pair of days, that's what you're losing at. If you gradually increase the calories on EITHER day to a level where you're no longer losing, then that's what your maintenance number of calories is. You can either continue with JUDDD for the health benefits by doing that number as a DD/UD, OR you can transition to the same number of calories every day for maintenance.

My primary interest in JUDDD is weight loss, so if and when I ever get to goal, I don't plan to continue with DD/UD but to find my maintenance level of calories and eat that number daily. However, JUDDD is nice to know about in the event of parties, etc. where one might go over one's normal calorie allotment. Knowing that I'm able to "exist" on 400 cal. should enable me to do a DD occasionally if I need one.

Sherrie--I, too, always had the munchies when I watched TV in the evening, and what "cured" me was my DDs! Having reached the evening and eaten only 400 cal., I didn't want to ruin it by snacking while I watched TV. And that's when I discovered that my urge to snack was purely mental. Once I decided not to eat, the urge vanished. Sometimes that urge will return on an UD, but then I remind myself that it's all just habit and not hunger--and the urge goes away. The thing I like most about JUDDD is that it has highlighted for me a lot of my food "habits" that have led to weight gain.

[SpaceCowgirl]

Retro and Leo - thanks for your replies. It makes more sense now

[mammapo]

Originally Posted by onceNforall

Have only been lurking here for a week or two, but gonna try this WOE....one that I've never tried before. Wasn't sure there were any out there!


Just curious....how long have you guys been doing this WOE and how much have you lost in your timeframes? I'm excited about joining you today!!

I've been at this nearly two months, and while I'm only about 9 pounds lighter, I'm about 2 dress sizes smaller than I was (up top only ...gr)- I recently went in for a fitting for a bridesmaids' dress I'm wearing, and apparently I'm MUCH smaller 'up there' and in my arms than before. Now hopefully the bottom half will get with the program! LOL

That's with one intentional cheat week in there, too AND TOM. I weigh in this week officially, and will let you know my 2 month total, since it should reflect a loss of water from TOM and and and... :-)

[mammapo]

Claire, on my first week or two of JUDDD the down days felt like hell. And yes I mean literally.

It gets MUCH easier toward the end of week two and you'll feel great come week three. Keep it up.

Your menu seems okay, but I'd have omitted the avocado. It's REALLY important to get the fat down on the DDs since it takes up so much caloric space and offers so few nutrients - go for really lean protein and low carb high fiber veggies instead and it will seem easier AND your calorie counts will go down. Four tbsp cream AND half an avocado works for Atkins Induction, but NOT for down days - sometimes it's a simple matter of switching gears and emphasis.

For nutrients, Here's how I'd change the menu for you tomorrow:

• 2 boiled eggs
• 1 cup of miso soup
• 2 c mixed spring greens or romaine lettuce
• 1 laughing cow cheese
• 2 tsp cream (for my tea)
• 100ml gazpachio

You'll have to run the numbers, but they should be similar and you'll find it's better for your tummy rumbling to get more volume in there.

Just remind yourself not to panic. My first month, I'd literally put the food I was craving right there on the nightstand to reassure myself that I could eat it literally first thing in the morning. Like chocolate cake.

You'll be proud of yourself for sticking it out, every time you do a DD successfully!

Good foods for filling bellies during and between meals: pickles (NOT sweet), miso soup, shiritaki noodles, romaine or spring green lettuce, metamucil in all its sf flavors, alfalfa sprouts, cabbage, celery.

You can do this!!!

Originally Posted by claire26

Hi everyone!
I've had my first Down Day yesterday (as I've been stalled for a while) and wanted to say hi and also get some advice!

So yesterday I only got down to 500 calories, but honestly I think I made the wrong choices food-wise (ie. too high fat so not much food). I ate:

• 3 tbsp cream in my tea in the morning (Silly! I didn't realize how many cals was in this until afterwards)!
• 1 Jay Robb Egg white protein shake + 1 tbsp cream
• 1 boiled egg
• 100ml gazpachio (cold tomato soup)
• 1/2 an avocado

It came to 502 cals and 16.5g carbs (with fiber subtraction).

Anyway, I felt WEIRD! It is SO MUCH HARDER than I thought it would be! I felt short of breath and panicky and I couldn't sleep for half the night.

Do you think that's normal? I kept telling myself that there was nothing wrong with having fewer calories and my body should be able to handle it easily, but it was still pretty unpleasant!! Anyone had a similar experience? Is there anything I'm doing wrong do you think?

I'm hoping I was just getting used to it and tomorrow will be better!

Anyway, so today my calories were a total of 2105 cals and 18.2g carbs which has been lovely, of course after yesterday!

