July JUDDDD / Alternate Day Diet 2009

[weasel!]

For an occasional sweet treat, you couldn't do much better than Kind bars, because their ingredients are mainly wholesome. But I wouldn't want to build a diet around them. The sweetener is glucose. Glucose! You can't get any closer to literally mainlining sugar into your veins. Certainly if I had a chronic health condition I wouldn't even be on the lookout for processed treats -- or any sweets at all -- but trying to build a lifestyle that excludes them. For all the reasons that I would think people who frequent a forum called lowcarbfriends.com would be familiar with, right?

[RealFoodLiving]

Hey y'all,

Mind if I join you and ask some questions?

I've just finished reading through almost all of the 11 pages of this thread and I feel as if I know you all!

Me: I'm 53 and been LCing (or trying to) for many years. I lose weight, then gain it back. I just can't seem to sustain it for the long term. I get about halfway to goal and then get into months-long binge eating, mostly carbs.

I think I've tried almost every variation on this board! I did the Egg/Protein Fast last and it was great, but again couldn't sustain the losses.

Questions: I'm a diabetic Type 2 and I wonder what effect the down days and up days have on blood glucose levels. I've been taught that the second-most action for a diabetic's diet is consistency from day to day (same amount of cals and carbs, eat at same time etc.) I've never been able to do that. I have a life-long history of bulimia (non-purging or just compulsive binge-eating) and so it's always been "feast or famine" for me, with the emphasis of feasting for months on end.

So, all that to ask, in the book, does the Dr address if this is recommended for diabetics taking medications for diabetes, and if so, are there any modifications?

I've been all over the website (I think) and cannot find any mention of JUDDD and diabetes.

Thank you for any feedback!

[RealFoodLiving]

Hey y'all,

Still reading websites.

Here's an excellent overview and explanation and it answered a LOT of my questions about the program in action:

Johnson Up Day Down Day Diet & Lifestyle - FAQ

Are there certain medical conditions that would make this diet unsafe?

You should consult your physician if you have any concerns in this regard and suffer a serious medical condition, however, most people with common chronic disorders (diabetes, asthma, fibromyalgia, thyroid conditions, hypoglycemia, etc) should be able to do the diet without adverse effects. Certainly, if you ever feel unwell, you should cease the diet immediately and seek medical attention before continuing.

[onceNforall]

Originally Posted by RealFoodLiving

Hey y'all,

Mind if I join you and ask some questions?

I've just finished reading through almost all of the 11 pages of this thread and I feel as if I know you all!

Me: I'm 53 and been LCing (or trying to) for many years. I lose weight, then gain it back. I just can't seem to sustain it for the long term. I get about halfway to goal and then get into months-long binge eating, mostly carbs.

I think I've tried almost every variation on this board! I did the Egg/Protein Fast last and it was great, but again couldn't sustain the losses.

Questions: I'm a diabetic Type 2 and I wonder what effect the down days and up days have on blood glucose levels. I've been taught that the second-most action for a diabetic's diet is consistency from day to day (same amount of cals and carbs, eat at same time etc.) I've never been able to do that. I have a life-long history of bulimia (non-purging or just compulsive binge-eating) and so it's always been "feast or famine" for me, with the emphasis of feasting for months on end.

So, all that to ask, in the book, does the Dr address if this is recommended for diabetics taking medications for diabetes, and if so, are there any modifications?

I've been all over the website (I think) and cannot find any mention of JUDDD and diabetes.

Thank you for any feedback!

I just read the book for the first time yesterday (new to this and just started yesterday also). In the back under FAQ's is the question:

"I am diabetic. Can I follow the Alternate-Day Diet?"

"If you are a Type 1 diabetic, it would be too difficult to maintain glycemic control without hypoglycemic episodes, and I would advise you not to do the diet. Type 2 diabetics vary across a broad range in their degree of insulin resistance. Some, especially those whose diabetes is controlled by diet, should have no problem. If you are a Type 2 diabetic (90 % of all diabetics) and are using drugs such as metformin hydrochloride (Glucophage) or rosiglitazone (Avandia) that act by reducing insulin resistance, you should have no low-blood-sugar problem on the DD. The Alternate-Day Diet reduces insulin resistance, especially if you lose weight, so over time your medication requirement may be reduced. Before you start this or any diet, however, you should consult the doctor who manages your diabetes. If you are taking medications that lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release or are taking insulin itself, you would have difficulty controlling your blood sugar, and I would advise you not to do this diet."

