Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is it that someone who has more weight to lose can have more carbohydrate than someone who has a small amount of weight to lose?

A. Usually the more overweight someone is the larger their intake of carbs - So initially they only need to cut back a small amount and they will see results.

Q. If I cut out all my carbs and just eat protein will I lose weight faster?

A. Initially yes, but then it will stop - you need the good carbs that come from the salad and vegetables allowed. Also, if you cut out all your carbs it will make it very hard to re-introduce them when you reach maintenance.

Q. I am going out to dinner tonight, and I am worried I will go over in my count - can I cut back during the day?

A. Yes, it doesn't matter where you have the carbs, so long as you do not exceed your daily allowance.

Q. Can I eat snack bars now avilable in some health stores that say only 2 or 3gms of sugar carbs?

A. You still need to read the back of the packet and see how many total carbs per serving are - they could still be as many as 13gms.

Q. Do I still need to worry about the kilojoule and fat counts?

A. No - all you need to count is your carbohydrates.

Q. Is it true that if you eat more at night your weight loss is slower than eating during the day?

A. No, that is another myth - whether you are following a low carbohydrate or kilojoule controlled plan it comes down to how much you consume, not when.

Q. Does alcohol make much difference to my weight loss?

A. The problem with all alcohol is that once consumed it is the first thing burned and while your body is burning the alcohol it is not burning fat. Therefore it doesn't actually stop weight loss, just delays it. This of course slows the whole fat burning process, once the alcohol is burnt up then your body goes back to burning fat.

Tips for smarter shopping

Savoury Snack

• Pork Krackles are available in most supermarkets in the nuts and chips section.

Sugar Free Lollies

• e.g. DD's, Ricci Lite N Luscious, Jol's Sugar Free Patilles, Extra Chewing Gum, Smint Lollies, Zones Drops are all fine to use on the diet but be very aware that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Always check the carbohydrate count and allow for it in your daily allowance.
• Amoretti Almond Macaroon Biscuits available most supermarkets 2.4gms per serve.
• Woolworths Lean Aussie Burger -100% Beef 0gm carbohydrates.

Sausages

• Beef Chavapi (Woolworths) - .25gms carbohydrates per sausage
• Coles Italian or Coles Chilli Italian - 1gm carbohydrate per sausage
• Atkins Snack Bars (Morning Shine) available most supermarkets - 2gms carbohydrates per bar.
• Remember, this is very different to anything you've ever done before. You need to forget everything you've ever done in the past - forget the kj count, forget the fat count - you are only concerned with carbohydrates.
• Eat plenty of protein. If you are hungry, you need to eat more protein.
• Do not feel guilty eating your cooked breakfast. It is not so long ago that cooked breakfasts of bacon and eggs were the accepted thing. It is only more recently that we have changed our ways and taken to eating carbohydrate breakfasts such as cereal and toast. We then wonder why we are hungry again within one or two hours of eating a high carbohydrate breakfast.
• Read labels. Low fat doesn't mean low carbohydrate when the fat is removed its usually replaced with sugar.
• Do not assume that because food is classed as "diet" food that it will be acceptable. Most "diet" foods are low in fat but contain carbohydrate.
• Drink two litres of water per day, and make exercise a regular habit!!