What is maintenance anyway, and other questions...
 

Hello -- I've been following the plan for just several days, but feel great so far. I am, however, a little frustrated by some lack of information in the book.

First, of all what exactly is maintenance? She says that it's an increase in carbs, but gives no further guidelines. Thoughts?

Second, I often eat a piece of fruit after my meals as a dessert, basically, which also usually satisfies my carb allotment for that meal. How much time can I let go by between protein and carbs?

Third, why do so many people in this forum seem to be eating such incredibly low quantities of carbs compared to what the book recommends? I'm hoping that I can achieve a slow, steady weight loss at about 70-80 carbs on this plan, but I get the feeling that it's just not realistic.

Any input would be great!

Thanks,
Abby

Hi Abby...

I was also frustrated with the lack of guidelines about maintenance. I assumed it would be either one of two things:
1. Body reaches its ideal weight naturally so you just keep eating this way.
2. Gradual increase in carbs until some weight is regained at which point you know what your natural limit is.

As for the carb consumption question...I can tell you that I just ended up naturally lowering the amount I was eating over time. I still eat 60-90 g a day generally in different forms. I don't know that everyone really has lowered that much so I won't speak for them!

As for the fruit. Ideally I think you should eat it as close to your meal as possible...if you look at it from a glycemic index point of view it makes sense to make sure it is part of the meal and not something you eat later or your blood sugar is going to rise which will lead to related insulin spike etc etc.

Lisa

Hi abby, and welcome

I suspect if you haven't abused your body your whole life with dieting, you'll be able to follow her plan to the letter (well, whatever letters are there, at least!) and lose excess fat.