Hope this helps!!

[Leo41]

Weasel-

That's what I was trying to say (feebly) about using Kind bars. Personally, I can't eat something that's approx. 200 cal. without making it a meal, and if it's a meal, I need at least 20g of protein. In addition, I avoid sugar completely AND processed foods. One benefit of JUDDD (for me) is that it's focused me even more on healthy eating.

RealFoodLiving-

Sherrie gave you to answer to your question about diabetes from Dr. J's book, but I'd also like to add that personally, I think JUDDD is a bad idea for anyone with a history of ED. The alternating days are NOT binge/purge, but could easily lead to that for someone with those tendencies. Given your medical situation and personal history, I wouldn't recommend this plan to you, but if you choose to try it, you'd certainly be welcome on this board.

[RealFoodLiving]

Good morning,

Thank you Sherrie and Leo, I appreciate the honesty and feedback.
I will do some thinking and praying about it.

[NoSugarShell]

Good Morning JUDDDers!

Official weigh in day for me! I am still 3 lbs. above siggy, but TOM still hanging over me. I was supposed to start Thursday and I still haven't. I took a preg test yesterday, but it was negative. I have felt bloated and moody this whole time. I just want it to start!

I had a successful AWF yesterday. I ended up having a strawberry daiquari at the end of the day. We make them homemade (without mix) and use stevia, so they do not have added sugar.

Today is an UD and we have people coming over. We are doing burgers and hot dogs and I plan on having a fairly good UD. I am dehydrating some zucchini right now for guacamole. I have never done the zucchini chips before, but I hope they are good. I will have a new snack if they are.

Happy JUDDDing everyone!!

[Remykins]

Stupid persian food.
I had it down, but then i ordered a tall beer... it came and it was 32 oz!!!! i drank it, then i got grabby munchy.... they had this yummy flat bread they serve at the table, it comes out still hot, mmmmm i was supposed to have 1 piece, which ended up being 4 (-so basically 1 whole round piece as they were cut in wedges). That is where i went wrong, otherwise i played the rest of the dinner perfectly.
Then when i got home i was in snack mode (still had a piece of warm bread in my hand-i hate it when they are goign to throw food away) and had cereal -i knew i wasnt hungry, gr. But i am back on track today, no snowballing for me!

No Sugar- strawberry daiquari- good ones are like heaven. I hope those chips turn out, i used to have a dehydrator and eat it with guac and it was very yummy. Now i just slice thin pieces of celery.

[WayLess09]

Hi everyone. I fell off the wagon BIG TIME the last time I tried JUDD, and would like to give it a go one more time. Starting my DD right now.

[onceNforall]

Originally Posted by WayLess09

Hi everyone. I fell off the wagon BIG TIME the last time I tried JUDD, and would like to give it a go one more time. Starting my DD right now.

Good luck to you!! I started over again yesterday....successful DD and really enjoyed my UD today!!

[snaggle]

Good luck this time Way Less. The great thing about this plan is that you are always just one down day away from being back on plan. Unlike previous plans for me (including atkins), when I have a few days off for vacation or holiday weekend, I don't find it nearly as difficult to have that one down day as it is to get back on whatever other diet plan I have been on. In the past on other plans, usually a few days off, leads to a few more, etc. etc. and then I have been off for a month or whatever and then it is REALLY hard to get started. But just saying to myself that it is ONE DAY of deprivation is very manageable and so far, all of my "time off" periods have ended with a down day the first day I get back home. And better yet, have usually not yielded too bad of a gain AND even better than that, the gain comes off quick and THEN SOME.

[LBishop]

I'm joining the ranks of those being back on plan. Today was a DD although I ended up with probably close to 700 calories....way more than I planned. Tomorrow my scheduled UD, then a good DD on Tuesday. I also ran again yesterday for the first time in a month or more. It felt great!

[snaggle]

Welcome back to plan Leisa. Doesn't it feel so good after a good workout?
I had several glasses of wine last night and a late dinner and really didn't feel too psyched to go to my Sunday a.m. spinning class, but forced myself to go and I felt
so great afterwards. Ended up having a great down day today.

[snaggle]

In case anyone is interested, I posted two recipes today. One was for the fabulous buffalo shrimp my friend served last night. (just like wings, but with shrimp) and the other was a Chicken w/ lemon and capers on a bed of Arugula. It ended up only being 350 cal and was my meal of the day. Loved both and they were both low carb too.
Anyway, they are on the recipe help/suggestion board if anyone cares.

