Expert: Mary Jo Kringas - 8/3/2007

Question
Hi, I'm a 15 year old male, 5'7", 190lbs, and I was wondering if you can help me out with some sort of healthy diet plan that won't lead to bingeing or anything like that, I have never been on a diet before because I feel they destroy you but I'm willing to go on a diet to lose weight, I really don't know how much I should be losing and I really need your help.

Answer
Hi Sulman,
Greetings and thank you very much for such a thoughtful and smart question.
I appreciate that you are seeking advice from those who have lost weight before you "jump in desperation" at the newest diet promoted on the magazine covers in the check out line (yes, I tried many of those diets...none worked).

I am a believer in low carb eating because of the following reasons:
a) it is a lot less restrictive than the "calorie counting" diets.
b) I do not think that "all calories are equal" and that calories from protein and fat are more filling to the body than calories from twinkies.
c) you can eat like a king on a low carb eating program... consider the steaks, fried eggs, salmon, crab, etc.
d) once you get good at it, you can eat low carb anywhere you can find a hamburger and a place to toss the bun.

The challenges to eating low carb are that the initial hurdle is quite high.  Most people are so sugar addicted that starting a low carb program sets them into a deep depression and energy loss (this could also be a yeast infection, but that is another topic).

All of the pros and cons of low carb are covered by any of the Atkins books. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the low carb program and make it your lifestyle.

Do not plan on "fast weight loss" with low carb eating, but it will come off.  And, unlike the "calorie restricting" programs which do not have proven sustainable results like low carbing does, the high-protein lifestyle is a lot more satisfying.

Best,
Mary Jo