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How Does
Carbohydrate Addicts Diet Compare?
BACKGROUND
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Common Misspellings
PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Whats better than
Carbohydrate Addicts Diet?
Diets
Calorie Counting
Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
If you're a carb addict, don't think you can't reward yourself... daily!
Top Rated Diets of 2024What is it?
Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet is a weight loss diet claiming it can help prevent addiction to carbohydrates while promoting weight loss. It’s mentioned how certain people can have a metabolism disorder via this addiction which when solved, can help suppress appetite and promote weight loss results.
The idea behind this diet is presented in an official book, which mentions many people have an insatiable addiction that prevents blood sugar and energy from remaining stable. It’s recommended to eat low amounts ofcarbohydrates, and making sure to introduce healthy protein sources. Our review experts have reviewed many kinds of diets, and the most effective overall was found to be the 18Shake Diet. It has a fat burning metabolism boosting diet pill and a meal replacement which can suppress appetite for hours. For more information about the 18Shake Diet, you can read about it in the link here.
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Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet Ingredients and Side Effects
The diet calls for the following:
• No carbohydrates other than vegetables during breakfast and lunch.
• Dinner allows for a meal with anything you’d like, but only high carbohydrate foods every one hour. One can indulge in a portion of cake or other similar foods.
• Diet soda and coffee are allowed but no snacking in between meals to start with.
• First two weeks: Two small meals consisting of 3 to 4 ounces of meat, chicken or fish, 2 ounces of cheese, and about 2 cups of salad or vegetables .
• After 2 weeks: Different eating plans are introduced depending on one’s own weight loss desires. This can include a snacka day.
• Drinking large amountsof water is advised.
The website discusses carbohydrate addiction:
“The word addict is associated with carbohydrate is not being used loosely”
“We believe that there is a TRIAD OF ADDICTION: that is BEHAVIOR, ENVIRONMENT, and BIOLOGY”
They fail to offer any evidence however that all carbohydrates can cause an addiction. Certain sources such as sugary foods may be unhealthy and can cause addiction, but carbohydrates also come from healthy sources such as vegetables, legumes, beans, and other foods.
The diet also allows for a reward at dinner for higher carbohydrate foods. It’s strange they allow for this while they also claim that it’s potentially dangerous to eat these kinds of foods.
You can also eat one higher carbohydrate food as long as it’s separated by an hour during dinner. This can make it easy to overeat and introduce unhealthy foods as there is no caloric limit set. The emphasized moderation, but certain foods can be high in calories or unhealthy ingredients.
The diet does not require any calorie counting which can lead to overeating if one is not careful. Not allowing for many carbohydrates of both breakfast and lunch can lead to side effects as well:
• Fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating.
• Irritability, headaches, and mood swings.
It’s also suggested by the creators of this diet that it is not for everyone, they add how only those with metabolism disorders would really benefit.
MedicineNet.com has reviewed this diet and has mentioned:
“This diet is hardly a favorite of nutritionists or specialists with a medical background… abnormally high insulin levels… is a part of the medical condition known as metabolic syndrome”
They add how this issue:
“has a variety of causes – notably obesity itself “Carbohydrate addiction” has never been shown to be among them”
They debunk a major part of this diet which claims it can help those who have diabetic type of issues. John McDougall a medical doctor who has reviewed this diet also adds:
“The whole premise that we are carbohydrate Addict’smakes about as much sense as telling people they are oxygen or water Addict’s”
Therefore, the main premise behind this diet has not been proven to be truthful about how the body works. For a list of the highest rated weight loss diets, click the link here.
Getting rid of carbohydrates only for a portion of the day makes no sense as one is still receiving this supposedly harmful macronutrient.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.
Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet Quality of Ingredients
The diet does allow for certaincarbohydrates for the first 2 meals of the day, and the final meal allows for anuncontrolled caloric carbohydrate food every hour. This is a poor quality diet as it does not emphasize counting calories, and there’s no science to back up any of its claims.
