April 23, 2010.......Direct Hotline to Diane Kress for your MM questions, support, etc!
We've been working on a very cool concept @ Metabolism Miracle. I do see the need for additional support and reliable advice regarding this lifestyle program and am all about providing access to this support. As you know, MM is written on a physiological level, scientifically based, and involves people with many medical conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, CFS, fibromyalgia, neuropathy to name a few!). Unlike a program that is based on gimmickery or smoke and mirrors, this program works on a "medical nutrition level" as it directly impacts your weight AND health. As a result, people who directly advise about MM are licensed by MM, work within the company, and are RD's, CDE's with advanced credentialling in weight reduction. All questions, support, comments signed off by me are truly answered by me. Also, the Metabolism Miracle program and information related to it is covered by US copyright laws and is the intellectual property of Diane Kress and Metabolism Miracle.
I am thrilled that www.mmfriends.boardhost.com now has over 1000 members. It is a wonderful supportive site/support group for anyone beginning or living the MM lifestyle. This is a great place to make friends who are on program, share ideas/recipes, share successes, support 'slip ups'. I want to make certain that you also have access to "the source" for your personal questions and concerns. MM is a lifetime, lifestyle program that does affect your health....you need to make certain that your questions are being answered with the expertise required for your particular case. We are in the process of setting up a system whereby people will be able to directly access Diane Kress/Metabolism Miracle for their questions. News about the start of this service will be sent through FB, The Metabolism Miracle FB groups, Twitter, and the program's website: http://www.themetabolismmiracle.com. Look for availability in May!. Continued success with the program and congratulations MMfriends! I'm thrilled about the 1000th member and LOVE the group and the group's vibe! Miracles, Diane
April 19, 2010...Bagels on Step 2!
Thomas' Bagel Thins....have the diameter of a regular bagel and come in fun flavors like my personal favorite; The Everything Bagel! A whole bagel has only 19 grams net carb and contains 5 grams of fiber. Yay....bagels are back! Diane
April 18, 2010.....Your soy burger may be hiding a dirty little secret!
People make the decision to use soy based products for different reasons..
Some people are against taking the life of an animal for human use,
Soy products contain little to no saturated fat.
The meat industry has admittedly used hormone injections as well as antibiotics and and pesticides in the feed of animals that may lead to trace antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones in meat
Some people simply like the taste of veggie burgers, veggie sausage, veggie nuggets.
Veggie products are generally pre-cooked requiring little to no preparation time
Like animal protein, many soy based products contain no carbohydrate.
To date, the main complaints lodged against the use of vegetarian protein analogs is that natural phytoestrogens may mimic estrogen in the body and upset estrogen balance. Some physicians feel that soy protein may interfere with certain medications. Please note that the jury is out on these 2 assumptions and you should consult your health care provider regarding your particular case.
This blog entry knocked me for a loop. It turns out that most soy based vegetable products are manufactured with the use of Hexane....a chemical used to separate away the fat from the soybeans so that the products made with soy contain less fat! (Sidenote: Fat does not impact insulin release and is not responsible for the cholesterol, triglyerides, or fat around the middle in over 50% of overweight people....those of use with Met B...so removing the vegetable fat from soy products was not necessary in the first place). Hexane would most likely be used in soy protein isolates (protein powders) and TVP (textured vegetable proteins) to separate the oil from the protein.
Many popular brands of soy-based vegetarian foods, such as Morningstar Farms, Trader Joes, Amy's Kitchen, Boca Burger, Yves and others, may include the petroleum byproduct of gasoline refining. Hexane is an EPA labeled air pollutant and neurotoxin. The FDA does not set a maximum residue level in soy foods for hexane, and does not require that food manufacturers test for hexane residues,
The effects of consuming foods that contain hexane-extracted ingredients are not known. However, chronic and long-term and exposure to hexane in the air (such as in factories producing certain glues and solvents) is associated with numbness in the extremities, muscular weakness, blurred vision, headache, and fatigue.
The answer? Look for soy products that state: "made with organic soy." Organic soy cannot be treated with hexane. Helen's Kitchen, Tofurky, Turtle Island and Wildwood are among the brands that do not use hexane. Morningstar Farms and Boca Burgers have hexane-free products as well. Diane
Very informative link: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/04/14/2010-04-14_some_veggie_burgers_found_to_contain_harmful_substance_hexane_used_to_process_so.html
PS: If you haven't already, sign up for Twitter at www.twitter.com and follow me: www.twitter.com/dianekress. I also send alerts to anyone on Facebook who joins the Metabolism Miracle group....the group with the icon of the MM book cover is the group that gets the alerts! Diane
April 15, 2010....The Survey Results are In.....You picked the next book!....(and the title is looooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg)
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey regarding the next book in the MM series. I will be proposing the following book idea to the publisher in May: "Living the MM Lifestyle in Your Real World" : Practical ideas for Dining Out, Best Choices for Fast Food, Food Shopping made easy, Snacking and Food on the Run, Party Fare to Stay the Course, Holidays, Traveling, and More". This book will be so much fun to write and will really make the MM lifestyle practical, doable, and FUN! I love this idea........Diane
April 11, 2010....Survey #2 Now Open....be among the first 100 to help choose the next Metabolism Miracle book!
Thank you so much for voting on the next MM book! The results show the following 3 choices lead the race:
---Dining out, Fast Food, Shopping, Snacking
---MM for the Family
---MM for Perimenopause and Menopause
Many people took it a step further and told me exactly what they wanted to read next, and so I added one more category to the list:
----Everything you always wanted to know about MM, and the reader's asked!
Please go to the following link and choose your absolute favorite! This is so helpful to me as I gain insight into what you, the reader, wants to learn more about!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QPY72ZM
April 8, 2010.... Help Choose the next book in the Metabolism Miracle Series!
As you know, The Metabolism Miracle is the cornerstone book in The Metabolism Miracle series. The next release will be "The Metabolism Miracle Cookbook" with a release date in the Fall of 2010. I'd like to start work on book #3 in the series....and I want to write it for YOU. Please click on the link and take the survey. Check off the 3 books you'd be interested in reading. I'll let you know, in the near future, what to expect for 2011! So much fun!!!!!!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YD97DV8
April 7, 2010..... Join the new Metabolism Miracle Group on Facebook!
The original Metabolism Miracle Group on Facebook had 1600 members. Due to a mix up, the group's administrator got blocked from the group. We have started a new Metabolism Miracle Group that will have Diane Kress as the Administrator. Whenever news breaks with the program, when changes occur, updates happen, funny stuff goes down, the members of The Metabolism Miracle group get messaged first! If you decide to join, go to Facebook, keyword: The Metabolism Miracle and join the group with the "question mark" as the icon. Hope to see you soon......Diane
April 5, 2010.....This is an actual message from someone regarding the article posted on April 4, 2010 regarding PCOS. I will attempt to answer her concerns within her email in the color blue:
Im concerned about your webpage blog. There are a couple of things that are not accurate or misleading.
"Every woman with PCOS produces excess insulin." Excess insulin production is a component of PCOS....If a woman has a diagnosis of PCOS, she already over-produces insulin. Hyperinsulinism is progressive meaning it is present at the onset of PCOS and if untreated, it methodically worsens with time. As my readers know, insulin is a fat gain hormone. Excess production of insulin makes you "fatter" on the inside and the outside. Excess insulin is responsible for a woman with PCOS' elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty liver deposits as well as her excess midline fat...
While its true every woman with PCOS has a form of insulin resistance, Insulin resistance is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is caused by the over-release of the fat gain hormone insulin in response to a rise in blood sugar caused by carbohydrate intake or glycogen release from the liver/muscle. Excess insulin causes fat cells to grown disproportianately to calorie intake. The "stretching" of over-filled fat cells causes insulin receptors on receiving cells to change "shape". As a result of misshapen insulin receptors, the woman's own insulin will no longer fit the receptor properly....hench the woman resists her own insulin! Over time, untreated insulin resistance causes pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes as the fatigued pancreas eventually "poops out" from years of over-producing insulin. it is not true that every woman produces excess insulin. The production varies person to person. Of course insulin production varies from person to person, but women with PCOS produce excess insulin.
Every single woman with PCOS has uncontrolled Metabolism B! If you read the book, The Metabolism Miracle, you would know that Met B is just another term for Metabolic Syndrome. For "ease", I chose to refer to metabolic syndrome (that sounds like something from Star Wars) as Metabolism B and textbook metabolism is referred to as Metabolism. So....from the top. If a person makes excess insulin, they have the beginning of Metabolic Syndrome. Excess insulin is the root of Metabolic Syndrome. Women with PCOS make excess insulin. Women with PCOS have Metabolism B.
iI think if you are going to name something on your own, which I have researched and found you are the only person using this term, its important to claim it as your own and I dont see that information posted on your site. Metabolism A = textbook metabolism. Metabolism B = excess insulin production that leads to metabolic syndrome.