[Remykins]

Originally Posted by WayLess09

Hi everyone. I fell off the wagon BIG TIME the last time I tried JUDD, and would like to give it a go one more time. Starting my DD right now.

Way to go... you have the right attitude, not telling yourself you are starting tomorrow, but right now...
Good luck!

[weasel!]

Originally Posted by Remykins

Stupid persian food.
I had it down, but then i ordered a tall beer... it came and it was 32 oz!!!! i drank it, then i got grabby munchy....

Well, the Sumerians did invent beer 6000 years ago in territory that later became part of the Persian empire, but it seems like holding a grudge awfully long to blame them now!

[spiralsky]

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to this forum. I've been reading this thread starting from way back in January for a few days now and finally just had to sign up so I could join this group. It'll be great to be able to check in with people currently following this WOE.

I lost about the first 10 lbs of baby weight within a couple months after giving birth with a loose version of this plan. My down days were probably 700-900 calories and I didn't track very well. Just guesstimated... and yet it worked and those pounds never came back. It's the next 10 lbs I've been fighting with for over a year! (140s).

Today's my third down day since knocking myself upside the head and realizing this is what I should be doing!!! After spinning in circles for four months, switching from low fat to low carb, starting food combining, and stalling at 141. Yesterday was supposed to be a down day... but I missed that opportunity so had two UDs in a row - I'm happy this is just a day by day thing, it's easier to take it one day at a time. But I'm also really motivated to get through the two weeks 'induction' to fully activate the SIRT1 gene, and perhaps add to my 400 calorie limit.

Anyway just stopping in to join up, say hi, and introduce myself.

[spiralsky]

Originally Posted by snaggle

In case anyone is interested, I posted two recipes today. One was for the fabulous buffalo shrimp my friend served last night. (just like wings, but with shrimp) and the other was a Chicken w/ lemon and capers on a bed of Arugula. It ended up only being 350 cal and was my meal of the day. Loved both and they were both low carb too.
Anyway, they are on the recipe help/suggestion board if anyone cares.

Mmmm that sounds really good. I'll have to try the buffalo shrimp, I've been wanting to do something with shrimp lately!

[Leo41]

Welcome, Spiralsky, and welcome back those who have been away for a while!

Don't worry too much about two UDs in a row. Since I do DDs only on M,W,F, my weekends turned into two UDs for a long time (until I got the knack of the 'medium' day), and it didn't really hurt my ability to lose too much. I lost steadily even with those two UDs in a row.

If you've been 'off' for a while, what Snaggle says is so very true--it's so easy to get back on board with a good DD. When I went on my first vacation and had four UDs in a row, I thought doing a DD when I got back would be difficult, but I found it actually a relief. It's so easy to get back on track with this plan.

I hope everyone has a good week.

[onceNforall]

Originally Posted by spiralsky

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to this forum. I've been reading this thread starting from way back in January for a few days now and finally just had to sign up so I could join this group. It'll be great to be able to check in with people currently following this WOE.

Wow...you had a lot of reading to do on this thread since January!! I'm restarting myself and determined this time. I truly feel this is the answer for me. Glad to have you on board.

[dreamer girl]

Hi EveryoneI have been reading everyone's posts and I would like to join youI read the JUDD book and I really think this way of eating will work for meI use to fast when I was younger so I don't think the DD's will be a problem,well maybe at firstI am starting today and I'm going to commit to this woe and see what happensI am going to start out on the dd's drinking the Atkin's shakes only and then try to keep the up day calories under 1200 and mostly LC.I really think this will work.I usually lose pretty good,when I stick to somethingI know I need to start exercising also and I plan on doing that tooHappy Judding,everyone

[katwhitts]

Down another pound! That makes 3 lbs for the week of 7/6-7/13. My DD are getting easier every time! I break it up into 5 mini meals and that seems to work. Low calorie egg beaters are a godsend!

[giJ]

Happy Monday, everyone! And to the newcomers. Great to see so many new names around here.

I've had a really BAD four days. Friday (a usually DD) was so high I can't think about it. And the rest of the weekend (always MD/UD) were UP. My weight? Also UP. Four lbs. GAH.

Must. Get. Focused.

DD today. I will do it. I will.

[LBishop]

Welcome Dreamer Girl and anyone else I missed.

[katwhitts]

Do y'all find that after a DD, it is harder to get the eating in gear the next day? I am just not hungry, not until lunchtime anyway. I do need my coffee right now though!