It’s been described by a Dr. John McDougall as being:
“a way of tricking people into restricting food intake”
It’s not a comprehensive enough weight loss strategy as it has limited information about food intake, and it’s not based in any real science. Click the link cited for a comprehensive top ranking list of weight loss diets.
The Price and Quality of Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet
Pricing depends on the quality of foods one chooses, and the book itself is sold on Amazon.com for $7.66 currently.
As you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of CarbohydrateAddict’s Diet”, there are many suggestions made which people mention is outdated and no longer verified. There are many issues with this die due to the claims made about carbohydrate addiction which are not true. There is no evidence to help support the main idea behind this diet.
The overall quality is poor as allowing for those who truly have a metabolic disorder to eat as they like can promote unhealthy eating behaviors. Dieters are allowed to gorge and eat potentially fattening foods which is not a proven solution for weight loss.
Business of Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet
The diet was created by a husband and wife duo, Dr. Richard F. Heller and Dr. Rachael F. Heller. Both are retired doctors who specialize in psychiatry and biology work respectively, not weight loss or nutrition.
Dr. Richard Heller was settled a $20,000 lawsuit for allowing controlled substances to be easily accessed by people.
It’s unknown what research either doctor had to do to figure out that this kind of diet would be effective for weight loss. Without any real proof, it’s impossible to determine if this diet is based in real science. They don’t offer any explanation as to how one can become addicted to carbohydrates.
To see a list of the highest rated weight loss diets, click on the link here.
EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.
Customer Opinions of Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet
The books official Amazon.com page has a total of 98 critical reviews. Featured below are some quotes from users of the diet:
“Dedicated for 5 months and nearly no loss”
“this diet eventually backfires for many of its users”
“NO WAY I could eat like this for the rest of my life which is what the book tells you have to do”
“I began to feel dizzy and disoriented about the third day until I got my reward meal”
There are many issues with users claiming that the book is outdated, and that the information given is no longer proven effective. People have experienced side effects such as fatigue, brain fog, nausea, loss of energy, mood swings, headaches, and other symptoms.
Some people mentioned how they made sure to follow the advice given, only to experience a lack of any weight loss benefits. There were also issues from people who felt that the restriction on carbohydrates is too extreme, and that it made them no longer want to continue eating the same kinds of foods as it became unsatisfying.
Click the link cited here for a list of the highest rated weight loss diets.
Conclusion - Does Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet Work?
The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet relies on the idea that certain people have a metabolic disorder that causes them to be addicted to carbohydrates. It’s claimed this is the real reason why people cannot lose weight no matter how long they try. This is not supported by any real science, and nutrition experts agree there is no evidence to support this claim. This makes sense as the creators are doctors who have no background in nutrition and health. Users of this diet also mention how they felt there wasn’t enough support, and there were issues with side effects and a lack of weight loss.
In reviewing many of the top ranked weight loss diets, our experts have found that the overall most effective for weight loss was the 18Shake Diet. It offers a meal replacement that suppresses appetite for hours, alongside a fat burning diet pill. Customers have rated them highly and there are testimonials from those who have managed to lose weight off this diet. There are also no added stimulants, artificial additives, colors, fillers, binders or any preservatives of any kind.
The 18Shake Diet is also backed by an entire 30 day money back return policy. This allows for users to try it for 30 days with no questions asked. To learn more about the benefits of the 18Shake Diet, click on the link provided here.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Easy to follow
- Cheap Price
- Fast Results
- High Protein Diet
- 91/100
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- Dukan Diet
- 89/100
-
-
- Paleo Diet
- 87/100
-
- Plexus Slim
- 77/100
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- Carbohydrate Addicts Diet
- 30 /100
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BACKGROUND
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
Do you often enjoy a large meal and soon after feel hungry again? Or, do you feel like you can't stop eating starchy goodies once you've started? It's time you faced up to your addiction to carbs. You're not alone and the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet might just be the plan for you.
