TO ALL ON STILLMAN'S

[zenagain03]

hi all,
ive been wandering around these boards from some time now and i see that a lot of my fellow stillmanites have been stressing over calories and carbs. ive been on strict stillman's for the past 10 weeks (have lost about 24lbs) and am about 13lbs from goal. i just wanted to let all of you know that the beauty of this diet is its basic simplicity. there is no need to stress over counting ANYTHING as long as you follow the clean version of the diet. i bought the book when i started, deternined to get those last 30 some odd lbs off, and i have been faithful to it ever since. dont get me wrong, i lost most of my 90+ lbs on my own atkins based diet, but then somehow, just as i was seeing the finish line, i stopped. the first couple of days, no no, im not going to lie...for about the first 10 to 12 days it was HARD. there where major cravings, many times did i think what the hell am i doing? then suddenly, they disappeared. my hunger shrunk and i was very HAPPY with what i was allowed to eat. ive treated myself to lobster, shrimp, mussels...expensive lean steak. to tell you the truth, i dont think ive eaten this well in a long time. of course i take my supplements, drink my water but i also allow myself my diet cokes, pepsi, dr pepper, mtn dew and i love it. ive had so much energy, ive been going out, meeting people really getting involved in my life again.

well the whole moral of this story is that it upsets me when i see people counting calories, trying to keep themselves below a certain number. if its on the stillman list, the real list, eat it, as much of it as you want to feel good, satisfied. if you feel hungry 1 hour, 2 hours later thats fine. have a snack, some cottage cheese, HB egg, some protein. your body will tell you when its hungry so dont ignore it, feed it. there is no need to stress over anything else.

i hope this helped anyone out there who had their doubts.

take care,
~Z~

[Lisa Rae]

Zena,

I hear ya hun..I started Stillman's yesterday for exactly that reason. I have done Atkins almost 3 years now..with for me, amazing results. However, I'm now back to 20 carbs..1500 calories or less..no products or nuts..and just can't seem to get the scale to move. I decided for ME, doing Stillman's for a week or maybe more..and cycling that with Atkins MAY be the only way for me to hit goal by my 3 year Atkinsversary.

However, I want to stress..Stillman's, though does work, is very restrictive..so..unless close to goal..or are clear about a long-term woe, I fear Stillman's can be just another "diet"

So before you do stillman's (IMHO) Please..be clear about why your regular plan isn't working first. If your cheating now..Stillmn's is not going to save you.

[DebOnWeb]

Hi Z, and thank you for posting.

Stillman didn't work for me, but I've heard about it working for many, many people. I just couldn't get past the cravings for vegetables when I tried it and never did lose my hunger. I ultimately chose another route which worked well for me (KISS).
But you're right, Stillman's is the way to lose the weight if you can get past the first two weeks. (LOL At least for many people)

Please don't get upset when you see people counting calories though. First of all, it's not worth it, and secondly, what works for some, just plain doesn't work for all people. The beauty of a low carb way of eating is that there are many versions, and one of them will work for you, it's just a matter of eliminating the ones that don't work first.

I'm glad you found one that works for you!

And congratulations on those pounds lost! That is awesome!

Deb

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

I am a firm believer in Stillman. I believe it is a great stall breaker and if one eases back into Atkins gradually there will be no regain of the weight loss. To me, if Stillman is done correctly, you automatically take care of the carbs, calories, and fat all at one time. When I first started Atkins in January of this year I lost weight very gradually from 160 to 135 lbs. and then just stopped. I tried Stillman for about three weeks, lost several lbs and it has been a gradual loss ever since. Wish I knew the secret to maintaining my loss. I don't count carbs any more but just use common sense about everything I eat. If anything, since I am still losing, I probably undereat.

[zenagain03]

hi guys,
thanks for all the nice replies to my post. i just wanted to make it clear that the only reason i get upset when i see ppl counting calories is because i see ppl trying to stay at 500 or less calories a day. this is basically starvation and nothing, NOTHING is worth putting yourself through this. i only wanted to make ppl aware that such lenghts are not needed. if the plan is followed correctly, everything will take care of itself.

good luck and best wishes to everyone,
~Z~

[Lisa Rae]

Hey Zena..just wanted to comment.

I see lots of people commenting about keeping Stilman's at 500-600..I never saw that number anywhere in the stillman's ifo..just to basically eat only what is on the list..and just tnouh to not be hungry..preferably 5-6 small mini0meals a day. have you ever seen any of the calorie guidelines I've been seeing posed in the bb??

[HeatherFeather]

I'm on day seven of a strict Stillman diet. I guess my problem is, I don't know what hunger really feels like. Is it when your stomach starts to churn and rumble? Is it when you feel weak in the knees? Is it just when your mind starts thinking about food? Is it when you feel like you can't think straight? Is it when you just keep wandering to the couch and lying down? Currently I'm doing about 500 cals a day and just not sure if I really am hungry or in withdrawal or bored or WHAT. I do know that I'm losing weight like crazy (after a 6 month stall - 20 lbs to goal). I know that I can easily survive on this plan for at least 4 weeks. I know that it isn't ANYTHING LIKE the hunger and unhapiness I experienced on a WW style low fat plan.