After reading your blog page, which is being passed around within the community,Thank you everyone for passing this information forward. It is vitally important that women with PCOS realize the full scope of this condition and that it is VERY treatable. The Metabolism Miracle is the only program that treats all the components of metabolic syndrome (Met B). It has been used in my practice with over 6000 patients and is now used around the world for weight loss, decreasing LDL, increasing HDL, decreasing triglycerides, decreasing blood pressure, decreasing blood sugar, increasing energy, improving hyperinsulinism in women with PCOS. I am very concerned. While I get marketing I also believe that there needs to be a "fair" way to market. Your page comes across as if your plan is the One-All-Be-All for treating PCOS.The Metabolism Miracle is the only diet that corrects all the components of Metabolic Syndrome. Which then puts up a huge red flag. Isn't it important to get your message across within our community in a legitimate and authentic way?The program is legitimate, it is authentic, it is written by a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator with over 28 years of experience in endocrine medical nutrition therapy. I have a private practice in medical nutrition therapy, a New York Times Bestselling diet book, am a member of the ADA, AADE, and American Dietetic Association. Very credible....this IS the real deal. As I see your page, I see lots of red flags, so much so that I would warn my crew Not sure who your crew is, but if they have PCOS, please have them visit the website, ok? You may be saving their lives and will absolutely help them have a happier, healthier life. But, if you presented your plan, yourself and your message along in a more supportive way, instead of all about money (which is what it appears to be now), then you would get more support. Shouldn't this be your desire? If you knew me, and over 6000 of my patients do, you would know I am passionate about this program as it has saved my health....I take no medication for my type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and now have perfect labs (thank God) and my only intent is to promote the health and well-being of others. Best, Diane
April 4, 2010.....Women with Met B.....Have you been unsuccessful getting pregnant?
Everyone with Met B....Let's Pass It Forward!
I've decided to take a moment to blog regarding a very important topic that is directly related to uncontrolled Met B. I will be taping a television segment on PCOS later this month and I wanted to give my MM readers a heads up for themselves, their female family members, their friends, their acquaintances. If you or someone you know is having difficulty getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy, tell them to take a look at the symptoms tab on: http://themetabolismmiracle.com. If they fit the profile for Met B, The Metabolism Miracle might be the answer to their pregnancy difficulties and will also spare them the complications of uncontrolled Met B later in their lives. You owe it to others to pass this information along, because we are not being presented with ALL the known information. By keeping women a little "in the dark" about insulin's role in their inability to get and remain pregnant, the infertility "business" is booming. Millions of women are undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization) and other infertility treatments when the answer can be as simple as a lifestyle change!
Every woman with PCOS produces excess insulin. Every single woman with PCOS has uncontrolled Metabolism B! But very few women with PCOS are advised by their MD to follow The Metabolism Miracle! Instead they are prescribed birth control pills/patches/rings, along with the medication Metformin until they desire pregnancy. Then, they go off the pill, are told to stay on the Metformin, lose weight, exercise. How should they lose weight? By "calories in/calories out" diets of course! Unfortunately, these tradtional diets do NOTHING to help with their underlying problem....excess insulin production! As a result, they can't lose weight and can't get pregnant. The next step.... the infertility treatment hamster wheel that involves countless treatments, medications, frustration, and often times....does not produce a child.
The Metabolism Miracle is the ONLY diet and lifestyle program that works for uncontrolled Metabolism B. MM is the only diet that helps with weight loss and decreases insulin release for those with PCOS. Without the benefit of this program.....untreated Met B WILL lead to obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, chronic fatigue, depression/anxiety, etc. etc. What is the current "treatment" for all these medical maladies? Prescriptions, of course.
Imagine having a 1000 piece puzzle. You work on it for hours on end, you are frustrated, you want to give up, but you keep working on it. If the puzzle company left just one piece of the puzzle out of the box, you could never, ever solve it! Imagine the frustration when you finished every connection and were missing one piece! Now, imagine keeping some vital information about dieting away from millions of people who NEED that information to get well. Without that information, they will gain weight, get sicker, require medication, feel sick and listless, and might be unable to have children! Without that information, these people would REQUIRE medications to "control" their medical conditions, but will never really CURE their problem.
I feel that it is our responsibility to pass this information forward. I'm sure you've seen countless bogus diet programs promoted on television.....none of which solve the main source of obesity and illness in the US. It never ceases to amaze me that MM is not on EVERY television news program across our country. Why would a television program feature the "5 apple/day diet" or the "cabbage soup diet" or the "chocolate chip cookie diet" instead of the Metabolism Miracle? It makes me wonder......and I hope it makes you wonder, too. We need a Grassroots campaign here! Let's pass it forward. Tell everyone you know about MM....and let's take good care of each other! There is power in numbers...and people can make a difference. Diane
April 3, 2010......Follow Diane Kress on Twitter! www.twitter.com/diankress
I've been having so much trouble re-activating my Adminstrator status for our group; The Metabolism Miracle on Facebook. Over 1600 people rely on
"The Metabolism Miracle" Facebook group to alert them when something new happens with MM. So....I've decided to join Twitter. Consider joining Twitter and following Diane Kress. ( I have started the list: Metabolism-Miracle.) If you follow Diane Kress, you will get a "tweet" whenever something new is going on with our program (or me!). Hope to send you a "tweet" soon! Diane
PS....Happy Easter, everyone!
FOLLOW 'DIANE KRESS' ON TWITTER! www.twitter.com/dianekress
March 28, 2010....Facebook Problems: Refriending Underway
I want to let everyone in the Metabolism Miracle group on Facebook (there are close to 1600 people in that group alone!) that due to a problem caused by a hacker, I will re-invite all of you to refriend Diane Kress! Very time consuming job. If you don't receive an invite to friend Diane Kress by the end of the upcoming week, please send a "friend invite" to me! For those who are not involved with Facebook, I use the Metabolism Miracle group on the site to "message" members as soon as anything new is happening with the program. It's a great way to get the newest information first. Onward and Upward.....Diane
March 27, 2010.....Passover/Seder and MM:
I have received many questions regarding Passover and MM. I'm going to do my best to answer your questions as they relate to food.
Passover begins sundown Monday, March 29 and lasts until sundown April 5. Passover is a celebratory holiday.
During Passover, the following foods are not allowed: wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, and often corn, rice, or legumes are also avoided. The avoidance of leavened foods is symbolic. Matzo is used to replace bread and bread products. Foods eaten during Passover are traditionally marked "Kosher for Passover."
The first two days of Passover include the Seder meal....the word Seder means "order." Served at the Seder and displayed on the Seder plate are:
Charoset: walnuts, granny smith apple, cinnamon, sugar, sweet red wine
Zeroa: roasted neck bone of chicken
Baytzah: boiled egg
Karpas: vegetable (like parsley)
Maror: horseradish
Chazeret: celery
Traditionally, sweet wine made from Concord grapes is used during Passover. It contains carbohydrate. Many people now use regular wines that are not counted as carbohydrate on MM (Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, etc.).
If you are on Step 1 during the Seder meal days: For each 5 hour block "off" Step 1 guidelines....add 3 days to the end of Step 1 for each time you are off program. Two Seder meals that are "off" Step 1 require 6 days added to the end of Step 1.
If you are on Step 1 during all of Passover, you will need to add 3 days to the end of Step 1 for every five hour block that contains "off" program foods.
If you are on Steps 2 or 3 during the Seder meal days: As you know, you can have a maximum of "2" errors in a five hour block/week on both Steps 2 and 3 . If these two meals are the only meals "off program" during Passover, do nothing to make up for these meals except to make sure you get right back on program.
If you celebrate the entire Passover week and are on Steps 2,3 and realize that you made more than 2 five hour block excursions off program, you will need to do a very clean 10 days of Step 1 after Passover to erase the dietary errors to the program.
You can also use matzo as your 11-20 gram choice on Steps 2,3 without missing a beat. This is an example of Nutrition Facts from Matzo. Many of the other foods enjoyed during Passover are allowed freely on MM! Diane
Nutrition Facts
1 Matzo (28 grams in weight)
Total Carbohydrates 22.1g
|
Dietary Fiber 3.3g |
March 25, 2010.....The "Present"......
I've had some very interesting encounters as of late and because of these conversations, I want to share something with everyone. It might not be a diet or exercise tip, but I feel that it is just as valuable. Throughout the years (many, many, many) that I've worked as a registered dietitian, nutritionist, diabetes educator....I've heard thousands of people lament about the past in regard to their weight and health. "How did I let myself get this overweight?" "Why didn't I just eat less and exercise more?" "I had no will-power or self control....I always fail at losing weight and getting healthy." I've also heard countless people worry about the future ..."What if I can't do this program?" "What if I fall off- program down the road?" "What if it doesn't work for me?" The past and the future....time past and time to come.
TODAY, today is all we really have to enjoy, work on, influence.
As you know, I often write about thinking and living a positive, forward- moving life. I truly do believe it is important to care for your total well-being (physical, mental, emotional), to take good care of yourself; your entire self. In getting healthy on all levels, you can actually make your world a better place as you will be healthier and more "present" for yourself, your family, your friends, your co-workers.
The author of this piece is Nancye Sims. It was given to me by someone who lives the MM lifestyle and is very important in my life. I carry it with me. I often read it first thing in the morning, last thing at night, when I'm "on hold" on the phone, waiting for an appointment, etc. See if it helps you. .......Diane
"A Creed To Live By"
Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Don't set your goals by what other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.
Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as they would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.
Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future.
By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Don't give up when you still have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
It is this fragile thread that binds each of us together.
Don't be afraid to encounter risks.
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give;
The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly;
And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
Don't dismiss your dreams.
To be without dream is to be without hope;
To be without hope is to be without purpose.
Don't run through life so fast that you forget...
