Has anyone tried "Your Last Diet"?

LauraM wrote:
Doug Freyburger wrote:

Atkins is a process that uses the reactions of your own
body (detecting ketonuria) to discover a fully customized
carb count. *It's not one number that works for everyone,
it's a starting point that works for 99+% then a process
to discover the level that works best for your own body.

Because it's fully customized like that it works for a higher
percentage of people who do follow the directions than any
one-size-fits-all plan can. *Because it's fully customized
like that a low percentage of people do actually follow the
directions. *I think that's why newer plans that have
become popular aren't as customized - It's hard to get
people to follow directions and even harder to write
directions that will be easily understood by large numbers.
So newer plans do variations on the one-size-fits-all method.

Do you mean that because there's more work involved in figuring out
what works best for you (fully customized), not as many people
actually do it?

That's one issue. Plus most folks who read a plan expect
that they can reduce it to a menu. Plus as far as skill as a
professional writer, Dr Atkins was, well, a good clinician.
He didn't have the sense to employ a ghost writer until his
2001 edition and then he didn't use one who'd bothered to
figure out the material in the 1972, 1993 and 1999 editions.

Nothing good in life comes without work.

Yet so many people look for a magic bullet. And not
finding one they move on to the next fad. Sigh.

"Your Last
Diet" seems to be very sensible and I like that I feel like I'm
understanding more about how our bodies process what we eat.

Another issue with the Atkins process is even though it
works, it doesn't look like he ever learned the science
behind why it works. His explanations are very poor
hand waving. There are folks who see the poor science
and then falsely conclude that the process itself is
wrong. Nope, he spent decades of clinical work tuning
the customized process and when followed as such it
works extremely well.

The Atkins process was determined by experiment and
it was honed by decades of experiment. The way science
works, explanation is optional in a case like that. Dr A
knew that and he never did put in much effort at explanation.
The result is his explanations suck and people who want
explanations more than they want working process object.

When I first tried Atkins I noticed that his science was
terrible, but I knew people who had followed the directions
and succeeded. So no matter that the directions told me
to do stuff I didn't understnad or believe, I followed those
directions. Phases on schedule, carb quotas on schedule,
introduce new foods on schedule, detect problems and
write off problem foods as discovered, out of ketonuria and
back in on schedule, and so on. It worked and it worked
extremely well. Because it worked but I didn't understand
it I started studying the hormones. Ten years later I'm
still encountering pieces of the puzzle. But consider that
my starting point on 21 July 1999 was only a couple of
years before his final edition. My starting point was near
his finishing point. He spent his career determining by
experiment what to do. I understand why he left it to
others to figure out why it works.

There's a giant drive to understand, but what does
understanding really achieve? Folks understood why
blood letting worked, so they practiced it. But in fact blood
letting did not work. I know enough science to know that I
should take a process that *works* and *use* it. But I don't
have a common attitude. So many folks want to curse
something, anything, about Atkins that instead of attempting
to follow the directions they trash his explanations. It's like
Henry Ford building a gasoline powered car and then
explaining it in terms to mystical fumes and spirits in
pipes. The explanation would be nonsense but the car
doesn't care about the explanation so it just works.

I'm keeping a journal for every meal and also writing everything down
including the protein and carb contents.

Good plan. Just the act of keeping a journal improves
how most folks eat. Increased awareness.

I googled the Atkins diet
and one url said that starting at 20 grams of carbs isn't the best
idea because of the likelihood of not staying on it.

So you discovered someone making judgements about Atkins
without actually having read the book. There is a lot of
material on the topic by such idiots. Blow them off. Unless
they get the simplest basic point that phase one lasts 14
days, they are utterly unqualified to discuss what Atkins
says in his books.

They suggest
starting at 80 grams or even higher and then gradually reducing it.
That makes sense to me.

Try it some time and see how hard it is. Then try a couple of
months of low fat to reset. Then try what Atkins really says in
his books and see the difference. The initial two weeks at
20 *greatly* reduce the intensity and duration of carb cravings.
The high fat ratio in the first two weeks also contribute to
decreasing both the duration and intensity of the cravings.

The suggestion may make sense, but what it really does is
demonstrate ignorance of how the biochemisty actually works
and how carb cravings are turned on or off.

Even though Your Last Diet doesn't really
speak about the number of carbs, I am trying to control the number.

Cool.

It's been a few days now and I haven't had any processed sugar.
Yeah! *Only from fresh raspberries and blackberries which I mash and
put on top of a mini wheat bagel in the morning, which I have
alongside my Metrx Whey Protein drink.

Sounds pretty high carb to me. My bias - Wheat is my main
binger trigger food. Anything with wheat in it sounds high to
me.

It's a way of life, not a diet. *I used to live that and I'm trying to
get back to it. *I feel like an addict going through withdrawal!

Folks love to deny that high carb foods are addictive. Addictive
behavior patterns happen no matter the furosity of the denials.

On May 14, 12:35*pm, Doug Freyburger wrote:
So you discovered someone making judgements about Atkins
without actually having read the book. *There is a lot of
material on the topic by such idiots. *Blow them off. *Unless
they get the simplest basic point that phase one lasts 14
days, they are utterly unqualified to discuss what Atkins
says in his books.

