Are You a Carbohydrate Addict?

After looking  at all the diet/lifestyle books on my bedroom floor I decided to pick the one that I have had previous success with and that seems to make the most sense.  The Carbohydrates Addicts Diet, written in 1993 by authors Rachel Heller MD, and Richard Heller MD.  I have never really been a fan of no carb plans because they seem unrealistic and unhealthy.  But I do agree that our whole society and way of life is over carbed.  And after taking the quiz in the book I definitely qualify as a Carbohydrate Addict. 

Do we really need toast/cereal for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and rice and potatoes at dinner?

I think that processed, high sugar, high carb foods are definitely not what we were meant to consume.  Look at how hyper and crazy they make our kids.  We are bigger so we tolerate it more, but cutting out a lot of processed foods and sugar hopefully will help stabilize our bodies so we don't have extreme highs and lows in our day. 

So what is the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet and how does it work?

The premise behind the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet (CAD) is that most overweight people are addicted to carbohydrates. The Hellers’ claim that most people fail to metabolize carbohydrates correctly, causing an imbalance of insulin levels. The elevated insulin levels cause a craving for food throughout the day.
Over the last few decades, refined sugars have played an increasing role in our diets. Authorities have recommended  a low-fat diet – which has inadvertently lead to people eating far more carbohydrate than is necessary (given our generally sedentary lifestyles). It should be no surprise that many people have become accustomed to highly sweetened foods. Whether this qualifies as an addiction is up for debate.

The Carbohydrate Addicts Eating Plan

At its foundation is a reduction of carbohydrate intake. The rules are strict, with the diet providing a long list of foods, that are on the “allowed” list. Anything not in this list must be avoided.
Each day is split into 2 main meals – 2 meals are made up of a protein source (fish, poultry, lean red meat) and fibrous vegetables. The 3rd meal is called the “reward” meal – this can be anything you want, but you should aim for a balance of 1/3 carbohydrate, 1/3 protein, and 1/3 fibrous (non-starchy vegetables). This reward meal must be consumed inside 1 hour.

So I get to eat 2 really low carb meals a day and one meal almost anything I want as long as I consume it within one hour.  Even alcohol is allowed. 

I don't have to give up any of my favorite foods, just limit them.