Body Effects: I can tell a distinct difference in my stomach, breasts, and face becoming leaner after only one week.
Things I Didn't Do
I did not eat any of the forbidden foods
I did not count calories or portions
I did not stick with their daily menu plans, I instead used their food lists and rules of thumb.
I did not get hungry.
Things I Did
I ate the recommended minimum amounts of vegetables and lean protein at each meal and as snacks
I made several of the recipes and each was delicious, all were real keepers and husband-pleasers. The book is worth it just for the recipes.
I filled up at each meal.
I maintained my high coffee intake, although that is not recommended.
Cravings: I did not have any real trouble with cravings for carbohydrates, probably because I wasn't hungry. The only real craving was for a warm chocolate chip cookie at the potluck. I held off for awhile but then had a small portion at the end of a satisfying meal, when I figured the carbs would mix with the protein, fat, and fiber and not affect my blood sugar.
Energy: I have had significantly fewer episodes of drowsiness after the first four days on this diet. I have had plenty of energy for walking, although since I have kept my mileage low due to iliotibial band syndrome, I have not fully tested that.
Convenience: The only real negative of this diet is that it is hard to do if you don't have access to refrigeration for take-along snacks. The only approved item I can see that doesn't require refrigeration is nuts, and those are supposed to be limited in intake. I take cheese sticks which hold up OK, but not for a long walk in the sun.
Cooking vs. Eating Out: As said, this is a great cookbook and I plan to use more of the recipes. But if you hate to cook, you have to instead navigate how to eat appropriately at restaurants, fast food joints, and with prepared items from the supermarket. It works great if you grill many of your meals as I do.
Breakfast: I have heard many people complain about this diet because they usually do not eat breakfast and that is difficult for them to change. I have always eaten breakfast, and I find that making a quick omelet or plate of scrambled eggs with veggies to be as quick as making toast. And the veggie mini-quiches are fantastic as breakfast or snacks.
Constipation: The book notes that some people will have constipation on Phase 1, and recommends they take some Metamucil or other fiber. I noticed a definite slowdown from my usual regularity.
Day 8
Vegetable mini-quiches for breakfast and snack as I went to circuit training class and treatment massage. Mediterranean salad for lunch. I didn't plan my snacks very well and was pretty hungry by the time I got home to make up another salad immediately. We grilled very thick pork chops and veggies for dinner.In the morning, I had dropped again, now down a full five pounds. Next: Day 9 and 10
