Steven Rosenblatt | Cameron Stauth
1 What Is Dr. Rosenblatt's Motive Behind Trashing Atkins?
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A Total Health Communications story entitled "How to Make Sense of the Low Carb Diet Craze" written by the author of this book named Dr. Steven Rosenblatt takes a closer look at livin' la vida low-carb and why so many people are flocking to it to satisfy their weight loss and health needs.
Before I get into the article itself, though, let me ask a quick question. What doesn't make sense about doing low-carb? You do it, it works, you lose weight, you look and feel fantastic and the foods you eat are incredibly delicious. Nuff said, right?! Well, the good doctor in this story wants to go even deeper into the reasons why people are so obese in this country and why they shouldn't turn to the low-carb lifestyle to deal with it.
Over half of the population has purportedly been on some kind of low-carb diet at least once in their life and many have lost weight. But Dr. Rosenblatt says: "Unfortunately, for many of these people, the weight loss is temporary."
This is the biggest excuse I always hear so-called experts in the medical profession bring out when talking about the low-carb lifestyle. You can't keep the weight off when you do it. It must not work because everybody gains back the weight. It's so unhealthy for you anyways, so why don't you just start eating a more "balanced" low-fat diet instead?
UGH! Sound familiar? That's what we've been fed time after time in the media about low-carb. Don't blame the method of losing weight and getting healthy on the failure of individuals to stick with it! The way of eating itself is not only effective, but permanent if it is strictly adhered to. My 180-pound weight loss is staying off for good because I continue to eat low-carb although my "diet" is over.
Does this mean you can never splurge on a carb-loaded meal ever again? Of course not. But you now know you cannot eat that way all the time. It's the same concept with low-fat and low-calorie diets, too, but with low-carb you can actually eat foods that you want and like!
Dr. Rosenblatt said Americans are more aware of the "problems related to low carb diets than they were about the hazards of the low fat diet."
What problems with low-carb? I haven't had any in my experience. It's interesting that he also keenly points out there are also "hazards" associated with doing a low-fat diet. I wish Dr. Rosenblatt would have expanded upon those comments a little more to reveal what problems exist when doing a low-fat diet. This is something you have never seen in media accounts about low-fat weight loss recommendations. It's yet another example of how medical experts and the media are depriving people of the information they need to make good decisions about their health.
He goes on to say that while low-carb will help you lose weight quickly, you can't keep it off and it will cause long-term damage to your health.
If you haven't heard this from your friends and family yet, brace yourself for it because it's coming. Oh, that diet is so dangerous, you better be careful. Didn't you know Atkins is a one-way ticket to a grave? Your health will go down the tubes so quickly doing that diet.
Again, I must say, UGH! How can so many people be as uneducated about the low-carb lifestyle that they are willing to buy into the propaganda promoted in the media? It only takes a little bit of learning about low-carb and why it works to be convinced of its tremendous health benefits and long-lasting effectiveness.
This statement by Dr. Rosenblatt shows just how incredibly ignorant he is about what doing low-carb is in the real world: "The simplest reason why low carb diets don't work in the long run is that they're like every other diet: They're boring. After a while, people get tired of them and quit the diet. Unfortunately, after they fall off the diet, former Atkins followers are likely to start eating lots of carbs, yet they keep eating the high levels of protein they've become accustomed to. When they add the buns and fries to those bacon double cheeseburgers, you know what happens: rapid regain of weight."
Okay, I'm breathing slowly to keep my blood from boiling. Three, two, one...okay, I'm better now. Let me clearly state that if Atkins ever becomes "boring," then you need to start getting a little more creative with the way you prepare the foods you eat. It is NOT boring when you put a little thought into what you can eat and spice it up. I provide several examples in my upcoming book of some quick and easy recipes that are sure to satisfy you completely while doing this eating plan. Let's not blame the diet for any disinterest by its participants.
But, while we're on the subject, I'll tell you what's really boring. Stuffing your face with rabbit food and restricting yourself to a certain number of calories or fat grams in a day. Besides being hungry all the time (I did this "diet" for myself back in 1999), you can't keep it up because the food choices are so mundane.
If people get off the Atkins plan, then of course they will gain back the weight. But you can't point the finger at low-carb. People need to be strong and learn to stick with something that's working for them over the long-term. I'm sure many of these people who go back to eating carbs have become so frightened by media accounts of the dangers of low-carb that they decided it wasn't worth it to them. Therefore, we could ostensibly blame so-called health experts and the media for perpetuating the obesity epidemic in the United States!
Another popular phrase used by Atkins opponents that Dr. Rosenblatt so graciously repeats here is that doing low-carb "causes loss of muscle mass."