Not only where you've been, but also where you are going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.
Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
And Today... Today is a gift
That's why we call it The Present.
March 18, 2010....March Madness....Time to get moving again!
It's almost Spring! Time to think about shaking off the cobwebs and getting some fresh air, sunshine, and good vibes from outdoor physical activity. No need to lock yourself inside a gym or walk on the treadmill in your bedroom....there's so much you can do right outside your door.....and it's all free of charge. Take a walk, ride a bike, prepare your garden, pick up branches and sticks from a winter's worth of wind and storms, take your little one to the park, walk the dog, go fly a kite....change it up and enjoy the reawakening of the earth!
Unlike textbook diets, The Metabolism Miracle doesn't focus on burning calories through exercise....we use exercise to stimulate muscle cells so they will uptake and burn off excess blood sugar. When muscles effectively remove sugar from the blood for use as fuel, the pancreas will automatically release less of the fat gain hormone, insulin. Less insulin release means less fat on the body and in the blood stream. Couch potatoe's muscles have have no need to burn off excess blood sugar for fuel, and the extra sugar left in the blood will require more insulin release.... your over-reactive pancreas will be free to make you fatter inside and out!
Carpe diem! Enjoy being alive....and start getting your body in shape for a summer of fun! Diane
March 14, 2010..... What to do on Fast Days....
There are religions and faiths whose followers maintain fast days. I've received questions regarding what to do with the Metabolism Miracle during and after the fast days so that health and well-being can be maintained while religious obligations are met.
If you are on Step One at the time of a fast day or a fast, there will be no ramifications to insulin release. If allowed, keep your water intake high. The fast cannot rock glycogen release from the liver as Step One renders the liver temporarily empty of its sugar stores. Remember that any time you eat less than your body needs to maintain life (basal energy), your metabolism will automatically slow down, but this can be helped by maintaining your level of exercise and your program as soon as the fast is over.
If you are on Steps Two or Three; the story is much different. When you began Step Two, your liver and muscles refilled with glycogen stores. Anytime a person exceeds 5 hours without eating your carb target, during the night while you sleep, or if you skip your carb target at a meal or necessary snack, your liver automatically releases glycogen. The rise in blood sugar from liver/muscle glycogen release will prompt the pancreas to release ( or typically over- release) insulin. If you have Met B, this rise in blood sugar from the liver will rock your boat metabolically.
Naturally, fasts do not allow the intake of your necessary carb targets. Every 5 hours that pass, your liver will release a meal's worth of glycogen into the bloodstream to fuel your upcoming 4-5 hours of life. The best way to understand the impact of the fast is to consider how many 5 hour blocks will be shaken up during the length of the fast. If you are fasting from midnight one night until noon the next day (a 12 hour fast)....have a snack of 11-20 at midnight...you will get a liver release at about 5AM and again at about 10AM....put your carbohydrate in ASAP (noon) and you have had 2 "slip ups" for that twelve hour fast. As you know from the book, you can have 2 "slip ups' in a week without having to revert to a Step One clean-up. Remember to be very careful with your carbs all week to allow for the weekly fast without any setback to your lifestyle.
If you are on Steps Two or Three and will undergo a fast that lasts longer than two 5 hour blocks, it will require ten days of Step One after the fast to "rest" the overworked pancreas/liver and get your metabolism back to normalcy. Don't forget that the first three days of Step One will feel "off" as your insulin level is being pulled back in....you will feel carb cravings, irritable, tired, cranky; like you originally did the first three days of Step One when you initially began the program.
Side note: Some religions offer dispensation from fasting based on medical conditions. Certain medical conditions such as medication/insulin -requiring diabetes make fasting difficult and cause blood sugar to fluctuate. If you have concerns regarding how fasting will affect your medications and their dosages, please discuss this with your prescribing physician.
The Metabolism Miracle is a lifetime/lifestyle program and you need to make it work with your life....it is possible to fast on MM, as long as you are aware of what is happening metabolically and account for it appropriately!
Diane
March 10, 2010...."It's in the book" and a newspaper or magazine article simply isn't enough.
Everyone with Metabolism B who wishes to succeed with weight loss, improved health and well-being on The Metabolism Miracle will find their answers "in the book". It is impossible for anyone to follow this lifestyle program based on a few articles cut out of a newspaper or magazine. The program was ten years in the making and has much more information than the "arrow" sheet and some general guidelines. I'm being overwhelmed with email from people who have not read the book and are seeking information that is very clearly presented in The Metabolism Miracle. Also, there are wonderful online support groups of people who have made lifestyle changes and have adapted the MM way of life that are being badgered by people who do not have the book, have not read the program, and continually ask/re-ask questions of the members who are there to support each other....not become personal instructors.
In short, you need the book to follow the program. It is written in a very clear, understandable, straightforward way. I've added the blogs (2009 and 2010) to "add to" the knowledge base from the core book. I will always continue to update this blog with breaking information, tips, answers to questions that may help everyone, but.....please take the time to read the book.......it will change your life forever.......Diane
March 5, 2010.....cbsnews.com reports on a news story linking genes to type of diet necessary for weight reduction. Sound familiar? An Open Letter to First Letter Michelle Obama
Yesterday's cbsnews.com (Health) reported on an AP wire story regarding the concept that gene testing might be able to determine whether a person should follow a low fat (low calorie) diet or a low carb diet for weight loss. No need to have gene testing as those of us with Metabolism B already know the answer is in our symptoms, labwork, personal/family medical history. I wanted everyone to know that I have written an open letter to First Lady Michelle Obama regarding Metabolism B. Mrs. Obama has championed the cause of finding a way to control obesity, especially childhood obesity in the US. Her focus is exclusively on "calories in/calories out" dieting. I felt it is imperative for she and her team to be made aware of the concept that choosing the right type of lifestyle based on a person's unique metabolism is necessary to promote weight loss, improved health and 24/7 well-being. I sincerely hope she listens....it would be great to have the entire country made aware of Metabolism B and The Metabolism Miracle. We really would be doing something positive for everyone in the US...Onward and upward. Diane
March 1, 2010
Dear First Lady Michelle Obama,
I was thrilled to read that you are considering the epidemic of obesity to be a top priority on your list of causes. I’m sure that you are aware that the rate of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, and, so, too, are the diseases; type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (cholesterol/triglycerides), heart and vascular disease, cancer, depression. The purpose of this letter is to offer you a fresh perspective on the treatment, and even the prevention of obesity in the US and around the world.
I am Diane Kress, RD CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with over 25 years of experience specializing in obesity and type 2 diabetes. I have a private practice in medical nutrition therapy in Morristown, NJ. I have spent my entire career working to find the reason that almost half of the patients I worked with for weight loss simply could not lose weight and keep it off on traditional “calories in/calories out” diets plus exercise. 50% of hard working, conscientious, serious dieters were unable to lose weight or decrease or eliminate their medications taken due to their weight. Even more scary…their weight and illnesses gradually increased with time despite all of their attempts at weight loss..
I am a member of the American Dietetic Association, American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators. I am also a respected nutrition educator with years of experience working in teaching hospitals and developing their nutrition programs. But more than that, I am also a woman who suffered the ravages of uncontrolled Metabolism B (metabolic syndrome). Even precisely living and following a 1200 calorie, low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium diet with exercise, I was unable to lose weight and keep it off. My weight yo yo’d even as I directed hospital’s obesity and diabetes centers! At the age of 38, I had type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight issues while following the “perfect diet.” How could this have happened to me and 50% of serious dieters?
For a moment, take a step back in time regarding the beginning of the obesity epidemic in the US. In the late 1960’s, very early 1970’s there was a ‘change of thought’ in diet relating to weight loss, heart disease, cholesterol, blood pressure…a “180”, if you will. Up until this time, it was unusual to see morbidly obese people. The school- yards were filled with children of average/healthy weight. There was no fitness craze and exercise meant “calisthenics” ala Jack LaLane. Our parents and grandparents ate butter, drank whole milk, and didn’t necessarily trim the fat off their meats or take the skin off chicken. No one was focused on “calories” and yet most people were not overweight/obese.
Then, suddenly, a shock wave was sent through the health care, medicine, food, and exercise communities. The decisions made at this time would change the course of our long-term health, our new found dependency on medications, our decreasing energy levels, and would fuel the epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depression/anxiety, and more.
What happened? The advent of the: “Calories In – Calories Out, Low Fat, Fat Free, Reduced Fat, aerobic exercise craze.” Suddenly, “low fat, fat free, reduced fat” foods were everywhere. Butter was replaced by margarine, skim milk replaced whole milk, creamer became “fat free”. Shelves were stocked with fat free chips, low fat ice cream, reduced fat yogurt. “Eat less, exercise more” became the battle cry. Everyone was counting calories, watching their fat grams, wearing sweatbands, jogging suits, leg warmers and leotards. Based on all of this knowledge, we should have begun to melt away.
The food pyramid reflected the need to decrease fat/cholesterol and increase grains, whole grains, legumes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, fruit, low fat yogurt, fat free milk. This seemed like it should work… if we were becoming fatter and our cholesterol was rising, it stood to reason that cutting our fat intake and calories would help, right? Also in the 1970’s..the glorification of aerobic exercise. If we were going to burn fat, we should be focusing on exercise that burned fat…aerobics. And so, for over 40 years, we have been told to cut our calories, increase our aerobic activity, and decrease our use of fats and fatty foods.
