New to Stillman's, questions

[Shiroiyuki]

Hi all!

I just joined up, and looking to lose 30-35 pounds. Now, I'm lazy, which doesn't help the process of any diet (), but it's hard sticking to a daily exercise regimen with my lifestyle. I get some walking in, and sometimes get on the bike -- but most days I just work, get home, and eat food.

I'm 22 but feel more like I'm 40, just because my body has the slowest metabolism in history. Having no gall bladder doesn’t help, either, which is why this diet sounds so attractive (no oils!) I'm hoping that when I shed some of the pounds, my figure will come back again.

Towards the end of August (which is cutting it REALLY close, I know!), I'm meeting up with a very nice gentleman that I care about -- and want to be slim and beautiful for the occasion. That is just not happening with my current eating habits. SO, I researched diets and found this one.

I was hoping someone could answer my questions before I started though, since so many sources on the internet failed to do so. Thank you all in advance ^_^.

1.) How long can you safely stay on this diet, without the long-term affects (such as kidney damage)? Should I do this for a few weeks and switch to another plan? How do the three phases work?

2.) Which hot sauces are allowable? So far, I just read 'hot sauce' or...somesuch. I know there are tons on the market and not all are created equal; I don't want to sabotage my own efforts!

3.) When the Ketosis hits, are there long term damages to your metabolism? Your body isn't going into 'starvation mode' is it? Ketoacidosis is a dangerous medical condition...what are the long term affects? You won't force yourself to become diabetic or something (sorry to sound naive), will you?

4.) Once off Stillmans, how does one proceed? Wouldn't eating carbs, vegetables, etc. just balloon you right back up again, since your body isn't used to them?


Again, thank you. And I apologize for the long post.

[anna76]

HI -- this is my first post but I'm in no way new to the low carb/atkins/stillmans plans. A few years ago I lost about 15 lbs during the 14-day Stillman's plan and now I would like to have that same kind of success on it again so I'm giving it another go starting tomorrow (7/18). I hope to stick it out for the full two weeks with no cheats or my own "variations" on the plan.



"1.) How long can you safely stay on this diet, without the long-term affects (such as kidney damage)? Should I do this for a few weeks and switch to another plan? How do the three phases work?"

Personally I like to use the diet as a very quick jump start to a healthier diet. Since it is so restrictive I can't imagine staying on it much longer than 2 weeks, MAYBE 3 if you are really motivated. In the book, Dr. Stillman's says you can stick to his plan as long as you need to or just for 14-days and then transition into another plan. It's up to you. But personally I think you would need some essential fats and more veg after two weeks. I'm not familiar with his other three phases, maybe someone around here can answer that part of your question. As far as kidney damage from a high-protein diet...that's a common concern but as long as you are healthy you don't have to worry about that. Besides I doubt you are going to be getting over 80 grams of protein a day (that's what I usually average on SQWL, between 70-80) so that's not really so much. That's why plenty of water is such an important part of this diet too.

"2.) Which hot sauces are allowable? So far, I just read 'hot sauce' or...somesuch. I know there are tons on the market and not all are created equal; I don't want to sabotage my own efforts!"

I remember that he says you can have cocktail sauce and people have mentioned low-carb ketchup. I like to try to stay away from chemicals and additives so I'm not a good person to ask about this one

3.) When the Ketosis hits, are there long term damages to your metabolism? Your body isn't going into 'starvation mode' is it? Ketoacidosis is a dangerous medical condition...what are the long term affects? You won't force yourself to become diabetic or something (sorry to sound naive), will you?

The only time it's dangerous to be in ketosis is when you are a diabetic. Otherwise it's a normal for your body to go into ketosis if carbs are withheld, it's a natural process and there is no harm in a healthy person putting themselves into a state of ketosis through diet. You won't become a diabetic, actually you might ward off your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life by controlling your simple carb intake now.

"4.) Once off Stillmans, how does one proceed? Wouldn't eating carbs, vegetables, etc. just balloon you right back up again, since your body isn't used to them?"

Once off Stillman's you don't have to worry about putting on weight by eating veg and other healthy foods. As long as you don't start going back to old habits (in my case pizza,cake,m&ms...) you'll be fine. I think a diet like Stillmans actually helps keep your metabolism up since there is no risk of losing lean muscle mass due to the protein deprivation on other diets plans; I find that I am much leaner when I follow a high protein diet as opposed to a higher carb/low fat diet, I have less body fat and more muscle tone. I guess that answers your 3rd question as well.



Hope that helps and I'm excited about starting SQWL tomorrow...I would love to lose about 15lbs in 14 again We'll see. I don't have that much to lose so it may not come off as fast this time.

[Hoops]

Please join our group of friends that mostly do Stillman's QWL.

Stillman's QWL JULY 2008 *Get 'Er Done!"