While I by no means have a bodybuilder figure (yet!), I can say with all integrity that I have never been as strong as I am today. I workout every day and lift weight several times a week as part of livin' la vida low-carb. It is just plain junk science to claim any dangers with exercising and strength training while doing low-carb. I am living proof that this is a big fat lie and is yet another attempt to discourage people from doing the low-carb lifestyle.
Addressing the key element of low-carb, Dr. Rosenblatt said ketosis, or the fat burning mode during low-carb, is harmful in various ways:
- Insufficient glucose to fuel the brain
My brain and other parts of my body are doing fine without sugar, thank you.
- Your body's attempts to eliminate ketones (by-products of ketosis) puts a strain on the kidneys.
My kidneys have actually improved since being on low-carb because I'm getting better urination flow (TMI!) from the additional water I am drinking.
- Diets high in protein can increase calcium loss from the body, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Take a pill! You can get all the calcium you need in a supplement.
- Diets high in animal protein are usually high in saturated fats, which increase the risk of heart diseases.
Who says you only eat animal fat and protein on low-carb?! Nuts are good sources of good fats and so are many other foods. Furthermore, your body needs fat to lose weight (gee, what a concept!) when you are doing a low-carb plan.
- Diets low in carbohydrates are usually extremely low in fiber, since carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and grains provide most of the fiber in our diets. Low fiber diets have been associated with increased risk of type II diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
What evidence is there that eating a low-carb lifestyle has very little fiber. In fact, I'm eating more fiber now than I've ever eaten before. It is a key element to being successful on Atkins. Furthermore, it will help keep you regular and you don't have to count dietary fiber carbohydrates in your total carb intake. In addition, I supplement my eating plan with two daily fiber pills to make sure I'm getting enough fiber on a daily basis. By the way, I don't have diabetes or cancer and actually have a better chance now of never having either of these conditions thanks to the healthy alternative low-carb has offered me.
The claim is made in the story that "all of us need and want carbs."
No, all of us don't want and need carbs, Dr. Rosenblatt. Only people who wish to remain fat and unhealthy want carbs. People who are livin' la vida low-carb have lots of energy and a positive outlook on life because we know we are doing something pro-active about our health without the dangers associated with overconsuming carbs. We are extremely satisfied with the foods we eat on low-carb.
At the end of his article, Dr. Rosenblatt peddles a so-called starch blocker supplement as part of his "Starch Blocker Diet" book. After trashing the low-carb approach for the entire story, it's not until the last few paragraphs that we finally see his true motivation for attempting to discredit the Atkins lifestyle. He's trying to sell his weight loss product and books.
I think it is highly unethical for a medical professional to write an article like this one allegedly as a public service to educate the masses about health issues when all he is trying to do is get them to make him money.
Shame on you, Dr. Rosenblatt!
2 Recommended For Carbohydrate Addicts Like Me!
I finished reading The Starch Blocker Diet a few days ago and went to CVS pharmacy to get the recommended supplement. After almost a week of taking two pills prior to meals I have lost three pounds and my hypoglyecemia is getting under control. I was skeptical before reading this book but there actually has been some groundbreaking research done on the new generation of Starch Blockers called "Phase 2". This book is easy to read and follow and includes specialized food lists and recipes. I recommend this book highly for anyone addicted to carbs like I am.
3 The Best Thing About Starchblockers...
The best thing about starchblockers is that they regulate your blood sugar levels.
Even if they didn't promote weight loss (which they do), the stabilization of blood sugar levels after meals is a Godsend in itself.
I hope they never take this product off the market!
When you buy your starchblockers make sure they say "Phase 2" starchblocker on them, or they are cheaper knockoffs which won't work as well.
The new, second generation starchblocker products should be made with Phase 2 starchblockers. The label will state this.
4 The Starch Blocker Diet
Frankly I was not convinced that starch blockers work but after reading Dr. Rosenblatt's book, The Starch Blocker Diet, I am convinced this is a very plausible solution to elimination the majority of starch calories from any diet plan and thus lose weight gradually. The science and research over the past thirty years is impressive and logical. Even low carb dieters can benefit from including starch blockers in their diet. Enhances any diet plan in my opinion. Highly recommended for anyone looking to lose weight simply, safely, and sensibly. I bought my copy through the used book vendor on Amazon and frankly got a brand new book for less than $10!
5 Howard Hughes and Dead Rats.
This is not just another Weight Loss book! It is a guide to healthy eating and living!
It is an instruction manual for the body and how different foods affect your energy, mood, alertness and general health. When reading the book I was reminded of the phrase, "You Are What You Eat". When I first opened the book, I was initially disappointed with what I thought was "fluff". I thought I was buying a book that would tell me straight out, "Eat this or eat that". However, after reading the first couple of pages in the introduction, I was glad I didn't get the type of book I had expected-I just could not put it down. The Authors mix health education with mystery and history to make this book a wonderful read. Several times while I was reading, my jaw dropped over some of the information.