Tomorrow I'm going to try to stick to 390 cals and here is my proposed menu:

• 2 boiled eggs
• 1 cup of miso soup
• 2 stalks of celery
• 1 laughing cow cheese
• 1 tbsp cream (for my tea)
• 100ml gazpachio

Total: 398 cals and 18.5g carbs (minus fiber).

Do you think this is a good menu? Do you think it will be easier this time?

Any advice/thoughts would be very much appreciated!!

Thanks all!
Claire

[mammapo]

Originally Posted by onceNforall

I find it so interesting how everyone is doing their own thing....think we really have to do that to make it work for our individual bodies. I think for right now though, I will pretty much stick with the JUDDD plan as written with a MD on Sundays. I'm not personally going to do low carb, although I will make choices with the low glycemic scale and healthy carbs. I also think my body does better eating several times/day. Maybe I will change my mind as I go, but will stick by the plan for now and only start tweaking if I don't like my results.

I'm sure I'll have a big water weight loss this first week cause I've been really carbing up lately. I'm so sensitive to sugar and white flour....really need to stay away from it....it really fuels my cravings.

Well, doing okay on DD so far....but watching TV at night is gonna be the hard part. I really get the munchies at night....any ideas? Figure I'll drink lots of hot herbal tea....that works for me sometimes. Sure glad I found this site!!

Hot tea for sure.

Also, save about 40 calories and make a metamucil shake with metamucil and either some kind of flavoring, berries, or cocoa. It will fill you up before bed as long as you sip it slooooowwwwwlllly.

[mammapo]

Originally Posted by SpaceCowgirl

Hi all!

So I've been doing JUDD for 2 full weeks now and I've lost 5.4 pounds! I'm thrilled since I had been at that weight for several months!

Yesterday was a DD and my son and I are both very sick today so I think it's going to accidentally become another DD since I can't keep much down.

Does anybody know the effects of this WOE on our metabolisms? I am scared that if I do this for a while and then go back to normal Atkins that I'll gain weight like crazy because my body is used to starving every other day. Any thoughts?

Why go back??? For me, the idea of being able to have my 'free day' every other day is incredibly liberating.

From what I understand, though, if you choose to go that route, you'll be fine. It's the cycling of the UDs and DDs that keep your metabolism stoked, so you will be revved when you switch.

[claire26]

Thanks for the advice Mammapo!

It's about 1pm here and so far it's all going okay – I'll be having almost my calories this afternoon/evening so I'm hoping that will help! I'm also taking it super easy – keeping warm and not doing any exercise. I'll keep you posted!!

Good news is I woke up this morning and I already feel so much leaner. I haven't weighed myself, but I definitely see it in the mirror (in the jaw, belly and hips) which really spurs me on!

[soontobesexy'ntx]

Has anyone heard of a craving for GARLIC???
for supper last night I had a 100 cal pack of popcorn
added garlic powder and cracked black pepper
(no extra cals right??)
DH was eating icecream so I mesured out 1CUP of
no added sugar Blue bell and ate it but it didnt satisfy me
(wierd that I wasnt craving sweets)
finally DH was ready for supper
so I made hamberger helper stroganoff w/ FF ground turkey
fixed me a little bowl and added garlic powder to it too!!
I guess thats what I wanted/needed

[claire26]

I used to think garlic powder didn't have calories/carbs, but then I discovered they do (sadly)! Happily not many calories (but a lot of carbs unfortunately) – I doubt you broke the calorie bank over it.

According to ******, 1 tbsp of garlic powder has 28 calories and 6.1g of carbs.

[Ilpirata]

Ate two handfulls of almonds right before bed. Darn.

Calories 702
Fat 45.8 393 65 %
Carbohydrate 33.1 131 22 %
Dietary Fiber 12.1
Protein 22.0 81 13 %
Alcohol 0.0 0 0 %

DD today... MUST stay at or below 2000 calories to make up for higher DD yesterday.

[soontobesexy'ntx]

Originally Posted by claire26

I used to think garlic powder didn't have calories/carbs, but then I discovered they do (sadly)! Happily not many calories (but a lot of carbs unfortunately) – I doubt you broke the calorie bank over it.

According to ******, 1 tbsp of garlic powder has 28 calories and 6.1g of carbs.

Claire
long time ago before they would give preggies pre-natal vits
they would tell women to listen to thier bodies and if they were craving something its because there was something in it thier bodies needed
pickles (salt) fruit (vit C) dirt (yes DIRT) minerals
I'm not preggers (thnks God I'm too old!!) but there was something in the garlic I needed . I was feeling really bad (pre cold/flu) but feel pretty good today!

