It is that time of year where many of us are reviewing our achievements for 2010. Did we lose those love handles, get more organized, finish a degree, or make a few more dollars? What did we do right? Wrong? What could we do better next time?
For those thinking about their weight loss strategy, let me introduce Tim Ferriss and his book The 4-Hour Body. In the book, he has a section entitled, "Subtracting Fat," where he describes the slow-carb diet as a way to lose 20 pounds in 30 days without exercise. Based upon my initial review, the diet outlines what many bodybuilders already know, to lose fat one much reduce carbohydrates from the diet. Others may find the program similar to the Atkins Diet.
A few years ago, I tried the Atkins Diet and lost 10 pounds within a week. I'm sure there was plenty of water weight fluctuations, but it worked for me.
Having the 4-Hour Body in my hands, I would like to put this Slow-Carb Diet to the test. For the next 30 days, starting December 20 through January 18, I plan to follow the five rules laid out in the book, verbatim.
How Will It Work?
Beginning December 20, 2010, I will subscribe to the following five rules:
Rule #1: Avoid "White" Carbohydrates
Avoiding all "white" carbohydrates means that I cannot eat: all bread, rice (including brown), cereal, potatoes, pasta, tortillas, and fried food with breading.
Rule #2: Eat the Same Few Meals Over and Over Again
According to Tim, successful dieters eat the same few meals. It matters not if your trying to lose or gain weight, one should pick from a list of approved foods and avoid all else. To this end, I will chose one item from each food group to construct 3 to 4 meals per day.
Proteins: Egg whites with 1-2 whole eggs, chicken breast or thigh, beef, fish, and pork
Legumes: Lentils, black beans, pinto beans, red beans, and soybeans
Vegetables: Spinach, mixed vegetables (including broccoli, cauliflower, etc), sauderkraut, kimchee, asparagus, peas, broccoli, and green beansRule #3: Don't Drink Calories
This one is pretty easy for me since I already drink tons of water. For those following along, I will avoid anything outside of water, unsweetened tea, coffee (with no more than 2 tablespoons of cream), red wine (no more than two glasses per night), and other no-calorie/low-calorie beverages. To be clear, no milk (including soy milk), soft drinks, fruit juice, white wines, or beer will be consumed.
Rule #4: Don't Eat Fruit
The title pretty much explains it all. I will avoid all fruits except tomatoes and avocados (no more than one cup or one meal per day).
Rule #5: Take One Day Off Per Week
On Saturday, which I designate as the "cheat" day, I can eat whatever I want. This means all the preceding four rules go out the window and I can eat pizza, ice cream, or drink a six-pack of Bud Light if I choose.
Additional Note
While I understand this diet can cause weight loss without exercise, I plan to continue weight training and cardiovascular efforts 4-5 days a week.
If this sounds like something you would like to try with me, please let me know in the comment section below or just shoot me a message. Additionally, if you're reading this post after my test begins (or ends), just join when you can. I'd love to read about your experiences now and in the future.
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1 comments:
I will follow you. I started jan 3
214 pounds, 34.2% bf
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