Your thoughts would be helpful...

'Cause maybe I'll go have another boiled egg...

[btflrainn]

Ok I know I dont have "THE BOOK" but may I ask in a nut shell what is Stillmans compared to Atkins? If it can be explained in a simple version...whats allowed or isn't ...maybe Ill consider buying book anyone got a good link I could look at ??? thanks

[Kellyann]

http://www.lowcarb.org/stillman.html

[btflrainn]

WOW!!!! double WOW!!!
okay Im done spazing out....... ok how many days should you adhere to this diet for it to be effective would like 5 be enough ????then swtch back to Atkins or who knows???


And OMG only 500 calories per day I might be able to do that for 1-2 days max but after that I might be tired and drained.. how you only eat 500 calories.... is that like 6eggs???

1egg brkfast :1 snack: 1 lunch: 1snack: 1 dinner :1 snack

all I gotta say is WOW that is commitment I spose its possible!!

[Yada4]

Zena, or anyone else doing Stillman's, is mustard allowed on this version of the diet?

[klspes]

I've seen this in some of the posts.
What is KISS?

[lumster]

I just hava a quick comment. After followiing Atkins and losing (210 -190) I hit a stall...not a little one, but one where I was ready to give up. I was in dark ketosis, just not losing weight. I went on Stillmans and broke the 190 in 3 days I was at 185. I went off plan this weekend and plan on going strict tomorrow.

Just thought Id share.

Sheri

[btflrainn]

maybe high fat doesnt work for everyone?

[alermar]

Question for those of you on stillmans:

Have you noticed muscle loss? Are any of you lifting weights? It seems like it would have enough protein to prevent muscle loss, but I'm curious as to your experiences.

Thanks,
Lisa
40 yrs
176/141/125

[KSS]

I started stillmans last monday and lost 4 pounds from monday-friday. I did not lose anything over the weekend ... not sure why because I continued the same eating plan (no cheats) I have been between 495-605 calories a day for the last 7 days. I am not purposely keeping them that low...I am just not hungry...ever! Sometimes I could go even less but I force myself to eat something. I am a little more then frustrated that I have not lost anything for the last 2 days...considering my cals for the last 2 days were 605 and 510. Tom is due in a couple days.... I really didn't think I was going to retain water because of TOM considering I drink over a gallon and a half of water a day. Any suggestions?

[Lisa Rae]

btf..I went into Stillman's the first time thinking exactly waht you did..500 calories..no way in ****!!!! LOL

the weird thing is..by day 2 your in such dep ketosis..I literally had to make myself eat because I was getting dizzy! I mean I had zero appitite (kimmer talks about this often)

I won't lie and say it's easy..I'm only on day 3 and alredy hate the idea of food. I miss my veggies..and can't see myself doing this for more then a week. Some have done it (people I know from here) for 30-60 days. I can't even imagine!

I personally am working on long term health..and even though it may not make sense since I'm currently doing Stillman's, I don't think of this as a long term woe. I personally don't think I would do it more then a week..but that is me.

I didn't gain the weight back when switching over..I simply added a very small amount of veggies back in for a few days..then gradually added in higher amonts of fat. It stayed off..and after about a week on Atkins..started to lose on that again.

[Lisa Rae]

I also have a question for anyone with say under 15 lbs untill goal who did stillman's. How was your loss? how long did you do stillman's. How soon did you see any loss. I hate to admit I'm impatient (lol especilly since I preach patients daily in the bb) but I;m on day 3 and no loss thus far. I have been spending almost ever second in the bathroom..and am in deep ketosis..but can't see lasting too long on this with zero results. I'd rather be doing atkins with zero results LOLOL

[zenagain03]

hey guys,

i just wanted to answer some questions some of you had.

Lisa Rae/alermar/Yada4 - i just looked over the section in my book pertaining to the md's quick weight loss method and there is NO CALORIE COUNTING. just eat when hungry, try to eat something every 2 hours. i cook turkey breast, deli meats (NO SUGAR ADDED chicken, turkey breast and roast beef) 1% cottage cheese (i must have about a lb of this a day) a whole container is about 360 cals, 12 carbs and i eat an entire one almost everyday. its full of protein, just enough carbs and is high in calcium which is a great tool in weight loss and not to mention keeping our bones and teeth strong. i have about 2 hb eggs daily, and have as many egg whites, diet soda as i want. chicken broth is good in the winter esp if you cook some cut up chicken in it. just make sure u cook the meat the way YOU like it. i grill a lot of my seafood and meat. i make jerky and really love what i eat. i think someone asked if mustard can be used in the plan. condiments that have none to very low cals and no carbs are permitted, but i heard the vinegar in the mustard can cause yeast in turn slowing down your weight loss. instead i would try seasoning the meat with some garlic and onion powder, pepper, oregano and adobo (spanish seasong mix that is incredible) a little goes a long way. as far as the muscle loss, ive actually toned up my thighs and legs by lifting very light weights. i bought the body flex gymbar and tapes and theyve helped SO MUCH. i do the tape mon-thurs morning before breakfast and its a great way to wake up and start your metabolism going. your biggest meal should be your breakfast, it jolts your body in waking up. everything else should be snacks and/or just enough to keep you satisfied.