[kind]

Hi .Soontobesexy .
I really dont think you hurt yourself.Not that many calaries.besides in book he saids going over100cals or under 100cals. is not going to make a diff.{Im sure thats what I read.{Dont have book right now.
Today is ud for me.Yesterday was a dd and I did great.200 cals.Some times our body and mind wants something but when it does I try to hold off till a ud.I can not wait to see what another 2 weeks brings. That way I will be on this for a month .'
Im making a pot of i chilli from the Eat to live.>Not for me but husband.I find that I do better with knowing the calaries and servings in things before I put in mouth. I write everything down to and measure. and weigh.

How many of you think this is a good diet for you and do you like it./ How is it working ?
For me this is great.Im so glad I found book and reading. It helps here also.I know I feel good.Keep reporting.You all are doing so well.
Kind

[Ilpirata]

How many of you think this is a good diet for you and do you like it./ How is it working ?
For me this is great.Im so glad I found book and reading. It helps here also.I know I feel good.Keep reporting.You all are doing so well.
Kind

I have been happy with my original results. very happy. I like my average of 1/2 lbs per week. Then again I haven't seen the scale go down in about two weeks now so If I don't see a drop of a pound or two in the next seven days or so I might start re-thinking. My body is NOT NORMAL though so please don't gauge your results by mine.

[claire26]

Originally Posted by soontobesexy'ntx

Claire
long time ago before they would give preggies pre-natal vits
they would tell women to listen to thier bodies and if they were craving something its because there was something in it thier bodies needed
pickles (salt) fruit (vit C) dirt (yes DIRT) minerals
I'm not preggers (thnks God I'm too old!!) but there was something in the garlic I needed . I was feeling really bad (pre cold/flu) but feel pretty good today!

Oh yeah definitely!! I just thought I'd mention the garlic thing as I didn't realize when I first started low carbing and I had WAY too many carbs because I put garlic powder in everything!! But the cals are so small it's not even an issue really – it's just if you're counting carbs it's good to be aware of.

[kind]

Kisha.
You are doing good. Some times our body just hits a wall and doesnt move down.As long as your holding and not gaining.thats good..
He saids in book if your not losing and hit a stall>Look at your menu.{Maybe try for1-2 weeks to lower calaries200-300 on a ud.and dd400/or less if you can.
It might work. But thats just what I think.How is your salt intake and wateror tea?
Im sure you know all the tricks.
Just dont stop.scale will go down.
kind

[Leo41]

Don't give up Kisha! You've lost so much weight that perhaps you need to lower your UD calories a little if the scale doesn't move. Also keep that water thing in mind. Right now, I feel OK, but my fingers are "puffy," and I know that if I step on the scale, I'll be weighing with water bloat. Sometimes it's hard to tell.

In any case, if the scale doesn't move in a couple of weeks, consider lowering UD calories just a little. If you keep them at 2000 and your DD at 400, you'd be averaging 1200, and that's not too low but should spur loss.

[Ilpirata]

Kisha.
You are doing good. Some times our body just hits a wall and doesnt move down.As long as your holding and not gaining.thats good..
He saids in book if your not losing and hit a stall>Look at your menu.{Maybe try for1-2 weeks to lower calaries200-300 on a ud.and dd400/or less if you can.
It might work. But thats just what I think.How is your salt intake and wateror tea?
Im sure you know all the tricks.
Just dont stop.scale will go down.
kind

Don't give up Kisha! You've lost so much weight that perhaps you need to lower your UD calories a little if the scale doesn't move. Also keep that water thing in mind. Right now, I feel OK, but my fingers are "puffy," and I know that if I step on the scale, I'll be weighing with water bloat. Sometimes it's hard to tell.

In any case, if the scale doesn't move in a couple of weeks, consider lowering UD calories just a little. If you keep them at 2000 and your DD at 400, you'd be averaging 1200, and that's not too low but should spur loss.

Thanks Kind & Leo! I will absolutely NEVER GIVE UP lol. I'm the Winston Churchill of weight loss.

I am going to do one solid perfect week starting today of less than 500 cal DD and less than or equal to 2100 cal UD (the numbers from the JUDD website). If I am still stalled I will next try lower calorie UD... more in the 1500-1600 range.

I am good on my water on DD but not so good on UD! I will work on my water on UD. Also I have just started taking the light rail to work which builds in exactly 1 mile of walking to my day that I didn't have before.

You're right... I am maintaining at my low weight and haven't gained so I am still hopefull to see a loss in the next week or so.

(((thanks for your encouragement)))

[Zer]

Remember also to check inches if the scale is stubbornly not showing results.

[dasiey]

hello everyone... today is ud for me as well. yesterday I had 360 calories and made it thru the day. so far today 400 cal. I am not very good at drinking water. But I do drink other things.