I had tried Starch Blockers in the 1980's just before the FDA pulled them but I did not know their history (The Howard Hughes and Dead Rats connection). I thought that Starch Blockers were just another gimmick of the "Health food" industry for a quick fix to overeating. Starch Blockers got a bad (but deserved) rap in the 80's because a few "Quick Buck" artist produced an inferior product based on solid a research into controlling Blood Sugar Levels (Not Weight Loss) . I found in reading that our blood sugar levels control our moods, energy, alertness and the ability to gain or lose weight. Among other things, I have learned about food allergies and food reactions from this wonderful text.
More importantly, I have learned that Starch Blockers by themselves are not a "Magic Weight Loss Bullet". This book details how (and why) to use Phase 2 in conjunction with proper food selection and exercise to create a non-self defeating weight loss (Not Diet) and wellness program. Reading this book and following its advice will make a program using the Phase 2 Starch Blockers more effective.
6 MY REVIEW
I bought the product and read the book. This book is very motivating and exciting, I enjoyed reading it and learned new ideas about eating differently. I have to admit that the book did confuse me at times. One minute the author is saying....you could lose weight and inches even if you aren't that active, then another section is saying....work out for an hour every day if you can. That is just one example. Anyway, by taking this product I've experienced no weight gain but maintenance for a month. I didn't lose any pounds, so that was disappointing. I felt great after eating starchy meals. I noticed that my moods were stable, I felt less guilty, and I was better able to concentrate on what my body was telling me. Getting a little gassy and bloaty was no big deal either. One downfall to me was that I felt "out of it" at times...maybe because I was taking two at every meal and working out or working all day, so all together it took it's toll on me, I thought it was the starch blockers, "no brain power." So I suggest to not overdo the blockers. I liked the book, but I really don't know how well these blockers will help you lose the weight you want. I now only take it with my dinner or whenever I have to go out to a restaurant. Looking back, I was probably better off without them...only because at times I felt as if I was thinner before I started even taking Phase 2. If it works for you, that's great, but it is a "money blower" if you ask me, but they do have it's benefits. I'll still purchase them because they are not harmful and to make it worthwile, I'll only take it when I feel a need to, therefore, I won't blow my money on them all the time.
7 The Truth is coming
This book continues the truth about carbs. In the near future the big corps will be moving from the "No Fat" "Low Fat" to "No Carb" "Low Carb", people are starting to get the picture. And this book only emphasizing more and more of the carbohydrate facts and reiterates what Atkins has told us for years and years. It talks a lot about Phase 2. A weight loss ingredient that is catching on fast. I searched the web after this reading this book mentioned what to look for and found a great product called Max Strength Carb Eliminator by Baywood at .... I also found an up and coming site called ...... that is hoping to get the attention of large food corporations and restaurants to start offering more options for low carb dieters.
The movement is here and people are wanting to live healthier lives and this book not only loads us up with information it suggests what food to go buy.
8 Phase 2 Starch Blocker capsules work!
I'm not one to believe that pills are magic bullets, but being someone who has problems metabolizing carbs (I come from a family of diabetics and believe I'm just genetically not equipped to handle carbs the way "normal" folks can...) the premise of this book appealed to me.
I am on the Weight Watchers points system, but wanted an extra "boost" to help me metabolize the carbs I'm allowed to eat, and also level out my blood sugar. Well, I bought and read the book. It's very well-written, and in my opinion starch blockers do work. I've been using them for about two weeks. On Weight Watchers I had a problem with constant hunger and mood swings due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. The carb blocker capsules took away a lot of hunger, and I can now eat carbs without that awful blood sugar let-down after an hour or two. The amazing thing is that the capsules work so well on hunger, I can now control it during PMS, whereas before I was totally ravenous and would eat anything. I now have the self control to make the correct choices on my Weight Watchers Plan.
I was skeptical too, but I strongly suggest you read the book and give these starch blockers a chance. I plan to continue using them in conjunction with my Weight Watchers plan. LIke I said, they're no magic bullet. In my opinion you still need a good eating plan to go along with the starch blockers. But I am very pleased with the results. The Phase 2 Starch blockers really work!
9 a great idea and it works
If you are tired of low/no carb diets and and still want to lose weight say hooray for this book and starchblockers. The book has some helpful info in it but mostly it serves to motivate you to get started. The effect of taking the starchblockers seems to be:
1 you don't absorb the calories from the starchy food we all eat and love
2 you seem to crave these foods less and be satisfied with normal size porions. This may also be because you take the starchblockers with a large glass of water before you eat so they probably fill you up some.
3 the starchblockers ameliorate adverse reactions to carbs especially bloating and gas.
4. The guilt goes away because you can eat what you like without toturing yourself about it. So food becomes just food, not the enemy or the unattainable pleasure.