And where are we today? 40 years later, we have the highest obesity rate to date. Our children are overweight and many have pre-diabetes before they leave elementary school. Our health care system is faced with epidemic levels of diabetes, heart disease. Most adults are taking 3 or more prescriptions for weight- related problems. What happened?
Mrs. Obama, I implore you to consider this…our obesity problem is directly related to the following fact: Almost 50% of overweight people have the gene for metabolic syndrome (Metabolism B). This genetically mediated syndrome has a common denominator. Anyone who has the genetic predisposition to metabolic syndrome has a metabolism that over-releases the fat- gain hormone in response to blood sugar fluctuation. What component of our food intake requires insulin release? Carbohydrate foods such as: grains, whole grains, legumes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, fruit, low fat yogurt, fat free milk. Sound familiar? You are right…these are the very foods we taught people to increase from the 1970’s until today and people with Met B are the very people who are now obese and diabetic.
I am the author of the New York Times Bestseller: The Metabolism Miracle. The book is a best seller in the US since July 2009, and on January 4, 2010, it has become the #1 diet book in Great Britain. It is being translated into Spanish and Indonesian. It is on the best seller lists in Germany, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, South Africa. When given to the AMA and ADA for review, there was no criticism of its theory/methodology….but please note that it is the direct opposite of what the AMA and ADA has promoted since the 1970’s. Since the 1970’s, the US became wed to Lipitor, Zocor, anti-hypertensive medications, diabetes medications, anti-depressants.
I am saying that the present course of action we are taking to target obesity is perpetuating the problem. I am saying that the program I developed works; 100% of the time for anyone with Metabolism B (metabolic syndrome)…obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, blood sugar anomalies, mild depression/anxiety, and even many eating disorders.
I would love for you and your staff to please take a look at the following website for the book/program: www.themetabolismmiracle.com. My website is www.nutritioncenterofmorristown.com. My Facebook: Diane Kress. My Facebook group page: The Metabolism Miracle.
I want to speak with you or your staff, Mrs. Obama. In less than 15 minutes I can inform you about this program and what it will do for the health of the US and the world. It will give this administration something very positive that will touch the lives of millions in a very personal way…through their rapidly improved health and well-being. It is financially pro-active as it will lead to a major decrease in the need for hospitalizations and prescription drugs. This program will help millions…and it will cost next to nothing. It is all about knowledge…and I am at your service and the service of our country in the mission to solve the obesity dilemma and regain our health and vitality.
I look forward to speaking with you and possibly working with you on your mission to eliminate the epidemic of obesity across the country.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Diane Kress, RD CDE
March 5, 2010....Diane Kress' blood pressure is up! After you read this, you'll understand why...
I woke up this morning and got a message from a patient of mine. She had been on Step 1 of MM for 4 weeks, and got on her scale at the half way point to check for progress. She was disappointed to see only 2.5 pounds lost (her expected weight loss after eight weeks is 14-21#. I asked her to keep a three day food log and the results are the reason my blood pressure would now blow a blood pressure cuff across the room!
Every day, my patient would incorporate an Atkin's Bar. On the front of the box, the product was clearly labeled either 2 or 3 grams net carb. My patient took the company at its word and used the bar daily at a meal time as her 5x5. Guess what? Nutrition Facts showed that some of the bars actually contained 10-21 grams net carb!
I'm sorry, but, I have zero tolerance for this kind of consumer deception. I now have to tell my patient that she must redo the entire 4 weeks of Step One because she trusted a company to label their product honestly. I have included just 3 of the true Nutrition Facts labels from the products.....each is erroneously labeled either 2 or 3 grams net carb on the front of the package!
Another example of the need for everyone to ignore the propaganda on the front of labels and go directly to Nutrition Facts to "do the math." Shame on these manufacturers playing with our health. Shame on them for misrepresenting facts to "trick" us into buying their product.
If someone is insulin dependent , they would most likely not take insulin to match a 2 gram net carb product. The end result of this "mistake" would be a very high blood sugar reading due to a calculation based on this misrepresentation. If they did this every day or twice a day ....they could suffer irreversible complications. The almighty dollar....Diane (I'm going for a walk to get my sugar and blood pressure back to normal after this fiasco)
March 5, 2010….Pregnancy and The Metabolism Miracle????
This has been a banner week for pregnancy questions in my practice and via email….so….I thought it might be the right time to address the use of The Metabolism Miracle during pregnancy.
As you know, uncontrolled Metabolism B wreaks havoc with hormonal levels, including the hormones related to pregnancy. Uncontrolled Met B is at the root of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and is also responsible for some types of infertility and difficulties sustaining pregnancies.
The Metabolism Miracle quickly returns your insulin levels to normal. As insulin normalizes, so, too, do reproductive hormones. As a result, many women who previously had difficulty getting pregnant and/or sustaining a pregnancy (unknowingly because of uncontrolled Met B) are thrilled to report a positive change in their level of fertility. Throughout the years, many of my patients who have been unable to get pregnant become pregnant while on Steps One or Two.
Steps 1 and 2 of MM are absolutely weight reduction Steps. It is not appropriate to be on any weight reduction program when you are pregnant. Weight reduction does not provide the calories needed to sustain the pregnancy or allow for the proper growth of the baby. The end products of fat burning, ketones, can cross the placenta. Although the jury is out on how maternal ketone production can affect the baby, we do know that the levels of ketones present during weight loss do not belong in the blood stream of a pregnant woman.
If you find out you are pregnant while you are in Steps 1 or 2, you will need to make the transition to Step 3 with liberal lean protein, healthy fats, and neutral vegetables. Please consult your OB/Gyn and get your physician’s okay for you to be on Step 3 for your ACTUAL weight at the time of conception with the addition of 2 carb servings and liberal neutral foods coming from the guidelines listed below. Inform your MD that Step 3 is maintenance and you are using the carb targets to maintain present weight plus 2 servings…not desired weight.
If you become pregnant while on Step 1, you need to advance your program to Step 2 for 5 days to make a smooth transition back to eating a maintenance amount of carbohydrate. During this time, make sure to be very liberal with your intake of lean protein, heart healthy fat, and neutral veggies. . After the 5-day transition, ask your obstetrician about your following Step 3 with carb targets for your present weight and the addition of 2 carb servings..
During pregnancy, the following types of carbohydrate are strongly recommended for proper nutrition:
(Use the carb allotment for you present weight with the addition of 2 carb servings)
3 servings from milk page
3 servings from fruit page
Remainder of carb servings from starch page
Minimum of 3-4 servings of neutral veggies (1 serving = ½ cup cooked or 1 cup uncooked).
Focus on dark green leafy veggies.
Liberal lean protein (minimum 9 ounces after cooking)
Liberal heart healthy fat
In the future, I plan to write a book about using The Metabolism Miracle during pre-conception, pregnancy, and breast feeding….For the time being, I hope that those of you with questions regarding pregnancy find this to be a helpful guideline. Don’t forget to communicate with your physician regarding your diet during pregnancy. Diane
March 1, 2010....The BASICS
All Steps of The Metabolism Miracle have the same Core requirements. MM is a program that will eventually become a lifestyle. After your 8 weeks in Step 1 followed by 8+ weeks in Step 2, you will maintain your desired weight and improved health and energy by "living" the MM lifestyle. At that point, it's not a diet..MM is a way of living that enables you to really LIVE! The core of the program is easy to remember. (I sometimes think that people "overthink" MM. It seems too easy to be true, so they almost look to make it more complicated).
1. Keep your carb intake to the guidelines of the Step you are "in."
Step 1 = the option of 5 grams blatant carb at meals, bedtime snack, middle of the night
Step 2 = the necessity of 11-20 grams mild carb at meals, bedtime, middle of the night, and at between meal snacks if meals will exceed 5 hours
Step 3 = the necessity of taking carb within your individual maintenance target range at meals, bedtime, middle of the night, and at between meal snacks if meals exceed 5 hours.
2. Aim for 64 ounces of water/decaf fluid daily
3. Get physical activity over and above your "norm" for a minimum of 30 minutes, 5x/week...and change it up!
4. Take recommended vitamins/minerals/supplements
5. Moderate intake of neutral foods (liberal intake in Step 1)
6. Positive mind set
That'll do it! If you make the above core program a way of life...you will have a wonderful experience and a much more healthy, happy, energetic lifetime at the weight you desire and deserve to be! Diane
February 16, 2010...Losing the Scale while you Lose the Weight.......the cure for "Weigh-itis"
Just wanted to take some time for those who have just begun the Metabolism Miracle program and give a reminder to those who have been following the program for quite some time. The scale is never going to be a good measure of progress for those with Met B. We have all been conditioned (brain-washed) over the years to use the scale as the bible of progress.....we were taught to practically live and die by that number. Some people weigh themselves several times/day. People who have suffered from uncontrolled Met B are very prone to "weigh-itis" because our weight has never made sense. We have gained weight when we eat, we gain when we don't eat, we gain when we sleep. There was no such thing as "calories in - calories out" in our world. We could easily gain 5 pounds over a weekend, or drop 5 pounds in two days. It never "added up" and so we constantly felt the need to "check in." Ironically, those with uncontrolled Met B now know that their weight (fat stores) is not a result of excess calories taken in and inadequate calories burned. Met B's weight is a reflection of the excess release of the fat gain hormone, insulin. Because our pancreas over-reacts to a rise in blood sugar from carbohydrate and from liver sugar release if we wait more than 5 hours to eat and every night when we sleep, it's impossible to track our weight on a daily basis with a scale. It will prove/show/indicate NOTHING significant on a daily basis. And, you life will continue to be frustrating for no reason!