[GME]

Hi all! Great to see so many new folks here.

Wow Leo! Three lbs Congratulations to all the other "losers" out there!

I am having a DD today. My last 3 were UD/MDs. My folks and all my neices & nephews were here all weekend. There were Chinese restaurants and boardwalk food booths involved.............

I'm holding steady, which is good. TOM is here and tomorrow I am leaving for a six day camping trip. I'm not going to try to do any DDs while were gone. I'll just "eat sensibly" and get back at it when we return.

Have agreat day everyone! I'm off to to a mountain of laundry.

[Leo41]

Gina-

Enjoy your camping trip, and keep in mind that there will be plenty of DDs left when you return:-)

Also keep in mind that my 3 lb. loss came after a week of no loss, so it's really about 1.5 lbs a week. I'm not complaining, however, because I was afraid that that no loss week was the beginning of a long stall.

[snaggle]

Welcome Dreamergirl and Spiralsky!! Such a great group we have. Lots of success stories, but lots of support for our trials and tribulations (I guess those would be ups and downs...........). Just get in one good down day and, voila, you are on plan baby!!

I had a great weekend. Good down friday with a small steak for my dinner, big up day sat (2100 cal), then a solid low yesterday with the chicken lemon thing. Exercised both days. My reward: Another lb. down and now I am at 154.5! yay.
Poor hubby is still struggling to get back to his low. I just wish we could BOTH have losses some week.

[Ilpirata]

Originally Posted by Leo41

Weekly Weigh In

After NO loss last week, down 3 lbs this week! And it's all due to the way my body is functioning. Last week, I was feeling tired and lethargic and thought that I was either getting ill or my thyroid hormones were off. It probably was hormonal to some extent (I think Weasel mentioned that), but whatever it was corrected itself because this week I was the opposite--so energetic I found myself looking for little projects around the house to do.

Another Milestone

Yesterday I did a water fast [I call it that because it was just black coffee and green tea all day--zero calories] --after convincing myself that I would never even bother to try one because my DDs were going fine, so why mess with things? But I woke up Friday morning and just felt like trying--I surprised myself with this idea. I knew breakfast would be the hardest part because I always eat in the morning, and I told myself I would eat what I'd planned if I felt that I needed do. But I had my coffee and no desire to eat. By 2 pm, I knew I was home free because I often don't eat at night, but here's the really odd thing. I've recently been hungry on DDs (as I've reported here), but I felt absolutely no hunger during this WF. I felt "empty" but not really hungry and very energized. And when I woke up this morning, I wasn't hungry either, but I had normal breakfast and am totally satisfied, so there's no residual hunger with this.

I'd like to say I'll do one of these each week (which I'd like to do), but I did it yesterday because it 'felt' right, so I'll have to see if it continues to feel right next week.

YAY LEO!!! So glad you are feeling better and seeing great scale movement. And congrats on the WF... I know what a big deal that is for you! I've actually never done a WF. Just AWF with always around 200-250 calories worth of half and half so you've now got me beat.

Originally Posted by onceNforall

Well, as usual, I find a plan that works for me....stay with it for a week or two, and then manage to sabotage my weight loss, gain it back and on to the next WOE. Somehow I know that JUDD is the answer for me. Not sure if just knowing that is scary in some way or what, but determined to get back on the wagon.

I have been lurking here the whole time I was gone, knowing that I would return one day. Your determination and motivation and success stories have let me not give up hope and here I am again. Congratulations to all of you who are celebrating consistent losses or struggling along the way. You're not giving up, and that's what counts.

Planning on a DD today even though it's Saturday. Home alone with the whole day to myself (unusual) and no social plans for tonight so I think I can make it.

It feels good to be back and accountable. I was gonna get back on program, but not post for a while....but knowing me, I need the accountability.

Looking forward to VFT at 259!!!

(Gonna leave my current weight on my profile at 271....hoping to be back there for my weekly weigh-in next Saturday)

Welcome hon! Good luck to you i know you can do it.

Originally Posted by weasel!

Another DD, another pound lost!

I tipped the scale at 140 today. Another pound down! Nine pounds lost since starting JUDDDD on June 8 at 149.

Wow! 140! I haven't seen that number since March 9, 2008. Including that day, I weighed 140 on two days in March '08, three days in February '08, and three days in January '08, none of them contiguous. (The lowest number I hit in early '08 was 139 on a couple of dates.) Before that, I'd have to go back to a stretch in 2005 and possibly 2004. Before that, I'd have to go back to the 1990s.