It's possible your body doesn't process carbs the way everyone else does. Sometimes, carbs in your body will result in substantial production of insulin, which in turn creates fat stores. The Carb Addict's Diet, created by Dr. Richard and Dr. Rachael Heller, manages your insulin level by helping you eat in a way that properly mixes when and what you eat. You'll even get to fight the addiction with your food must-haves.
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Common Misspellings
Carbhydrate Addicts Diet, Carbahydrates Addict's Diet, Carbohydrate Addict's Deit
PRO
- Allows for a substantial portion of daily carbohydrates
- May help to control imbalanced blood sugar levels, sugar cravings and mood swings
- Nutrient-less carbohydrates are replaced by nutrient-rich foods
- May help you to lose weight
- Consuming too many unhealthy carbohydrates has been linked to obesity, diabetes and other chronic health conditions
CON
- Specific instructions for reward meal are needed
- Reward meal may turn into a 60-minute binge fest for those feeling truly carbohydrate-deprived
- Restriction of fruit is disputed by some nutrition experts
- Weight loss is likely to be temporary unless the dieter restricts their carb intake for the long-term
DIET and NUTRITION
True to its name, the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet restricts certain carbohydrates from your diet while allowing you to eat a modest of amount of approved carbs.
During the first two weeks of the diet, you follow a fairly strict plan of eating only certain foods and foods delineated in the Complimentary Meals list. Such foods include:
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and shellfish
- Fats, oils and dressings
- Eggs and dairy products
- Vegetables and salads
- Special low-carb desserts (recipes in book)
Three meals a day are allowed. Breakfast and lunch must be protein plus low-glycemic vegetables. Dinner is referred to as your reward meal where you can eat whatever you want as long as you eat it in a one-hour time period.
Once you finish with the first two weeks of the diet, you gradually start to re-introduce certain carbs back into your diet, but the quantity and kinds of carbs are dependent upon your weight loss goals. The same reward meal applies.
A sample day on the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet might look like this:
- Breakfast: Omelet made with a combination of egg whites and one whole egg, bell peppers and mushrooms
- Lunch: Romaine lettuce salad topped with grilled chicken breast, cucumber slices and olive oil and lemon juice
- Snack: Hard-boiled eggs or string cheese
- Dinner: Modest serving of pasta marinara and topped with Parmesan cheese shavings, served with sauteed broccoli.
Foods that are to be avoided during the day are:
- Fruit
- Fruit juices
- Bread
- Pasta
- Sugar & sweets
- Processed food
EXERCISE
You are encouraged to be consistently active while following the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. Clocking hours at the gym or on the StairMaster is not recommended, but rather you should aim to move your body more through modest exercise and in your daily routine.
CONCLUSION
Carbs have certainly received a bad rap in recent years as more and more research shows that diets high in refined carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and out-of-whack insulin levels.
While it's great dietary practice to limit the amount of refined carbs you eat, completing nixing fruit or even the occasional candy bar is just not realistic or healthy.
Even though the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet is likely to result in weight loss and receives high marks for its inclusion of lean protein and healthy veggies, its permission of a reward meal may lead to pasta binges and the resulting weight loss is likely to be temporary, once you cycle off the diet.
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Carbohydrate Addicts Diet?
User Feedback
(Page 4 of 6, 108 total comments)Julie Curtiss
I am doing well on the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. It works for me! Does any one know of any soup that can be purchased as part of the Complementary meal? Can I use soups with 4 carbs or less per serving? Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thank you.
posted Oct 19th, 2009 1:09 amCynthya
Started this way of eating (I don't like to think of it as a diet -- something you go "on" and "off" of) yesterday, and I already feel great! My achy, arthritic knees were terrific, even first thing in the morning!
posted Oct 8th, 2009 1:46 pmI've low-carbed (Atkins-style) in the past, but find it too restrictive to say no forever to carbs. My plan is to eat low-carb for breakfast, lunch, and all snacks, but allow myself a moderate portion of carbs at dinner. This will allow me to cook normal meals for my family and eat them, too! And I know my "inner-brat" won't whine too much if she knows she can have a little pizza (or whatever) for dinner.