Please take the leap of faith...do MM as directed. It is a very easy to follow and clear cut program. Don't make it harder than what it is...it really is as easy as it seems. Follow the Step correctly, get physical activity, drink adequate decaf fluid/water, take your vitamins, eat all through the day (and even at night if you are awake) and take some time to relax your mind. The program WORKS. You have a physical, physiological condition and when you "treat it" correctly, the results will happen.
I suggest you get your weight and body measurements at the start of every 8 week period. After the 8th week, refer to the table below for the amount of FAT that should be gone at the end of each 8 weeks. On MM, the only weight you should be losing is fat tissue. Fat tissue weight loss and improvement in lab data has the effect of twice the number of pounds on the scale. So, a 10# fat loss looks, feels, and works like a 20# weight loss!
If you have lost MORE than the table states at the end of 8 weeks, it does not mean you got better results!
1.You might be dehydrated (the extra weight loss isn't fat tissue, it's water!)
2.You are not exercising (your extra weight loss is composed of MUSCLE and fat).
You are not meant to "beat" the weight loss target on MM.
If you lost LESS than the table states, it does not mean you over-ate!
1. You may be eating excess carbohydrate
2. You may need to change up your exercise routine
3. You may be under-eating neutral foods (yes, undereating them!).
4. In Step 2, pain, illness, extreme stress can slow weight loss (as these cause over release of sugar from the liver)
5. There is an outside chance you are over-producing the hormone cortisol or under-producing thyroxin. Both can be determined by blood tests. These are RARE.
Every 8 weeks on MM, you want to find yourself within the target fat loss range. You can't compare to this number week by week or day -by -day. You are meant to compare against it AFTER each 8 week period. I hope this helps get everyone in the right frame of mind.
Enjoy how great you feel, enjoy how great you look, enjoy your 24/7 well-being, and let the fat loss take care of itself! Best, Diane
Fat Loss Expectations Every 8 weeks, Step 1 or Step 2:
(#’s of fat loss will have twice the visual appearance as “weight loss”)
WOMEN
Your weight at the START of the 8 week period
4’10” 90-130# = 3-5# fat loss
130-170 = 6-13# fat loss
170-210 = 14-21# fat loss
210-250 = 22-29# fat loss
4’11” 95-135# = 3-5# fat loss
135-175# = 6-13# fat loss
175-215# = 14-21# fat loss
215-255# = 22-29# fat los
5’0” 100-140# = 3-5# fat loss
140-180# = 6-13# fat loss
180-220# = 14-21# fat loss
220-260# = 22-29# fat loss
5’1” 105-145# = 3-5# fat loss
145-185# = 6-13# fat loss
185-225# = 14-21# fat loss
225-265# = 22-29# fat loss
5’2” 110-150# = 3-5# fat loss
150-190# = 6-13# fat loss
190-230# = 14-21# fat loss
230-270# = 22-29# fat loss
5’3” 115-155# = 3-5# fat loss
155-195# = 6-13# fat loss
195-235# = 14-21# fat loss
235-275# = 22-29# fat loss
5’4” 120-160# = 3-5# fat loss
160-200# = 6-13# fat loss
200-240# = 14-21# fat loss
240-280# = 22-29# fat loss
5’5” 125-165# = 3-5# fat loss
165-205# = 6-13# fat loss
205-245# = 14-21# fat loss
245-285# = 22-29# fat loss
5’6” 130-170# = 3-5# fat loss
170-210# = 6-13# fat loss
210-250# = 14-21# fat loss
250-290# = 22-29# fat loss
5’7” 135-175# = 3-5# fat loss
175-215# = 6-13# fat loss
215-255# = 14-21# fat loss
255-295# = 22-29# fat loss
5’8” 140-180# = 3-5# fat loss
180-220# = 6-13# fat loss
220-260# = 14-21# fat loss
260-300# = 22-29# fat loss
5’9” 145-185# = 3-5# fat loss
185-225# = 6-13# fat loss
225-265# = 14-21# fat loss
265-305# = 22-29# fat loss
5’10” 150-190# = 3-5# fat loss
190-230# = 6-13# fat loss
230-270# = 14-21# fat loss
270-310# = 22-29# fat loss
5’11” 155-195# = 3-5# fat loss
195-235# = 6-13# fat loss
235-275# = 14-21# fat loss
275-315# = 22-29# fat loss
6’0” 160-200# = 3-5# fat loss
200-240# = 6-13# fat loss
240-280# = 14-21# fat loss
280-320# = 22-29# fat loss
Fat Loss Expectations Every 8 weeks, Step 1 or Step 2:
(#’s of fat loss will have twice the visual appearance as “weight loss”)
MEN
Weight at the START of the 8 week period
5’0” 106-146# = 3-5# fat loss
146-186# = 6-13# fat loss
186-226# = 14-21# fat loss
226-266# = 22-29# fat loss
5’1” 112-152# = 3-5# fat loss
152-192# = 6-13# fat loss
192-232# = 14-21# fat loss
232-272# = 22-29# fat loss
5’2” 118-158# = 3-5# fat loss
158-198# = 6-13# fat loss
198-238# = 14-21# fat loss
238-278# = 22-29# fat loss
5’3” 124-164# = 3-5# fat loss
164-204# = 6-13# fat loss
204-244# = 14-21# fat loss
244-284# = 22-29# fat loss
5’4” 130-170# = 3-5# fat loss
170-210# = 6-13# fat loss
210-250# = 14-21# fat loss
250-290# = 22-29# fat loss
5’5” 136-176# = 3-5# fat loss
176-216# = 6-13# fat loss
216-256# = 14-21# fat loss
256-296# = 22-29# fat loss
5’6” 142-182# = 3-5# fat loss
182-222# = 6-13# fat loss
222-262# = 14-21# fat loss
262-302# = 22-29# fat loss
5’7” 148-188# = 3-5# fat loss
188-228# = 6-13# fat loss
228-268# = 14-21# fat loss
268-308# = 22-29# fat loss
5’8” 154-194# = 3-5# fat loss
194-234# = 6-13# fat loss
234-274# = 14-21# fat loss
274-314# = 22-29# fat loss
5’9” 160-200# = 3-5# fat loss
2005-240# = 6-13# fat loss
240-280# = 14-21# fat loss
280-320# = 22-29# fat loss
5’10” 166-206# = 3-5# fat loss
206-246# = 6-13# fat loss
246-286# = 14-21# fat loss
286-326# = 22-29# fat loss
5’11” 172-212# = 3-5# fat loss
212-252# = 6-13# fat loss
252-292# = 14-21# fat loss
292-332# = 22-29# fat loss
6’0” 178-218# = 3-5# fat loss
218-258# = 6-13# fat loss
258-298# = 14-21# fat loss
298-338# = 22-29# fat loss
6’1” 184-224# = 3-5# fat loss
224 -264# = 6-13# fat loss
264-304# = 14-21# fat loss
304-344# = 22-29# fat loss
6’2” 190-230# = 3-5# fat loss
230-270# = 6-13# fat loss
270-310 = 14-21# fat loss
210-350# = 22-29# fat loss
6’3” 196-236# = 3-5# fat loss
236-276# = 6-13# fat loss
276-316# = 14-21# fat loss
316-356# = 22-29# fat loss
6’4” 202-242# = 3-5# fat loss
242-282# -= 6-13# fat loss
282-322# = 14-21# fat loss
322-363# = 22=29# fat loss
6’5” 208-248# = 3-5# fat loss
248-288# = 6-13# fat loss
288-328# = 14-21# fat loss
328-368# = 22=29# fat loss
6’6” 214-254# = 3-5# fat loss
254-294# = 6-13# fat loss
294-334# = 14-21# fat loss
334-374# = 22-29# fat loss
February 12, 2010....Finding all the answers to commonly asked questions
I have been teaching The Metabolism Miracle lifestyle program for over ten years through my practice in NJ. Through all those years and face to face contact with thousands of patients, I've been able to answer many frequently asked questions (FAQ's) at the end of each "Step" chapter in the Metabolism Miracle. When the book was released and I began this website, I made certain that it contained a Blog so that I could continually provided updated information, hints, tips, etc.
As the program reached the people...several outstanding message boards have evolved. I want to always thank the members of these groups for doing such an amazing job supporting each other in following the MM WOE (smiling...and for the term WOE that translates to "way of eating.").
The message board: http://mmfriends.boardhost.com/index.php has taken the initiative to catalogue answers to questions I've directly given members of the board. Many, many specific questions are answered on that message board under the TAB marked "answers from Diane Kress."
Secondly, I would encourage everyone to join Facebook. I have a group on Facebook that you might consider "joining" called: The Metabolism Miracle. There are close to 1400 members to date! Whenever something interesting happens regarding the program, when I post something to this Blog, when I need to get a message out, it goes first to the members of The Metabolism Miracle group on Facebook. Join this group to stay in close touch!
Also on Facebook is another support group called: Metabolism Miracle Network. This is another group of people living the MM lifestyle who keep in touch for support and the leader of the group is a patient of mine who is studying to become a Registered Dietitian.
