Fad Diets

I read some of your nutrition advice on fad diets. I would like to point out that it has been known for decades that the brain burns ketones (Nelson et al, JBC (140):p.361, 1941; Owen et al. J Clinical Invest.46:1589-95, 1967; Hawkins and Krebs (there's a famous name) Biochemistry J. 122:13-18, 1971. In fact,...

What do you think about Instant Breakfast? Will it help my weight loss? PS I don't like breakfast. No, just drinking Instant Breakfast will not assure you of losing weight. Your weight loss depends on a day's total calories in the food you eat and total calories you expend through physical activities.  Think of your...

Can you explain ketosis to me? When people eat fewer than 900 calories, any food eaten including protein and fat is broken down into glucose to provide fuel for the body. Protein and fat are very expensive fuels. You can only convert 70% of the protein and 30% of the fat to glucose. The nitrogen...

Your site is very informative and helpful. Are fat burners a waste of money? Thanks for your reply. Yes. Save your money to buy healthy foods using My Plate as a basis and start a daily exercise program. You don't need to buy any special foods, supplements, or liquid diets to lose weight.  Otherwise when you...

Does grapefruit, orange juice or apple cider burn off fat? No, Grapefruit, orange juice, and apple cider do not burn off fat whether they are eaten alone, in between meals, or with a meal. Citrus juices are slightly acidic in nature but are much less acidic than the hydrochloric acid secreted by your stomach (pH of...

I recently read a book called Fit For Life (Diamond) which contained some controversial material and ideas. I have a couple of questions concerning some of Diamond's proposals. Diamond says there are 3 natural cycles in the body. From 4 A.M. to noon the body is eliminating waste and one is not to eat...

Given everything else identical, would weight loss be equal on 1200 calorie/day high protein, low carb vs. 1200 calorie/day high carb? Thanks for your reply. While a calorie is a calorie, it shouldn't make any difference. However in high protein, low carbohydrate weight loss diets, people lose weight faster due to loss of body water rather...

What is the nutritional value or risk associated with fasting? Is it OK to go without solid food for a day? I do this about once a week. I do take a lot of water and some fruit juice. There is no nutritional value to fasting and the risk is dependent on many factors, not the...

I have been looking all over the web for ideas on how to lose 20 pounds in 4 months. Ok, more would be good, but let's start off with that number. I have come across Atkins Diets, Cabbage Diets, 7-4-3-1 day diets and what the heck is this Zone thing? They all seem really...

I was wondering how healthy it is to fast. I recently read an article in a magazine and have become interested in trying it. Would it be safe for a female teenager to try it? For how long? What kind of fast would be most beneficial? Any information would be greatly appreciated. An adolescent female is still...