I am convinced that the reason we're all so fat in America isn't just our huge portions -- it's the out-of-control hunger that carbs cause!
Nikki
+It's been 37 days and I have stuck to the plan with no problems...in fact, it's the easiest thing I've ever done. As of today, I've lost 11 pounds. I got my mom to try it and she has lost 10 pounds. I'll keep posting periodically to report my progress. I would recommend this to anyone!! I loaned my book to a friend and hopefully she too will start on the plan and have the same success.
posted Oct 7th, 2009 5:05 pmNicole
+I am starting this diet in the morning. I feel so much better when I limit carbs, I just cant eliminate them completely. I have done this diet in the past,but have never stuck with it, I dont know why, but I plan on sticking with it this time around. I will give some feedback in a few weeks.
posted Sep 13th, 2009 11:55 pmNikki
+I'm on day 2 of this diet or shall I say new lifestyle, so far so good. So many times I've been on a diet and I do really well for awhile but then the cravings start kicking in and my will-power dwindles. The fact that at the end of the day I am allowed to have what normally is "forbidden" keeps me on track. My coworker ate pizza at lunch and it looked really good but it didn't bother me (and that's a big deal) because if I REALLY want pizza, I'll eat for dinner! How much more can you ask of a meal plan?? It's the best of both worlds! I know it takes longer to lose weight on this plan but I've been "living large" for so long that it doesn't really matter how slow it goes, I know I'm getting healthier and smaller little by little and that's all I need to stay on track. One day I'll wake up and say "oh my gosh, I did it!!!"
posted Sep 2nd, 2009 2:12 pmPlease keep posting success stories...they really are motivating and helpful for others that are trying to lose weight and be healthy again. It's Day 2 and I will be back on Day 30, to post my results.
Lisa
+I�??m a 33 year old female. I�??m also 6�??0 tall. So trust me, I can give my dad (who eats like a horse) a run for his money. I am about 65 pounds overweight. I was also recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, which runs in my family. It was a combination of the high blood pressure, and realizing that most of my jeans no longer fit, that made me realize it was time to make a real change. But I had no idea where to turn. I was a healthy weight as a child and a teen. It wasn�??t until it hit my 20s that my weight became a problem. I heard of low-carb diets like Atkins and South Beach. But when I checked them out, I knew they were way too restrictive. I wouldn�??t have been able to stick with them long-term. A few years ago, I tried the �??Weigh Down Diet�?�. Which worked for a while. I lost about 21 pounds in about 3 months. But then I allowed myself one time of eating when I wasn�??t hungry, and that was it. It was all downhill from there. I not only regained the weight I had lost, but by the time I hit my 30s, I had gained an additional 40 pounds.
posted Jun 20th, 2009 11:21 amA couple weeks ago, I was in my local Goodwill. I love browsing the book section. I don�??t usually go out of my way to look at diet or cookbooks, but as soon as I saw the title �??Carbohydrate Addicts Diet�?� I knew that was me. I knew before even taking the test that I would score really high. And I did. I scored 56 out of a possible 60. Once I started thinking about how many carbs I ate in a day, I was shocked. I ate carbs throughout the day, for every meal. Everything I ate seemed to contain either bread, rice, or pasta. I also had very intense cravings for carb snacks, such as crackers, cookies, and especially candy. I couldn�??t make it through the day without snacking. It�??s not like I could just eat a cookie or two, or a handful of crackers, or a few pieces of candy. I would eat 5, 6 cookies at a time (several times a day) I could eat an entire box of cheese crackers in a sitting, and could mow down an entire back of candy in a day. It is clear to me now that I was totally out of control. This book helped me understand why, and made me realize that I am far from alone. Also, I would pig out during meals. But less than an hour later, I would be starving again.