The program has so many avenues of information and support. I'm sure you realize that it is impossible for me to personally answer questions about the program via email as there are many thousands of people following the program world-wide. I will continue to update you and provide any interesting information through this website's blog with a "head's up" on Metabolism Miracle Facebook alerts.
BTW: I did a very interesting interview on Blog Talk Radio with Sasha Ottey the other night. The entire hour was devoted to PCOS and how the Metabolism Miracle is designed to help anyone with this condition. The interview is posted as a link on this website under the Media Tab. Sasha does an excellent job with this program and I always enjoy being on her program. Diane
February 11, 2010....Autographed copies of The Metabolism Miracle (with world-wide delivery available)
At the request of people from around the world who have been unable to obtain a copy of the book, The Metabolism Miracle is now available for sale on this website under the tab: "order autographed copy".
February 10, 2010.....We did it!
Please read "AOL Health" book review by Myatt Murphy (with special guest commentary by the ADA!!!)
and......don't miss my commentary after this interesting review!
Metabolism Miracle Diet Review
Posted on Feb 9th 2010 4:15PM by Myatt Murphy
The single issue experts have with the Metabolism Miracle is its science. Although the book leaves readers feeling better about themselves by blaming their past failures towards losing weight on having a unique metabolism, experts say that there really isn't any scientific evidence that two different types of metabolisms exist. Furthermore, the questions that help dieters decide if they suffer from Metabolism B are very generic, so that almost anyone would find themselves being a candidate for having Metabolism B if they took the test.
However, if you ignore its "hook" and focus purely on the advice it offers dieters, the program isn't entirely bad. Most of its recommendations-from eating less refined carbs and sugars, drinking at least 64 ounces of water, dividing your meals evenly throughout the day and exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes a day)-are classic, tried-and-true tips that can help dieters lose weight safely and effectively.
Is the diet healthy?
Yes. It offers a menu that's balanced nutritionally and helps dieters rethink the types of carbohydrates they're consuming on a daily basis. It also encourages regular exercise (more than many diets do), eating healthy fats and lean sources of protein, as well as minimizing the dieter's intake of refined, simple carbohydrates, which can trigger the body to store excess fat.
What do the experts say?
"One of its strengths is that the program encourages the importance of eating more complex, higher-fiber carbohydrates, as opposed to consuming simple carbohydrates," says Keri Gans, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Another positive of the diet, according to Gans, is that "the program doesn't eliminate any specific food group, so all of the meals are nutritionally well-balanced."
The big problem experts have with the diet is the science behind it. "Although the author came up with her theory that people have differing types of metabolisms from past clients she's worked with, dieters should be aware that there isn't any research that supports her theory," says Gans. "The program insists that you need to eat differently for your metabolism, but most people still need to follow the same general guidelines for weight loss as everyone else. Believing that you have a different type of metabolism could be misleading."
What also concerns Gans is that the program asks dieters to count carbs and not calories. "The truth is, how many calories you eat each day -- no matter if they're mostly protein, fat or carbs -- does matter when it comes to weight loss," says Gans. "Although I don't prefer that people be super-strict with counting calories, telling dieters to not be concerned with the amount of calories they're eating could hold back their weight loss."
Who should consider the diet?
Anyone who believes their biggest weakness is simple carbohydrates, such as breads, rice, pasta, and sugar-based foods.
Bottom Line
The Metabolism Miracle isn't the fad diet you might expect it to be from its title. Strip away the author's theory and the dietary (and exercise) recommendations could help many dieters lose weight and reach their target weight with less aggravation than other diets.
Foods
Lean meat and fish, natural peanut butter, almonds (and other nuts and seeds), low-fat cheese, eggs, tofu, low-carb protein shakes, low-carb breads and crackers, low-sugar juices, broccoli, summer squash and cucumbers. What you can't: In Step One, just a few things you'll be avoiding are bread, rice, carrots, pasta, cereal, fruit, yogurt, potatoes, legumes, as well as sweetened beverages and treats.
My Commentary:
I am replying to The Metabolism Miracle Diet review by Myatt Murphy. I should start by saying that I am a Registered Dietitian with over 29 years experience specializing in weight reduction, obesity, and diabetes management. I am a Certified Diabetes Educator. I belong to the American Dietetic Association, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. I am regarded as a medical nutrition therapy specialist and own/direct my own Nutrition Center in Morristown, NJ. I have type 2 diabetes. Oh, and I am the author of The Metabolism Miracle!
Yes, one of the glaring omissions from Myatt’s review is the FACT that I am an expert. Also missing…the Metabolism Miracle program is based on science and research that has been in the works for 40+ years.
Yes, Myatt…metabolic syndrome (metabolism B) has been recognized for over 40 years and the basis for Met B is the over- release of the fat gain hormone insulin and resultant insulin resistance. This trait is genetic and, if left uncontrolled, it will lead to the compilation of medical issues: midline weight deposits, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, blood glucose anomalies. I didn’t “conjure up” this different metabolism…it exists. If a person with metabolic syndrome attempts to lose weight, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar with a low calorie/low fat diet program with exercise…it does not work! That is why there is an epidemic of obesity and diabetes, Myatt.
Regarding the list of identifying "symptoms" to help someone decide if they have Met B, you failed to mention that the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made by fasting labwork, family and personal medical history, and personal symptoms. That was a big oversite.
With that said, I have treated over 4000 patients over the past 10 years with The Metabolism Miracle. I am one of these “patients” as I have type 2 diabetes and once had hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and 30 pounds of extra fat tissue following the low calorie, low fat, ADA diet. Yes, it was while I followed the diet guidelines promoted by the ADA and AMA for everyone (guidelines that do NOT match the way my body works) that I got fatter and sicker. Thirteen years ago, at the age of 38, I took 4 different prescriptions, and was not getting better. During this time, I was an RD CDE promoting all the diet precepts the medical community claimed should work for me and everyone in this position.
Fast forward to today, I take no medications and look and feel great. This decrease in medication needs, weight loss, and improved quality of life stands for anyone with Met B who practices the Metabolism Miracle.
Just for the record, and what the book also clearly states, is that the 50ish percent of overweight people with traditional metabolism (Metabolism A) would benefit from a calorie controlled program. This book is written for the 50ish percent of overweight people with Metabolism B...those who do not benefit from the "calories in - calories out" plans. Hence, The Metabolism Miracle.
This is why it is now an international program as people around the world are recognizing that the old worn diet principles with one size all diets of calorie counting, fat gram counting, sugar counting work AGAINST anyone with Met B.
So, please consider reading research articles addressing metabolic syndrome over the past 40+ years, especially studies done in the past 10 years and realize that experts don’t disagree with the concept of hyperinsulinism. It’s wonderful that you agree that The Metabolism Miracle is an excellent program….and I’m sorry that you did not realize that the entire program is based on scientific fact.
Thanks for taking the time to review the book, and thanks everyone around the world for your wonderful feedback regarding how the Metabolism Miracle is changing your health and well-being. Diane
February 5, 2010....Just the facts, ma'am.....
I just want to clarify some issues since I've had a deluge of email since yesterday. These are not "off the cuff" answers and they are not said in passing with an "air of authority". I do not answer to medical associations (although I belong to them), I am not a "talking head" who parrots what a paid sponsor directs me to say. You can always rely on the truth when it comes to diet and diet regarding Met B on this blog. I am real, I am a diet/health/wellness expert, I am here for you and have your best interest in mind regarding health and well-being. No one has ever manipulated me and I promise you that no one ever will.
That said: Type 2 diabetes is not reversible. Type 2 diabetes is controllable. Type 2 diabetes is never diagnosed by a home blood glucose monitor. (You should never self -diagnose a chronic, permanent illness). Although home monitors are reasonaby accurate, the diagnosis of diabetes should be made using the proper technology for a definite, accurate diagnosis. There are 3 methods to diagnose: fasting glucose (nothing but water after midnight), oral glucose tolerance test (nothing but water after midnight) and hemoglobin A1C (can be done in a non-fasting state). It is only by the results of these tests that a true diagnosis of diabetes should be made.
Type 2 diabetes reversible? absolutely not. Pre-diabetes reversible? YES. If your fasting blood sugar (venous drawn) is 65-99mg/dL, you have "normal" fasting blood sugar. If it is 100-125mg/dL, you have pre-diabetes...reversible. If it is 126mg/dL or more, you have type 2 diabetes...irreversible but very controllable.
The difference between the reversible pre-diabetes and the irreversible type 2 diabetes is degree. There are 2 major components to type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance and beta cell damage to the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. As you get "fatter" around the middle, you become more insulin resistant....if you lose the middle fat, you can decrease your insulin resistance. This is fantastic. But, if in the process of getting heavier and over-working your pancreas, you literally "burned out or pooped out" beta cells, you can't give them CPR! They will no longer produce an adequate amount of insulin.
A person with pre-diabetes can lose midline fat (decrease insulin resistance) and rest the pancreas before too many beta cells permanently burn out. That's why it is reversible. Remember, though, that this person will always have Met B!
A person with type 2 diabetes can lose midline fat (decrease insulin resistance) but has too much beta cell burn- out to produce a normal amount of insulin. They can live in such a way to control their diabetes, but it will never disappear! This person will also always have Met B!
