What do you think of this diet?

Question

I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 136 pounds. I'd like to get down to about 126 pounds by the time I go on holiday. I am cutting out all carbs and eating salads containing lots of beans, quorn, peppers, peas, celery, tomatoes, etc (basically veg and beans). I am also trying to do more exercise. Do you think that this is a silly diet or not? Do you think I will lose the desired amount of weight? Will I feel rubbish if I do this? I've done it for a day and feel alright.

Answer 1

Some of the foods you mention ARE carbohydrates. Contrary to public opinion, carbohydrates were not invented by the devil. Complex carbohydrates are excellent sources of nutrition: beans, baked potatoes, etc. Why don't you go online and find a low-fat, but well-balanced diet?

Courtesy of Wikipedia:

Carbohydrates require less water to digest than proteins or fats and are the most common source of energy. Proteins and fat are vital building components for body tissue and cells, and thus it could be considered advisable not to deplete such resources by necessitating their use in energy production.

Carbohydrates are not essential nutrients: the body can obtain all its energy from protein and fats. The brain cannot burn fat and needs glucose for energy, but the body can make this glucose from protein. Carbohydrates, like proteins, contain 4 kilocalories per gram while fats contain 9 kilocalories and alcohol contains 7 kilocalories per gram.

Based on evidence for risk of heart disease and obesity, the Institute of Medicine recommends that American and Canadian adults get between 40-65% of dietary energy from carbohydrates.[1] The Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization jointly recommend that national dietary guidelines set a goal of 55-75% of total energy from carbohydrates, but only 10% should be from Free sugars (their definition of simple carbohydrates).[2]

Foods that are high in carbohydrates: Breads, pastas, beans, potatoes, bran, rice and cereals.

Answer 2

I dont know how much weight you will lose but this is a healthy diet. You have to ensure to get your protein if you're not eating meat but you get that from pulses, beans and quorn. A day won't really affect you too much, give it a week or so and see how you are. I bet you'll be full of energy because there are no stodgey foods to slow down your body. Remember not to starve yourself - this could have the opposite affect in the longterm!! Good luck

Answer 3

I am not a big fan of any "diet" that is that strict. Short term might be ok but be very careful when you start eating normally again. I limit my carbs and have kept my weight off for a year and a half. Good you are exercising, that will speed things up. Overall, I must admit I would not go that strict. Since you only have ten pounds to lose, that is probably do-able. Good luck.

Answer 4

i wouldn't suggest cutting all carbs to lose weight because the second you begin eating carbs, you will gain it all back. with all those beans and veggies you will probably also be bloated (unless you are used to it). are you vegetarian or vegan? why don't you cut out all refined, white flour and sugar? it's a great way to lose weight and limit carbs, but you can still eat multi grain bread for energy and when/ if you begin to eat those simple carbs again, you won't gain all the weight back in a rush. also, cut out things like soda (drink diet if you like - i love :), extra dairy, salad dressing (eat salad with salsa - it is low in calories, no fat, and tastes fantastic!), rich sauces, and sugary fruit juices which all have a LOT of calories. losing ten pounds shouldn't be a big deal - look for some low calorie alternative to things you love and pay attention to the calorie content of food you eat (like cereal, etc.). good luck with your diet and have a fun vacation!

Answer 5

I think it's a great idea. I did something very similar. You can check it out in my blog: myspace.com/thedavezone

I went vegetarian except for one meal of the week, where I binge to maintain my sanity.