This is my third day of the Carbohydrate�??s Diet. I�??m amazed at how good I feel. I have more energy, I�??m not hungry between meals, and I don�??t have the compulsive desire to snack like I did. I love the idea of the Reward Meal. I�??ve read that some people feel guilty about their Reward Meal, but I certainly don�??t. I look forward to it. In my opinion, the promise of the Reward Meal provides the motivation to eat no/low carb the rest of the day. This is NOT a diet, it�??s lifestyle change. This is something I can see myself sticking with for life.
The only problem I had on this diet was some sudden diarrhea after eating on Day 1. But by the time I got to my first Reward Meal, it was gone. I haven�??t had a problem since. I�??m so thankful I discovered this diet!
marilyn zorn
+I have lost 24 lbs, so far, on this diet. It is the only way to eat that has ever worked for me. I plan to eat this way for the rest of my life. I am 66 years old and want to lose 10 more lbs. I ride horses and losing the extra weight has really helped with the mounting and dismounting necessary to ride. I have no cravings anymore between meals, but really look forward to that reward meal and must confess that I eat a little more of carbs then than recommended. But, I am still losing 1-2 lbs. a week.
posted May 24th, 2009 6:09 pmLove it!
Lola
+I started this diet March 9, 2009 after trying on dresses for my father's funeral. At 5'6 and 220 lbs, I was truly disgusted with myself. I knew something needed to be done. It has been six weeks and I have lost 9 lbs. That doesn't seem like much but I don't really feel I'm on a diet. NO CRAVINGS! I don't even feel like cheating a little (that's huge) I feel almost guilty at my reward dinner. It is so easy - I just wish I would lose weight quicker. But hey, I didn't get this big in a few weeks so I will just have to be paitent.
posted Apr 25th, 2009 2:39 amDebi
This is something that can work and is doable if you are at a point to "start" losing weight and getting back on track. I say start because you use this to get a foothold on weight loss - not a long term way of eating. You must be careful with your reward meal. You will want to be like a kid in a candy store for that hour. That is defeating the purpose if you want to continue to eat better and keep the weight off. Don't fool yourself. AND exercise is part of it. All depends on your fitness level - from a 30 min. walk to working out at a gym.
posted Apr 18th, 2009 9:58 amYou can lose weight on this plan.
carolsongs
+Hi, I had this book a few years back and tried the diet for a week, I didnt know much about low carb diets at the time and did not stick with it, now that I am in my forties,I realize sugar and lots of pasts is not very healthy for me and I need to loose 45 lbs , Ive been on other diets and am always hungry, this diet makes sense and Ive been going by the diet from what I can remember and I feel great, not hungry all the time and looking foward to finally loosing this weight. , is it true we can have dessert one meal a day? reward meal? if so thats fabulous!!! I am reodering The book .again
posted Apr 10th, 2009 9:07 pmBarbara
+I have been on CAD for one month now and have lost 5 lbs. I take thyroid and my metabolism is sluggish and I do not exercise. I am 75 and as I posted on Jan 14th when I began again, I love this diet and it is the only one I feel comfortable with and am never hungry or have cravings. I have my reward meal every day between 3:30 and 4:30 because that is when I am the hungriest. I have 30 pounds more to lose which will take me another six months.
posted Feb 17th, 2009 1:50 pmgramdear
i cant find my book, i have ordered one, just havnt got it yet, can someone give me a few idea for breakfast, i am getting real tired of eggs, thankyou so much
posted Feb 13th, 2009 12:24 pmgramdear
I went on this diet years ago and olny stuck for two weeks, i was pleasantly surprised on how much i could eat on my reward meal, and still lose weight, , but just like any other diet i went off and could not get back on. i am going to try it again, does anyone have any tipsfor me, or maybe a sample of a days meals, thanks
posted Feb 8th, 2009 12:59 pmTodd
+I went on this diet in 1999 and lost 85 pounds. I was very happy and receiving compliments and looks from the ladies for quite some time.
posted Feb 4th, 2009 3:25 pmWhat you have to remember (and what I failed to) is you're an addict for life. Just like drugs and alcohol addiction, once an addict, always an addict. So when I achieved my goal and went back to eating the way I used to prior to the diet, all the weight returned. I once again became an uncontrollable binge'ing monster eating everything in sight.