Whew....why doesn't anyone ever explain this to us? Is it because if we are missing a few puzzle pieces, we can never fix the puzzle? In other words, by leaving a bit of information out here and there, the average person can't really get well and will always require medications.....
I have had diabetes for 13+ years and I currently require no medication for the chronic illness. I am in control of my diabetes with The Metabolism Miracle lifestyle that matches my Metabolism B. When I faithfully followed the ADA diet for diabetes, I took 2 medications for diabetes, 1 for hypertension, and 1 for cholesterol. 13+ years later, I require no medication if I follow The Metabolism Miracle program. But....and this is very important....I still have type 2 diabetes. I did not reverse it, I controlled it.
I see patients in my office every day who bring their lab work to our session. I NEVER teach diet without labwork. If their fasting glucose is 100-125mg/dL...they have pre-diabetes, will learn MM, and will prevent type 2 diabetes and regain health
If glucose is over 125....they have type 2 diabetes, will learn MM, and will control their diabetes on as little medication as possible and regain health.
****If their fasting glucose is over 89, they will learn MM, and prevent pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes and regain health.
My goal is to catch overweight people before they even become pre-diabetic. I feel this should also be the goal of health care!
So.....there is the answer ....nothing but the facts....when I settle down, I'll next answer the statement that apple cider vinegar can change the glycemic index of foods?!?!?!?!??!?!?!??! Diane
February 4, 2010....Oprah Winfrey, We Need You!
February 4 at 5:01pm
Hi everyone. I watched Oprah Winfrey's program on the diabetes epidemic today. Dr. Oz was her main guest. I need everyone's help ASAP. It is our responsibility to get an alternate view of diabetes prevention/treatment on the air. The Metabolism Miracle lifestyle needs to be brought to Oprah's attention on her venue.
As you know, everyone with type 2 diabetes has Met B. As you know, the diet currently promoted for diabetes actually hastens diabetes progression and increases the need for more and more medications and worsening weight and health. We can't sit back and not bring the truth to the public. I thank you in advance for going to the following link and sending your thoughts about MM to the producers of Oprah. Even just a few positive words will help!
http://www.oprah.com. Go to the very bottom of the page...way down the bottom.....to where it says (in small type) "contact us". TY...Diane
January 31, 2010.....EXPOSED! The US, The UK....The Message is Out. It's Time to Come Clean and Stop the Diet Lies.
Calories In - Calories Out, Low calorie, Low fat dieting is NOT the answer for millions with Met B...The "perfect diet" is making us sicker, fatter, and more dependent on medications!
As you may know, The Daily Mail, one of the UK's largest circulation newspapers, named The Metabolism Miracle the top diet book of 2010 and ran a 4 day serialization of the book January 4-January 7, 2010. The entire serialization can be found under the Media Tab of this website. They did an incredibly accurate, informative job and I am thankful that they opened the door for the Metabolism Miracle to reach across the Atlantic to Europe and beyond.
I was bowled over yesterday when I received email about an article that was featured in the Daily Mail yesterday, January 30. You have to take a few minutes to follow this link and check out what an English attorney alleges of the government in the UK. Is it possible that the UK government (and perhaps the governmental agencies in the US, including our professional associations), would misrepresent health related information to perpetuate the epidemics of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc.?
Isn't it interesting that since the 1970's in the US, we've been instructed to reduce our fat and cholesterol intake and increase our intake of grains, fruits, legumes, low fat milk/yogurt? So many food products are labeled low fat, fat free, reduced fat. Until very recently, the USDA's food pyramid showed grains/starches as the base of the pyramid...the largest suggested food group. Isn't it ironic that with all this "great guidance"...we've become fatter, sicker, and dependent on many, many more medications? What gives? Why were those changes made? Remember the term "balanced diet?" Do you see any balance in what has been promoted as the ideal diet? The American Diabetes Association's suggested diet for people with pre diabetes and type 2 diabetes contains an average 50% carbohydrate! 50% carb for those members of the population who cannot tolerate carb! Why doesn't anyone notice the correlation between all this "great "dietary advice and how much worse off we are with our weight and health?
I would love to collaborate with the governments in the US and the UK to bring the real truth to the public and make The Metabolism Miracle plan the basis for a healthy lifestyle for everyone with Metabolism B (almost 50% of the overweight population). The basis for overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatigue, mild depression/anxiety is hormonal and a high carb diet actually stimulates fat gain from increased fat gain hormone...insulin. Unlike other low carb programs like Atkins or South Beach (with weight regain when carbohydrate is reintroduced) , The Miracle covers ALL the bases of metabolic syndrome. Its 3 steps actually rest/rehabilitate the pancreas/liver combination, then transition/reprogram the body to accept carbohydrate in a very methodical way to keep insulin/blood sugar in balance. This "missing link" Step allows continued weight loss and improved health, then prescribes the target amount of carb to consume throughout the day to maintain health and weight permanently.
Finally, it's out. I feel that everything I have worked for and fought for has finally been brought into the open. We now have a choice...a choice that will work with our bodies instead of against them. It's time to reclaim our health! Knowledge is Power. Diane
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1247216/The-Big-Fat-Lies-Britains-obesity-epidemic.html
January 28, 2010.....Marketing Ploys, False Advertising, Gimmicks, and the Disregard of our Health
Please don't rely on the advertising gimmicks on the front of food labels or in advertising. We have to learn to be saavy consumers because some companies have their eye on their bottom line rather than the health and well-being of consumers. Always make it a point to turn directly to Nutrition Facts before you trust the "numbers" and "rants" on the front of packages. Remember, on MM we need to focus on 3 main areas...Serving size, total carbohydrate grams, and dietary fiber grams. I also take a look at the ingredient list to see if I'm comfortable with what is "inside" of the product to make the Nutrition Facts what they are.
I'm going to use a product as an example and you can be the judge: (I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried). The information comes directly from the product's website.
Product: Dreamfield's Pasta...linguine
From Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 2 ounces dry
Total Carb grams: 41 grams
Dietary Fiber grams: 5 grams
Net carb would be: you got it, 36 grams! The ingredients are just like regular white pasta with the addition of some vegetable fiber (hence the 5 grams dietary fiber)...Semolina, vegetable fiber, wheat gluten.
On the front of the package is a "burst" proclaiming. "Only 5 grams *digestible carb." This term only exists in the world of Dreamfield's. They then instruct you to read their label like this:
Total Carb grams: 41 grams
Dietary Fiber grams: 5 grams
Protected Carb grams: 31 grams????
Leaving a difference of 5 grams that they call...."Digestible Carbs"????
Holy Moly....A rose by any other name is a still a rose. The carbs in pasta packaged in a box labeled "Protected" are still the carbs in the pasta.
Count this pasta as it should be counted....as 36 grams of Net Carb. It does not fit on Step 1. It does not fit on Step 2
The danger here? You can unknowingly (or worse, through misinformation) sabotage all your hard efforts to improve your weight, health, and well-being when this kind of "marketing" is used. Sigh. Diane
January 22, 2010....Big News regarding the diagnosis of Metabolism B, pre diabetes, and type 2 diabetes
As you know, Metabolism B is a genetically mediated, progressive condition. You must be born with the gene for Met B, and it appears that life's events determine the speed at which your train travels. Among the stressors that propel Met B forward:
-major hormonal flux as in adolescence, pregnancy, lactation, perimenopause, menopause, hypothyroidism, PCOS
-increase in weight
-decrease in physical activity
-emotional stress
-physical stress such as illness, surgery
As Metabolism B progresses, the personal, physical, and emotional ride gets bumpier....With time, uncontrolled Met B leads to overweight, heart disease from hypertension, elevated cholesterol, vascular complications, blood sugar disturances as well as fatigue, depression, anxiety, inability to focus/concentrate, chronic aches/pains, cravings, bingeing, decreased libido and on and on.
Two of the lab tests I have always used to determine Metabolism B are fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C. These labs are also used to determine pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Fasting blood glucose:
The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) position is that fasting blood glucose 65-99 is normal (I use 65-89 to determine normal blood sugar)
ADA uses a fasting blood sugar of 100-125 to diagnose pre-diabetes (I use 90-125 or uncontrolled Met B).
ADA uses a fasting blood sugar over 125 to diagnose type 2 diabetes (I use blood sugar over 125 for type 2 diabetes).
I use tighter numbers than the ADA because my goal is to stop the train BEFORE it progresses to a diagnosis! It's a matter of prevention!
On January 1, 2010, the ADA added another way to diagnose pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes; Hemoglobin A1C.
Hemoglobin A1C
Why is this big news? Up until January 1, 2010, a person would have to have FASTING labwork (nothing to eat after midnight before the test), drive to the lab without eating, and do it all again for a confirmation test if the original test showed fasting blood sugar over 125. At that point, after two fasting glucoses over 125, they had a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
The hemoglobin A1C does not have to be done fasting, it can be drawn during a routine MD appointment. The reading shows your average blood sugar for the 3 months BEFORE the day of the test! Yep, the test goes "back in time". If you are having it drawn on April 2, it goes back to January 2 and shows what your blood sugar averaged every single day, around the clock.