Well, now that you put it that way..... I guess I'm trying to find
out what works for me long-term, so the higher carb number helps me
not go crazy by eating more than I should.

Sounds pretty high carb to me. *My bias - Wheat is my main
binger trigger food. *Anything with wheat in it sounds high to
me.

The mini wheat bagel has 110 calories, 17 gms of carbs. Yes, that's
probably high for someone who does Atkins. I was kind of shocked at
how that number relates to a low-carb diet. Granted, it's high.
But...I'm eating SOOOOOOO much less than I did before I started this
way of eating. My plan is to reduce the carb number over the next
couple weeks, but I need that feeling of controlling a few things
first. (1) only eating at mealtime with no snacks, (2) eating no
processed sugar, (3) no white flour. If I can conquer these (and I
will), then I'll feel successful and more powerful to move onto the
next step.

Folks love to deny that high carb foods are addictive. *Addictive
behavior patterns happen no matter the furosity of the denials.- Hide quoted text -

YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), I have always exhibited addictive behaviors. Before that
exercise period I smoked (YUCK!). I quit that many years ago. Before
that it was partying with various illegal substances. I'm attributing
this to low beta-endorphins. That's why I exercised so much. To get
the "high". I'm attempting to correct my body chemistry so that I
feel well. Smooth out the highs and the lows. Plus, I'm peri-
menopausal. Watch out!

LauraM wrote:
Doug Freyburger wrote:

I guess I'm trying to find
out what works for me long-term, so the higher carb number helps me
not go crazy by eating more than I should.

That's a standard function of all of the successful plans - The
later phases are more moderate in order to be more livable.

The mini wheat bagel has 110 calories, 17 gms of carbs. *Yes, that's
probably high for someone who does Atkins. *I was kind of shocked at
how that number relates to a low-carb diet. *Granted, it's high.

Most common CCLL so most common quota for losing is
50 net, so if that deducts fiber it's a third of the day's quota.
Add a portion of cauliflower the size of my head and it's
possible to go over. ;^) Most common CCLM so most
common in maintenance is 100 net so its an eighth of a
day's quota. Reasonable but I'd much rather have a bowl
of oatmeal instead. More filling and to me better tasting.

But...I'm eating SOOOOOOO much less than I did before I started this
way of eating.

Calories count.

False view of low carbing - Eat as much as you like and
lose anyways.

True view of low carbing (for a lot of people, not for everyone) -
No cravings or hunger so it's painless to taper down portion
sizes.

Folks love to deny that high carb foods are addictive. *Addictive
behavior patterns happen no matter the furosity of the denials.

YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: *low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. *Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), ... *I'm attributing this to low beta-endorphins.

Yet more hormones into the feedback loops. Insulin and
glucagon, T3 thyroid and leptin, seratonin and endorphins.

That's why I exercised so much. *To get the "high".

I'm ADD/ADHD. I wonder where that fits in.

As to endorphins I've never gotten a high from exercise. Not even
wehn I was in high school soccer at my peak fitness running 6
miles for the scenery.

... *Plus, I'm peri- menopausal. *Watch out! *

Estrovan. My wife swears by it.

On Thu, 14 May 2009 14:17:57 -0700 (PDT), LauraM wrote:

The mini wheat bagel has 110 calories, 17 gms of carbs.

You have no clue if that is accurate.
--
http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

On Thu, 14 May 2009 14:17:57 -0700 (PDT), LauraM wrote:

YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), I have always exhibited addictive behaviors. Before that
exercise period I smoked (YUCK!). I quit that many years ago. Before
that it was partying with various illegal substances. I'm attributing
this to low beta-endorphins. That's why I exercised so much. To get
the "high". I'm attempting to correct my body chemistry so that I
feel well. Smooth out the highs and the lows. Plus, I'm peri-
menopausal. Watch out!

In any weight loss regime, the first component that must be overcome is
any mental or emotional or psychological issues.

You have a history replete with all of the above. You're starting in the
wrong place.

Overconsumption may be the result of deeper problems, it ofet is.
Correcting your carbs, counting calories and attempting to trade
obsessions will fail you as it has in the past.
--
http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

On Thu, 14 May 2009 15:31:31 -0700 (PDT), Doug Freyburger wrote:

That's why I exercised so much. *To get the "high".

I'm ADD/ADHD. I wonder where that fits in.

Right after "you never comprehend after all these yars" regarding the
real issues in weight loss.

Overconsumption.
--
http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

On May 14, 4:28*pm, MU wrote:
On Thu, 14 May 2009 14:17:57 -0700 (PDT), LauraM wrote:
YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: *low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. *Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), I have always exhibited addictive behaviors. *Before that
exercise period I smoked (YUCK!). *I quit that many years ago. *Before
that it was partying with various illegal substances. *I'm attributing
this to low beta-endorphins. *That's why I exercised so much. *To get
the "high". *I'm attempting to correct my body chemistry so that I
feel well. *Smooth out the highs and the lows. *Plus, I'm peri-
menopausal. *Watch out! *

In any weight loss regime, the first component that must be overcome is
any mental or emotional or psychological issues.