But the remarkable thing to me was that even though I was eating like that, the weight came back very slowly. I've been on other diets since this diet (Atkins) and the weight came off quickly but once off the diet, it came back just as quick and I was heavier than when I started.
Not so with the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. While on this diet, the weight came off slowly at 1 to 2 pounds per week which is considered a healthy weight loss. So when I went off the diet, I noticed once I was heavy again that it took a long time for me to get there. It didn't rush back on like it did on Atkins.
Regardless though, it did creep back on so here I am again, ten years later, blowing the dust off my old Carbohydrate Addict's Diet Book and reading it again. I'm starting today. At lunch I ordered a cheeseburger and tossed the bun and it was excellent. Funny how much better food tastes when you know you're doing something good for yourself. I feel great about myself for doing something that I should have done long ago.
I'm 43 years old and once again Obese. The Carbohydrate Addiction Diet is the only diet that has ever worked for me long term with a slow healthy weight loss which is easy to stick to. I mean heck, 1 to 2 pounds a week is agonizingly slow but the secret to this diet is that reward meal which makes the 1 to 2 pounds a week bearable and successful long term.
Stick to it, and remember, once an addict, always an addict. You and I will have to eat to control our carbohydrate addiction for the rest of our lives.
Not difficult to do on this diet. I'm not going to ask you to wish me luck because I know I will be successful at it. You will too.
Sarah Wibe
+I lost 65 pounds on the diet, and have maintained for nearly 5 years. It's a plan that works for life. Easy to maintain, easy to get bak on track if you go astray!
posted Jan 21st, 2009 1:24 pmKristine
I love this diet. I try and keep the calories at 1200 a day though. A+
posted Jan 15th, 2009 12:53 pmMary & Rob
+My husband and I do this together each time. He loses much faster than I but it works, no hunger between meals, no tired afternoons, no snacks after dinner. It is very easy.
posted Jan 14th, 2009 10:25 pmBarbara
+I went on this when I was 60 yrs old and lost 35 lbs in 7 months. I exercised on the treadmill 30 min a day. I loved this diet and used to set a buffet for my reward meal. ( I know, it says you can't do that anymore) but I began again yesterday and I am 75 now and need to lose 40 lbs now. I have a hard time on maintenance so maybe this time when I lose it I can maintain it. I wrote to Dr. Heller and she wrote back and congratulated me. I live alone now and don't care to cook much anymore but I can cook enough for a week and eat a little each day on my reward meal.
posted Jan 14th, 2009 2:24 pmChris
+I love this Diet!!! I was on it 5 years ago and lost 20 lbs. Now I have gained it all back so I"m about to begin again. Its easy to follow, no counting calories or points and no worries- Simply do not eat carbs 2 meals a day then have a healthy dinner that contains carbs. Good luck all, I'm going to be 20 lbs lighter by summer!
posted Jan 12th, 2009 1:52 pmluanne
+I just wanted to add to all the other positive comments that this is a great plan.
posted Jan 6th, 2009 12:15 pmIt is not just the reduction in cravings and therefore calories that makes it work, though. When too much insulin is released, the body will not lose weight, since insulin promotes storage. It doesn't matter if you are eating 1200 calories a day. This diet affects the hormones that govern satiety and fat storage, which is why it works.
If you ever feel out of control about food you will be so happy you tried this!