Thread: Anyone else tried Dr. Berstein diet?

I've been on the Dr. Bernstein diet for five weeks now and have lost 18 pounds. I have another 25 to go. I'm finding it fairly easy to follow. I think you really need to have a clear understanding of why you're trying to lose weight when you follow any diet, and this diet in particular because it's so expensive.

A cheat can cost you $160 so that is something to take into consideration before you even start. This is not like any other diet where eating just one cookie wouldn't be such a big deal. It is a big deal with this diet because it could throw you out of ketosis, which is the fat-burning state. The clinic will take away your fruits and possibly your breads, for two days, which will make you miserable. So anybody who is planning on doing this diet, do not go into it with the intention that you can cheat now and then. It just doesn't work.

Having said that, you are allowed a full pound of vegetables a day, split into two 8 oz portions. That is quite filling in itself. Two portions of protein (sometimes three depending on if you're physically active) as well as two portions of fruits and breads. The portion sizes are not huge of course. There are several 'free' foods you can enjoy to mix things up, add a bit of flavour. You'll receive a cook book with your package when you join.

I'm not there yet but I think the maintenance portion of this diet should be mandatory, because as soon as people reach their goal and go off this diet and start consuming everything they used to eat (ie carbs) they'll start to gain weight immediately. I know enough now to know that I am addicted to carbs, so I need to be mindful of that once I reach maintenance. Likely this is something I'll have to watch for the rest of my life. It doesn't matter whether it's this diet or some other diet - carbs in excess after the weight loss will just put the weight right back on. I now know that on WW I was eating too many carbs, and that was my downfall. Your body needs carbs for fuel, for sure. I used to eat two 6 oz bagels in one sitting and think I wasn't doing harm to my body. Right

Anyway this is my first post on this forum, I just thought I'd add some input for anybody interested in starting this diet.

Laura

Originally Posted by wishful

First time I was on it, my body went into shock(I think) because my hair was falling off.... I had piles of hair on the bathroom floor...

Did you mention this to the nurses or doctor during your visits to the clinic? They would have been able to help you with this. I myself have not noticed any hair loss whatsoever, but I do know you can take an Omega 3-6-9 supplement if you have this problem.

Scratchmyback is absolutely right. Whenever you start feeling that bad on the diet you need to mention it to the doctor. I have felt really bad at times and they have now increased my potassium supplements to three times a day and what a difference! My hair is shiny, I have no hunger pangs, I have tons of energy! As of today I have lost 41.5 pounds since January. It should have been more but until last week I kept cheating a little here and there. Nothing much but this diet is sooooo sensitive even the smallest cheat has you starting over for ketosis. I finally dealt with my issues and realized that I can't do that, and so now for almost two weeks I am buring at a minimum 1.5 and losing weight like crazy. My knees and feet are thanking me for it. Also, I am now off of my high blood pressure meds and by next month should be able to go off of my Diabetes meds. As hard as this has been and as many times as I have wanted to quit, I am glad I didn't.

yes, have been on the diet.....lost then gained...
restarted....found them rude and not in anyway supportive...

Of course. I have mentioned this... you have to see them three times a week. I got dissolvable form of potassium instead of the capsules. However, it didn't help my hair loss and dizziness.

I don't think anybody should take offense to this... I am sure this diet has helped many people with weight problem/diabetes,etc. however, I see this diet as a very extreme measures.

Yes, this diet works!!! for sure it works!!! but I felt like I sacrificed too much of my health to loose 20 pounds....

Anyway, like Yusha has mentioned, Nurse and doctors there are very rude. The ones who are overweight are the ones you need to watch out for... They are the mean ones who are really bitter about working there, I think...

I'm currently on the program right now. It's been about 4 weeks so far and I've lost about 14lbs. I never found it hard from the start, but prior to starting Dr. B's, I was already on a diet consisting of 1200 calories (mostly protein).

I haven't cheated at all, and I have no intention to, considering that the nurses told me that you can lose up to a week's worth of progress if you cheat. To me, that's just not worth the money.

To those wondering about the fee (in calgary), the initial consultation is about $350, and it's $160 a week, or $600 a month. The nurses at my particular clinic have not been rude at all, and there is only one overweight nurse (who incidentally is also the friendliest). I think it depends on what clinic you go to.

I find the program really easy to follow, and I love the foods I am given... the only thing I would change is to be allowed more food. In the consultation, they claim that you get 800-1000 calories of food, but when I actually inputted my calories into a counter, I'm actually only eating between 500-600 calories a day :S

Which location did you vist in calgary?

Hi Fr,
Well your comments is too good and i wonder that Dr. B's medicine helps to lose weight with out side affets.