Thread: Pros and Cons of Dr Bernstein Diet

PROs

Blood Sugar Control - Dr. Bernstein advocates that everyone strive for normal, nondiabetic blood glucose (around 85 mg - note that the current cutoff for prediabetes is a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg, and 126 for diabetes). He feels strongly that this will prevent many health problems. Many people following Bernstein's plan have had success in achieving this goal.

Simplicity - There's no need to fiddle around - there's one plan, and it's the same every day and forever. You eat what you want within very clear guidelines.

Bernstein is a very good writer. The books have great explanations, even when talking about complex topics. Even though Bernstein's position is controversial, it is very clear and easy to understand. He knows what he's talking about, and communicates it well.

Motivational - Dr. Bernstein has been on his own diet since 1969. He is so dedicated, and has such sound reasoning behind it, that it is inspirational to read.

CONs

Very restricted - It is a very low carb diet that is difficult to stay on unless you are motivated to follow the plan forever. People with diabetes maybe greatly motivated but might not be a good motivator for weight loss.

Lack of individual variation - Some bodies can simply tolerate more carbohydrate than others. People who are not diabetic, on average, can probably deal with more carb, and would probably take to the diet better if it had even a little more carbohydrate. On the other hand, if everyone tested their blood glucose at least once in awhile, they would know whether their blood glucose was truly normal and what kind of diet it would take to get them there if they aren't.

Low volume diet - Dr. Bernstein has found that in some people, bulky fibrous foods can cause a blood glucose rise from a reaction in the small intestine (apart from carbohydrate). Therefore, he advocates not eating too much vegetable at once, even if they are very low carb.

Potential boredom - It will take considerable adjustment and creativity to keep from getting bored on this diet, but many have proved it can be done.

I heard a lot of great words on Dr Bernstein Diet. The cons are really not that bad if you are dedicated. This is way better than obsessively counting calories all the time and starving yourself. With the plan you know which ones you are able and restricted to eat. At least you can still lose weight while eating and not depriving yourself of food, don't you think?

You're right. I know people who have eating disorders and are starving themselves because they cannot allow themselves to gain a pound. A strict diet but a healthy one is definitely better than not knowing which diet is healthy for you.

Starving and depriving yourself of food has a pyschological effect too. I should say that I am really not into diet pills ever since because it's not good for the body. Dr. Bernstein Diet is really better because you are strict on what you eat but at least you're still eating . You'll get used to it and feel better because foods can comfort us and the right ones can make us more healthy. I know many will agree with me on that

Well I should say that restrictive diet is better than not following any diet plan and suffer from health risks or complications. Diabetics have better chance of controlling their blood sugar with the Dr. Bernstein diet so it's not really a consequence if we think about it.

You're right kathy. The dieter gets more benefits from Dr. Bernstein diet compared to the consequences. And just like what I said, having a restritive and low volume diet is better than not being able to eat regular foods at all. At least you still have the chance to enjoy home cooked meals while controlling your blood sugar and reducing your risk of other potential complications.