ive been on stillmans for about 9 weeks. i am now losing about .5 daily. i go days without losing anything, then lose 1.5-3 lbs overnight. my hunger is non-existant but when i do eat, i savor the food. i feel like im really tasting what im eating. i truly enjoy it, but u do have to stay loyal to the plan in order to gain its rewards. im doing this only until i lose my last 13lbs, then i will start in add in veggies, but i dont think im going to be playing around with any fat.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL IMHO, keep a journal of what your eating. not the quantity, but what your eating. write down how you feel that day, commend yourself for losing weight, but dont beat yourself up when you dont have a loss. it doesnt mean you wont lose eventually and it also doesnt give you the liscense to wallow in self pity, eat everything in sight, feel completely bloated and add back pounds that you had already lost. its not worth it, your sabotaging yourself. try to weigh once or twice max a week. get enough sleep, take the stairs even if you dont have to. take a walk before lunch, park far away and walk the rest of the way. there is no need to kill yourself at the gym.

i wish i had before and after pics to post on here, but i still cant look at the old me. i was 230 lbs and miserable. i wish i knew then what i know now. but im making up for it by helping others.

take care,
~Z~

[alermar]

Great info! Thanks (I'm starting tomorrow!)

Originally posted by zenagain03
Lisa Rae/alermar/Yada4 - i just looked over the section in my book pertaining to the md's quick weight loss method and there is NO CALORIE COUNTING.

Regarding the 500-650 calorie range, this was mentioned in either Dr. Stillman's original book or his subsequent (where he briefly goes over the original plan). Under "rules" he does not place a limit, it is elsewhere in the book where Dr. Stillman says that's the calorie range he had in mind.

Info received from websites may be accurate ... or not. Dr. Stillman died several years ago and didn't have a website. Anything you read is by a private party.

What I have posted before about Stillman is there's the "pure" Stillman Diet -- the least amount necessary of lean beef, chicken, LF cottage cheese, whatever fish he mentions (I'm not a fish person so I didn't pay attention). The idea is to consume the least possible to allow the QUICKEST possible loss.

Recall Dr. Stillman designed the diet because he was morbidly obese and his own physician told him he had to get the fat off his body "even if you have to cut it off with a cleaver".

Now, naturally, there are variations which people have created. This includes adding fatty meat, fatty fish, FF cheeses, and recipes like cola chicken (sorry Lisa!) that circumvent the original plan. I encourage anyone to try whatever works for them -- losing weight is what this is about -- but the variations are NOT Stillman's.

Example: One lady PMd me (she'll remain nameless, naturally!) and asked why Stillman's wasn't working. Her menu was up to 2100 calories with huge omelettes (FF cheese), FF cream cheese and FF ricotta desserts w/ Splenda & Da Vinci, large portions of beef and BBQ ribs (like cola chicken but different).

That menu, or munching on bowls of FF cream cheese w/Equal, isn't what Stillman's is about and you'll be disappointed.

OK, off my soapbox -- threadjack is over!

[argo2d]

"the vinegar in the mustard can cause yeast in turn slowing down your weight loss"


why does yeast do this?

oh and what kind of foods cause yeast?

[Lisa Rae]

Hey Kimmer..sorry..I didn't see this post untill today!

Ok..all I have in my "cola chicken" is hansens sugar free soda and skinless chicken..is that not legal? I'm not eating it by the gallon..but, for today as an example, I had 2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast..a piece of cola chicken for lunch (done in a crock pot) some cottage cheese for a snack (1/2 cup or less) and broiled orange roughy for dinner.

I'm seriously trying to do this right..so if the chicken is not stillman's..tell me where I went wrong!!! (remember, I'm trying to do less red meat and more chicken and fish?)

Thanks..

Not that it's anyones fault..but a bit frustratig to have one person say keep calories as low as possible (500-600) and another so say eat as much of the food on the list as you need to not be hungry. Those 2 options to me are way far apart. I can do either if that is the plan..as I truly want to do this correct. I'm in deep ketosis (day 4) but only eating enough to keep the hunger. and am experiencing hunger several times a day..but trying to keep the calires ultra low..I can't eat every time my hunger kicks in and keep the calories below 800.

I'm not trying to be a pain kids..but am feeling really low today..as I have yet to see any loss thus far. ;< ( Only Day 4, but still..others are dropping like mad at the Stillman's challenge)

[Lisa Rae]

bumping for Kimmer...I hope! LOL