[kind]

Hi Daisey.
Today is ud for me as well.{360cals[ so far.
Today at noon had {soup and 2 rice cakes>190cals.
Dinner just had salad@4oz grilled chicken breast with2T fat free dressing.
Tonight will have what ever. But mostlikly will have whey protein shake with1cup berries. and 1 cup soy milk. and that comes out to 300cals.Today looks like a lower day then normal.so might addcouple eggs, Just one of those days Not to hurgery.
Take care.
I dont drink enough water eighter. Mostly diet pop or plain tea.
I should put orange slices in water that good.

[Ilpirata]

Well I've already had 1600 calories! Yeah I made lunch a big old bunless avocado bacon burger and a side salad with cheese and bacon and blue cheese dressing!

This leaves me with a nice sald of romaine, carrots, celery, red pepper and some TJs BBQ Chix Terryaki for dinner.

nom nom nom.

Should put me right in at 2000 total which I will NOT go over today (okay, 2100 max lol)

[Leo41]

Kisha-

You did better than I did today! I wanted to keep my UD to 1000 cal (new goal), but I came in at the old number--1400. I think that when I don't eat enough protein, I get hungry, and I wasn't careful today about those numbers.

If I follow any low carb plan, it's ProteinPower, and I've found that when I get the amount I need (about 100g a day), I feel satisfied--and I lose. Naturally, I don't get that on DD, but when I was more faithful to shakes, I got close. I need to give protein more attention.

[Ilpirata]

If I follow any low carb plan, it's ProteinPower, and I've found that when I get the amount I need (about 100g a day), I feel satisfied--and I lose. Naturally, I don't get that on DD, but when I was more faithful to shakes, I got close. I need to give protein more attention.

Sounds like you're on to something! Thats one thing that we slow struggling losers DO get out of the process... a real awareness.

[retroworx]

Originally Posted by Ilpirata

I will absolutely NEVER GIVE UP lol. I'm the Winston Churchill of weight loss.

Kisha, that is the BEST line I have seen on the boards in quite a while. You should add that to your signature line.

[claire26]

Originally Posted by retroworx

Kisha, that is the BEST line I have seen on the boards in quite a while. You should add that to your signature line.

Agreed – very funny stuff! Seriously, I think it's brilliant you're so motivated and work so hard despite your body making it hard for you. KUTGW!!

Well yesterday was my second DD, and happily it was easier than the first (still pretty hard for me though I must say)! I ended with a total of 421 calories and 17.6g carbs. Not as low as I was aiming for (390 cals) but lower than last time so I'll count that a success.

I didn't feel as strange but I did feel pretty grumpy (sad times for my husband who bore the brunt of that one) and again I didn't sleep for most of the night. Obviously food helps me sleep – who knew?

Anyway I'm feeling happy with how it's all going and am looking forward to my UD today!! The menu is tea (with cream), one protein shake (Jay Robb), lamb with zucchini puree and swiss cheese for lunch, and pork fillet with a mushroom, bacon and cream sauce. That's going to be about 1960 cals and 18.9g carbs. It's going to be very tasty!!!

I've just found out I need to go out of town from Friday morning to Sunday night and will be having a lot of meals out I think so I won't be able to do my scheduled DD on Saturday. Instead I'll just keep LC and keep my calories as low as I reasonably can and start back Monday with a DD. I'm hoping that won't undo this weeks efforts!!

I'll weigh myself Friday morning and will let you know how my week 1 JUDD fared on the weight loss front.

Have a good day! Keep it up everyone!

[Leo41]

Claire-

I think you've got a good plan for going out of town and eating restaurant meals. I find that JUDDD is more "forgiving" than low carb--i.e., eating off plan doesn't pile on the pounds that high carb does.

However, if you have any problems with water retention (like me), those restaurant meals can add pounds of water. I think I'm senstive to all food additives (like MSG, but others as well) because I always gain when I eat out, even if I keep my calories low. But I know that it's water that will disappear soon. So don't be dismayed if you show a gain after this weekend, despite careful eating.

[claire26]

Originally Posted by Leo41

Claire-

I think you've got a good plan for going out of town and eating restaurant meals. I find that JUDDD is more "forgiving" than low carb--i.e., eating off plan doesn't pile on the pounds that high carb does.

However, if you have any problems with water retention (like me), those restaurant meals can add pounds of water. I think I'm senstive to all food additives (like MSG, but others as well) because I always gain when I eat out, even if I keep my calories low. But I know that it's water that will disappear soon. So don't be dismayed if you show a gain after this weekend, despite careful eating.

Leo – thanks for letting me know! It's good to hear it's more forgiving. LC is SO unforgiving for me (give me a piece of bread on low carb and I'll be up 5 pounds by morning)!

I tend to carry loads of water (especially when I have MSG) so I'll expect to see water retention after the weekend. Happily as you say, it disappears quickly!! I'll just makes sure I have my DD plan and foods all prepared for Monday before I leave on Friday so I can get right back on the horse.