What: A low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet based on three phases. The first runs for two weeks and is the initial weight-loss period in which lean meats, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts and salads are recommended and carbohydrates such as bread, rice, potatoes, fruit and pasta are cut out. In phase two, so-called "good" carbohydrates are slowly re-introduced. Good carbohydrates are determined by their glycemic index rating. Foods with a high rating, such as refined flour products, potatoes, pasta and white rice, are forbidden while good low GI carbs, such as whole wheat products and wild rice, are OK. The third phase is a maintanace period that begins when you have reached your ideal weight.

Followers include Bill and Hillary Clinton

DR TIM CROWE:

Pros:  A focus on including low-GI carbohydrates high in fibre and nutrients and on having healthy fats such as mono-unsaturated oils in place of artery-clogging saturated fats.

Cons: Promotes rapid and unsustainable weight loss. High-GI foods can still be healthy foods to eat.

DR RICK KAUSMAN:

There is no evidence that this way of eating is sustainable. It is particularly difficult to jump from phase to phase and maintain changes. It is most unhelpful to promote the idea that there are "good" foods and there are "bad" foods, as it fuels the guilt many people feel about foods that are normal and healthy to eat some of the time. 

CLICK TO ORDER ECA STACK WEIGHT LOSS PILLS 

HOME

RESOURCES