Friday was DD#15, making five complete MWF DD cycles. The only thing different was that my fat/carb/protein ratios were 41/36/23 instead of their usual 70/5/20. Just felt like a change of pace. I had my usual two HB eggs, then Kashi natural cereal instead of a salad with vinaigrette, then later some peanut M&Ms, and there it is. Still came in at my goal of 350 calories.

After I'm safely in the 130s, and out of the yoyo zone, I'll try upping calories to 500 on DDs.

GIRL! You are Kicking Ass on this WOE. KUDOS and keep it up sister!

Originally Posted by Redeemed

Just stopping by to say, "Hi!" Glad to see so many finding success. I'm still on my experiment woe and so far so good. I found this calorie-saving food item on a recent post by Retroworx and wanted to share it with you. I think it looks like a winner and am looking forward to trying it if I can find it:

Hi! Thanks for checking in with us.

Originally Posted by WayLess09

Hi everyone. I fell off the wagon BIG TIME the last time I tried JUDD, and would like to give it a go one more time. Starting my DD right now.

Good Luck! You can do it. Every day is a new opportunity to start over on this WOE.

Originally Posted by spiralsky

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to this forum. I've been reading this thread starting from way back in January for a few days now and finally just had to sign up so I could join this group. It'll be great to be able to check in with people currently following this WOE.

I lost about the first 10 lbs of baby weight within a couple months after giving birth with a loose version of this plan. My down days were probably 700-900 calories and I didn't track very well. Just guesstimated... and yet it worked and those pounds never came back. It's the next 10 lbs I've been fighting with for over a year! (140s).

Today's my third down day since knocking myself upside the head and realizing this is what I should be doing!!! After spinning in circles for four months, switching from low fat to low carb, starting food combining, and stalling at 141. Yesterday was supposed to be a down day... but I missed that opportunity so had two UDs in a row - I'm happy this is just a day by day thing, it's easier to take it one day at a time. But I'm also really motivated to get through the two weeks 'induction' to fully activate the SIRT1 gene, and perhaps add to my 400 calorie limit.

Anyway just stopping in to join up, say hi, and introduce myself.

DANG thats alot of back-reading. I'm impressed. Not sure what day this post is from... have you done a DD yet?

Originally Posted by dreamer girl

Hi EveryoneI have been reading everyone's posts and I would like to join youI read the JUDD book and I really think this way of eating will work for meI use to fast when I was younger so I don't think the DD's will be a problem,well maybe at firstI am starting today and I'm going to commit to this woe and see what happensI am going to start out on the dd's drinking the Atkin's shakes only and then try to keep the up day calories under 1200 and mostly LC.I really think this will work.I usually lose pretty good,when I stick to somethingI know I need to start exercising also and I plan on doing that tooHappy Judding,everyone

Hey Girl, Welcome! I'm just curious why you say under 1200 for UD? Have you used the calculator on Dr. Johnson's website? I think your UD calories should be higher than that. This plan works best if the UDs are enjoyed and not limited too low in calories so please use the number on his website calculator as your guideline not some arbitrary lower number k?

Originally Posted by giJ

Happy Monday, everyone! And to the newcomers. Great to see so many new names around here.

I've had a really BAD four days. Friday (a usually DD) was so high I can't think about it. And the rest of the weekend (always MD/UD) were UP. My weight? Also UP. Four lbs. GAH.

Must. Get. Focused.

DD today. I will do it. I will.

Girl I'm with you. I DID have a DD last Friday but Saturday was INSANE. Just INSANE Eating and yesterday was somewhere between a MD and an UD. My scale is HEINOUS right now - unbelievably high number. All we can do is recomit as of today for a great week of JUDDing. I just want to get back to my siggy weight!

Originally Posted by GME

Hi all! Great to see so many new folks here.

Wow Leo! Three lbs Congratulations to all the other "losers" out there!

I am having a DD today. My last 3 were UD/MDs. My folks and all my neices & nephews were here all weekend. There were Chinese restaurants and boardwalk food booths involved.............

I'm holding steady, which is good. TOM is here and tomorrow I am leaving for a six day camping trip. I'm not going to try to do any DDs while were gone. I'll just "eat sensibly" and get back at it when we return.

Have agreat day everyone! I'm off to to a mountain of laundry.

Have an awesome time camping Gina! My trip up to the American river this weekend was absolutely AMAZING. God I love the outdoors!

[Remykins]

Welcome all newcomers!!!!