The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet

1338 Views

Drs. Richard and Rachael Heller, authors of The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet, have proposed the theory that there is such a thing as an addiction to carbohydrates that causes overeating and weight gain.
The culprit is an excessive production of insulin, which triggers hunger and leads to over-eating, and the best way to control it, and to lose weight, is to eat two meals a day that contain no carbohydrates (“craving-reducing” meals) with dinner being a “reward meal” that allows a certain amount of carbohydrates.

The Hellers estimate that three-fourths of all overweight people are addicted to carbohydrates; carbohydrates cause a rise in insulin, which induces cravings and feelings of hunger; more carbohydrates are eaten, which causes a rise in insulin, and the cycle continues.

Breaking the cycle requires restricting carbohydrate intake.
The “craving-reducing” meals are breakfast and lunch, at which no carbohydrates are allowed. These meals should be half protein, half non-carb vegetables. Dinner – the “reward meal” is comprised of protein, non-carb vegetables, and carbohydrate-laden foods in equal thirds.

Since portions are not restricted, you can go back for seconds, but only in the same proportions – in other words, you can’t simply have a second piece of bread, you must also have protein and vegetables.

Does the diet work?

No diet works if you don’t follow the plan; and no one plan works for everyone. This diet will be useless to some and just what’s needed for others. It depends on how your body tolerates the lack of carbohydrates during the day – and the potential “gorging” at night.