You have a history replete with all of the above. You're starting in the
wrong place.

Overconsumption may be the result of deeper problems, it ofet is.
Correcting your carbs, counting calories and attempting to trade
obsessions will fail you as it has in the past.
--http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

If life were that simple, everyone would be thin.

LauraM wrote:
MU wrote:
LauraM wrote:

YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: *low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. *Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), I have always exhibited addictive behaviors. *Before that
exercise period I smoked (YUCK!). *I quit that many years ago. *Before
that it was partying with various illegal substances. *I'm attributing
this to low beta-endorphins. *That's why I exercised so much. *To get
the "high". *I'm attempting to correct my body chemistry so that I
feel well. *Smooth out the highs and the lows. *Plus, I'm peri-
menopausal. *Watch out! *

In any weight loss regime, the first component that must be overcome is
any mental or emotional or psychological issues.

You have a history replete with all of the above. You're starting in the
wrong place.

Overconsumption may be the result of deeper problems, it ofet is.
Correcting your carbs, counting calories and attempting to trade
obsessions will fail you as it has in the past.
--http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

If life were that simple, everyone would be thin.

Simple things like eating the right daily amount (32 ounces) to become
healthier (hungrier) ...

.... becomes impossible in the setting of the "hunger is starvation"
delusion:

http://HelpStampOutHunger.com

Only GOD can cut the "hunger is starvation" delusion from our hearts:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...81ab7d7ce78de?

Truth is simple ...

.... but impossible for those who do not trust the truth:

http://T3WiJ.com

Love in the truth,

Andrew
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-certified Heart Doctor
and Author of "Be Hungry"
http://NetCabal.com
"Don't be left behind as were Cleopus and Simon."

On May 14, 5:39*pm, "Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD"
wrote:
LauraM wrote:
MU wrote:
LauraM wrote:

YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: *low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. *Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), I have always exhibited addictive behaviors. *Before that
exercise period I smoked (YUCK!). *I quit that many years ago. *Before
that it was partying with various illegal substances. *I'm attributing
this to low beta-endorphins. *That's why I exercised so much. *To get
the "high". *I'm attempting to correct my body chemistry so that I
feel well. *Smooth out the highs and the lows. *Plus, I'm peri-
menopausal. *Watch out! *

In any weight loss regime, the first component that must be overcome is
any mental or emotional or psychological issues.

You have a history replete with all of the above. You're starting in the
wrong place.

Overconsumption may be the result of deeper problems, it ofet is.
Correcting your carbs, counting calories and attempting to trade
obsessions will fail you as it has in the past.
--http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

If life were that simple, everyone would be thin.

Simple things like eating the right daily amount (32 ounces) to become
healthier (hungrier) ...

... becomes impossible in the setting of the "hunger is starvation"
delusion:

http://HelpStampOutHunger.com

Only GOD can cut the "hunger is starvation" delusion from our hearts:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...81ab7d7ce78de?

Truth is simple ...

... but impossible for those who do not trust the truth:

http://T3WiJ.com

Love in the truth,

Andrew
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-certified Heart Doctor
and Author of "Be Hungry"http://NetCabal.com
"Don't be left behind as were Cleopus and Simon."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Good grief.

LauraM wrote:
Andrew, in the Holy Spirit, boldly wrote:
LauraM wrote:
MU wrote:
LauraM wrote:

YLD mentioned that people who are addicts probably have either or all
of the following: *low seratonin, low beta-endorphins, low blood
sugar. *Having been an exercise FREAK for years (before I had my
surgery), I have always exhibited addictive behaviors. *Before that
exercise period I smoked (YUCK!). *I quit that many years ago. *Before
that it was partying with various illegal substances. *I'm attributing
this to low beta-endorphins. *That's why I exercised so much. *To get
the "high". *I'm attempting to correct my body chemistry so that I
feel well. *Smooth out the highs and the lows. *Plus, I'm peri-
menopausal. *Watch out! *

In any weight loss regime, the first component that must be overcome is
any mental or emotional or psychological issues.

You have a history replete with all of the above. You're starting in the
wrong place.

Overconsumption may be the result of deeper problems, it ofet is.
Correcting your carbs, counting calories and attempting to trade
obsessions will fail you as it has in the past.
--http://tinyurl.com/5gt7

If life were that simple, everyone would be thin.

Simple things like eating the right daily amount (32 ounces) to become
healthier (hungrier) ...

... becomes impossible in the setting of the "hunger is starvation"
delusion:

http://HelpStampOutHunger.com

Only GOD can cut the "hunger is starvation" delusion from our hearts:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...81ab7d7ce78de?

Truth is simple ...

... but impossible for those who do not trust the truth:

http://T3WiJ.com

Good grief.

No such thing.

Good is that which GOD wants:

http://groups.google.com/group/sci.m...663cbb92334d4?

Love in the truth,

Andrew
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-certified Cardiologist
http://WDJW.net