Okay, I admit that this is a hokey title for a book and probably one that is hard to take seriously, but it does exist.
I requested it from the library after reading various articles on the benefits of coconut oil, which is easy to find if you search online.
The diet itself is basically low-carb, but not the "eat tons of bacon and hamburgers" kind of low-carb. Carbohydrates are mostly in the form of fruits and vegetables rather than processed white flour/sugar products. The diet also encourages the addition of healthy fats, like coconut oil and olive oil.
Since giving the Coconut Diet a try, I've been steadily losing weight. No big surprise since we all know that the equation is basically calories taken in minus calories expended equals weight loss.
However, the eye-opener for me was feeling satisfied and NOT hungry. After all my many years of dieting, I swore off diets about 15 years ago because I was tired of STARVING. Rationally, I know at my size it is pretty impossible to truly starve, however, I hated the fact that ANY diet meant being constantly hungry and thinking only about food and what I could eat at my next meal.
So currently I am low-carbing it in a healthy manner and for me it seems to be working. On the occasions where I have had some ice cream or indulged in some cookies, I've still lost weight, but the cravings for more sweets intensifies to binge proportions. So, at least for me it's best that I keep those treats to a minimum, not because I'm denying myself or feel that the food is "bad," but I've learned that I do not like the way those types of food makes me feel.
I've found that sticking to real foods is best as even low-carb processed snacks or Atkins-type bars can slow weight loss or lead to wanting more "junk." Staying away from artificial sweeteners (diet soda mostly) is important to me because of the dangers of aspartame and others, but also because they induce cravings as well.
I often repeat to myself the opening words in the introduction of Michael Pollan's book, In Defense of Food:
Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.
It just makes sense, doesn't it?
Loved this post. We got all crazy with WW. I mean the more fiber something had, the lower points it had and the more we could therefore eat. I never felt worse physically in my life. We were consuming fake fiber, fake sugar, etc. What were we actually digesting that was good for us??? It is a vicious cycle. Again, nice post!
ReplyDelete"The diet itself is basically low-carb, but not the "eat tons of bacon and hamburgers" kind of low-carb."
ReplyDeleteAarrgh! I'm glad you pointed out that the REAL original low carb is NOT just eating tons of bacon, cheese and meat! That is such a myth. People wanted a "diet", a quick fix, and did no research or never read the Atkins book, and did their own thing based on rumors. I am relieved that more and more solid, balanced info is finally getting out there.
I've read a couple of books about eating coconut and losing weight. I even think I have a cookbook about that?! Anyway, I try to use coconut oil, too. I finally found some that didn't cost an arm and leg, and it isn't overwhelmingly "coconutty" in flavor, so that everything I cook in it tastes like a coconut. That sure gets old fast, LOL!
Sounds interesting...be sure to let us know how it goes.
Loretta
=^..^=
I've never heard that quote, and I love it. It's so simple and true, and yet so hard for us to get into our heads and keep it there! Congratulations on your success. I look forward to seeing if this healthy eating track continues to provide positive and lasting results!
ReplyDeleteI have something for you on my blog!
ReplyDeleteThe coconut diet sounds interesting. I've tried staying away from artificial sweeteners, but I haven't gotten used to un-sweet iced tea. So, I add Sweet n Low to my tea. Maybe I can start cutting back.
ReplyDelete