Of course taking the starchblockers is not a oppotunity to just sit around and eat whole loaves of Wonder Bread. The author encourages exercise and balanced eating. And again without a high protein/fat low carb emphasis or any super special meal preparations. Eating in restaurants and packing your sandwhich for lunch once again become doable and fun.
I have taken them and they really work. Of course not as dramatcally as they are advertised to but they do work. And that is the good news. The other news is that you have to keep taking them with every starchy meal. I think 3 or 4 times a day for any supplement of this sort is a bit much. You can choose to eat non starch meals (veggies, fruit protein etc) or low starch meals and that way moderate the amount of the starch blockers that you take if you share these concerns.
But that is the only down side I have discovered.
And yay for being able to eat, happily, and enjoy popcorn and mased potatoes again and still lose weight!
10 Can you neutralize the calories in the foods you love ?
...The book describes a progrom that explains how you can eat carbohydrates like rice, pasta, bread and potatoes and lose weight. You lose the weight by taking a starchblocker. This calorie neutralizing substance called Phase 2 binds with the enzymes that digest starch. So when you take it with your meals most starch passes through your system without releasing calories. Phase 2 is made from white kidney beans and is very safe with no side effects aside from minor bloating or gas for some people.
The authors outline a 3 step program. You redistribute your calories so you eat more starchy foods so you will neutralize some of those calories. You learn to take emotional control of your eating and you burn body fat by exercising.
The authors state that by taking the correct dose of the product Phase 2. you will negate about 50%-75% of the starch calories in a carbohydrate meal. If you eat carbohydrate rich meals and take the supplement several times per day you will negate those calories thus be eating less calories and lose weight... In one study, patients lost an average of 3.9% of total body weight or an average of 6.45 pounds over 30 days compared to those on a placebo who lost 3 quarters of a pound. Another study shows a weight loss of .5 to 1 pound per week using the starch blockers...The biggest qualm I had with the book is it is not consistent with other informations as to when to take the starch blockers. The book says right before a meal. At the website of the starch blocker the authors sell it says take 30 minutes before (yes the authors sell starch blockers). So exactly when to take it is unclear. And very important for someone to know to have success with the plan.
After checking with representatives from several different brands and getting a number of different answers I learned that in the study the supplement was taken 30 minutes before.
The authors also make a few errors in the text. They refer to 40% protein 30% fat 30% carbohydrate being a typical low carb diet..when the actual ratios are 40% carb, 30% protein and 30% fat. On p. 69 they refer to gymnema sylvestre as a sugar blocker that is not readily available. Gymnema Sylvestre is marketed not as a sugar blocker but as a way to make it so your taste buds don't taste the sweet so you don't enjoy it. It's still available at health food stores. They suggest you supplement with chromium but do not specify chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. They also tell you not to take more that 6 capsules a day of starch blockers. Yet in examples given they neutralize the calories from 3 meals and 2 snacks each day. Starch blockers have to be taken near the meal to work. So this would have you taking more than 6 starch blockers per day. The authors also suggest you switch your calories to more starchy ones so you can then block them. But this does not teach healthy eating habits. Perhaps it is better to try to control your intake of the energy dense starcy carbs like potatoes and bread and use the blockers as an additional helpmate.
The authors email addresses are given at the back of the book and I emailed both of them. But unfortunately, neither returned my emails to answer my questions. Finally I emailed customer service where the Dr. Rosenblatt the author sells his product (starchstoppers are sold under a variety of brand names) and a super representative named Susan answered my questions.
Skepticism aside there are a lot of good points in the book. The authors discuss how for many folks starch blockers are very helpful in combating the intolerance to carbohydrates. Many folks bloat up when they eat carbs in reasonable amounts and the authors explain how the blockers can help with this.
The book details how to determine your calorie level based on your size and activity. It lists a lot of foods and their starch content so you can plan your own meals. It also rates foods based on how effective they would be on the starch blocker plan. "If a food contains a high amount of starch it is given a better grade" I did not find this list that useful. For example eggs are given a B but they dont have starch so I think the list is based more on what is healthy for you than the starch content of the item.
The book also includes a number of recipes from a French Chef including, hot crab sandwhich, chocolate hazelnut shortcake, chicken paprika, and a number of other tasty meals.
I often bloat when I eat small amounts of carbs and my stomach looks it. So I decided to try the starch blocker program. After just a few days on the program I felt less bloated (my imagination perhaps?) but have not lost any weight. However, it does take time. This is not a magic pill, its a helper. Thus it will be a while before I can clearly attest to the book or starchstoppers effectiveness. When I know for sure I will update this review. Meantime I have my fingers crossed and my starchblocker on hand!
UPDATE - I personally did not notice any difference after taking the starch blockers except less money in my purse. I feel the best course of action to lose weight is exercise and eating real food in small quantities. There is no magic pill.