The diagnoses:
ADA says hemoglobin A1C under 5.7 is normal (I use a normal hemoglobin A1C of 5.4-5.7; Met B is established with A1C's less than 5.4 = hypoglycemia or greater than 5.7 = prediabetes)
ADA uses hemoglobin A1C over 5.7 to 6.4 as pre-diabetes (I use hemoglobin A1C over 5.7-6.4 as prediabetes)
ADA uses hemoglobin A1C 6.5 or over as type 2 diabetes (I say hemoglobin A1C 6.5 or over is type 2 diabetes)
So, if you are in doubt as to where you are on the Met B train, the next time you see your MD, ask for a hemoglobin A1C...it could save your future health. An A1C under 5.4 or over 5.7 in and of itself is uncontrolled Met B! The key to health and weight loss for anyone, anywhere on the Met B train: The Metabolism Miracle Program
Diane
January 16, 2010.....11-20g net carb is considered a 'carb target' in Step 2...How about using 19 grams of a yummy chocolate bar for that essential carb "dam?"
In response to a conundrum on the Metabolism Miracle message boards, I want to take a few minutes to qualify Step 2 and the essential, medicinal 11-20 gram net carb dam. (as a side note...although I don't directly participate in any of the MM boards, I will always be available to help clear up issues and answer your questions)...
The 11-20 gram net carb dam controversy is easily answered by reviewing the importance of Step 2. After eight weeks of rest and rehab for your pancreas/liver, Step 2 is meant as a "transition" from a very low -carb 8 weeks, to continued weight loss while introducing carbohydrate on a regular basis. Don't forget that carbohydrate was not the root of your problem, your metabolism's response to carbohydrate (excess release of insulin) was the problem. Now that the pancreas and liver have had their 8 week rest, it is safe to reintroduce the "preferred fuel" of the human body...carbohydrate. In today's terminology, carb is clean fuel. If we consume it in a way that our metabolism can handle it, it will provide an efficient fuel source, essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
The 3 important qualifications for Step 2 carb re-entry:
1. The amount of carbohydrate at each serving
2. The timing/placement of carbohydrate throughout the day
3. The type of carbohydrate to present to a body that has been "off carb" for 8 weeks.
In Step 1, the pancreas/liver had been on vacation. It is important that when carb re-enters, it is not high impact, high glycemic index, WILD carb. Step 2 carbs are meant to be gentle, low/medium glycemic index, and MILD in nature. This will insure an appropriate, gentle rise in blood sugar that won't provoke excess insulin release.
So.......You will find in The Metabolism Miracle actual lists of recommended low/medium glycemic index carb food choices. You will notice that white bread, white pasta, white rice, candy, juices, regular syrups/jellies, etc. are not on the lists. The recommendations are higher in fiber, whole grain, particular fresh fruits. Anyone "in" Step 2 is retraining their metabolism and still desirous of weight loss.
The question from the MM boards: Can I use a 19 gram net carb chocolate bar as my 11-20 gram carb in Step 2? Remember that Step 2 is transition and re-programming. A chocolate bar's primary ingredient is sugar, pure sugar. (wild carb), and contains the equivalent of 4 tsp of sugar! This is why you won't find a chocolate bar suggested as an 11-20 gram choice on Step 2.
What about the 5 grams of >60% cacao dark chocolate that is suggested as a 5x5 choice for Step 1? It is still fine for Step 2, but should not make up your 11-20 gram dam. You can have that chocolate square with a 15 gram piece of whole grain bread to = 20 grams net carb.....but a max of 5 grams net carb is coming from the chocolate bar on Steps 1 or 2.
So, fear not....you can still have 5 grams of chocolate throughout the day at the appropriate interval when you move on to Step 2....just don't make chocolate the entire 19 gram net carb dam! (PS...Marshmallows won't work, either!) Diane
January 13, 2010.....On Writing a Book Review Without Reading the Book, or Misrepresentation of Facts in a Libelous Book Review, or the Inaccurate Rantings of Self-proclaimed "Diet Guru", Zoe Harcombe.
From time to time I take a few moments to read the latest reviews, articles, message boards, and blogs about The Metabolism Miracle. In general, I find accurate, articulate writing by people who are honestly trying to state an opinion or explain what the program means to them or summarize some of its methodology. I'm a firm believer that differing opinions help make the world go around. It was my "differing opinion" on weight reduction programs that lead to my years of work discovering, researching, and writing The Metabolism Miracle.
That said, I was totally taken aback when I read Zoe Harcombe's book review of The Metabolism Miracle. Please note that it appeared the same day that The Metabolism Miracle was named the #1 diet book by the Daily Mail, Great Britain (coincidentally, this is where Zoe resides). Although she admits to have no education in nutrition, health/wellness, medicine, physiology, biochemistry, etc. and despite this lack of training, education, and expertise in diet, she has taken to write diet books and call herself "Diet Guru." Zoe's education is in Math and Economics. If a person wants to read a diet book by Zoe Harcombe, Diet Guru, it is their perogative. But....when her statements about The Miracle were so blatantly false, I felt it was my obligation to answer her misconceptions with truths. I placed an answer on her Blog Comments. I also alerted my readers to her review. After many readers commented on her blog/book review about the benefits of the Miracle....she removed the entire review and all the comments from her webpage. I guess her blast didn't exactly have the impact she hoped for.
The following are excerpts from the retort I wrote in the Comments section of Zoe Harcombe's blog. After each of her statements, I responded with the facts. The truth shall prevail and the millions of people who truly need the benefits of The Metabolism Miracle for weight reduction, improved health of mind and body, increased energy, better clarity/focus, and long term weight/health control will have the facts.
My "comments" after Zoe's "book review" of a book she obviously never read:
I am the author of The Metabolism Miracle, Diane Kress, RD CDE. I would like to be given equal time to answer the misconceptions you have written about my program. The Metabolism Miracle is a New York Times Bestseller. It has been featured on AOL, US News and World Report, First for Women, Woman's World, Easy Living, a 4 day serialization in The Daily Mail. The Daily Mail named The Metabolism Miracle the #1 diet for 2010, Zoe! It has been used successfully to improve the health and well-being of close to 5,000 patients at my Nutrition Center in Morristown, NJ. It is also a best seller in the US, UK, Canada, Belgium, Scandanavia, Germany!
I've decided the best way to deal with the inaccuracies that have been written is to respond after your statements.
Zoe inaccurately states: Step 1 is virtually no carbs for 8 weeks!
Diane Kress' response: The Metabolism Miracle is not a carb -free program. In fact, from Day 1 of Step 1 liberal intake of the following neutral foods (all of which contain carbohydrates) is encouraged.....most vegetables, cheeses, nuts, nut butters, cottage cheese, tofu and soy, poultry, fish, meats, eggs/egg whites, olives, avocados, low carb protein shakes, olive oil, etc. None of the carb grams in these foods is counted or restricted. In addition to all these neutral foods, the dieter can have a 5 gram "extra" carb such as low carb bread, low carb wrap, low carb tortilla, Greek yogurt, low carb baked products, low carb crackers, at each meal, bedtime, and in the middle of the night!
Zoe misinforms again: During Step 1 you must not eat more than 5g of carbohydrate in any 5 hour period. Examples of this tiny level of carbohydrate would be 1/2 cup of Brussell sprouts; 1 medium raw carrot; 1/2 cup raw onion; 1/2 cup plain yoghurt; less than 1/3 of an apple; 1 dried date; 1 very small plum; 2/3 of a breadstick or 6g (yes just 6 grams!) of brown rice. I would be reaching for the anti-depressants at this point!
Diane Kress' response: This entire statement is inaccurate as outlined in my response to her first statement. I also apologize for Zoe's comment about taking anti-depressants as depression is a serious condition and must be treated as such.
Zoe fabricates: It is so strict! It is way stricter than Phase 1 of The Harcombe Diet. It is stricter even than Atkins. Even Atkins only limits you to 20g of carbs for the first 2 weeks and there is no daft rule about having 5 carbs every 5 hours with Atkins – so you could have a decent (green veg) stir fry for one Atkins meal and then no carbs for the other meals.
Diane Kress' response: The Metabolism Miracle is so easy to follow as a "way of life" that many readers claim its ease is a true miracle. When followed correctly, there is no hunger, no carb cravings, no irritability due to limitations. The "daft" rule she refers to is the option you have on Step 1 to have an additional 5 gram carb at each meal, bedtime, and in the middle of the night. It's not daft, The Miracle is based in science.
Zoe misinforms yet again: The exercise regime seems to be a hangover from when Diane was a traditional dietician. As a weight loss rule, the insistence upon exercise can only be based on the fact that exercise will increase the need for fuel (calories) a) directly – during the time you exercise and b) indirectly – by developing lean tissue which requires more calories when not exercising. Why do you need to increase the body’s requirement for energy when you have (rightly) abandoned the idea of a calorie driven (energy in and out) kind of diet? This makes no sense to me and trying to exercise on 5g of carb in the past 5 hours is a recipe for having someone pass out with a blood glucose low and to abandon the diet immediately. If you are going to attempt this diet I would recommend doing nothing more than a gentle walk when you feel up to it. It will take some time for your body to convert fat and protein into energy as easily as it can convert carbs into energy.
Diane Kress' response: Exercise is not used for calorie burning in the Metabolism Miracle. The Miracle is a true fat burning program. Exercise/physical activity is encouraged to energize muscle tissue so that the body will preferentially burn fat tissue, and spare muscle loss. Those who are intense exercisers or athletes are actually instructed to take additional carb before and during high intensity work -outs to "fuel their exercise forward."
A quote from Zoe...no kidding, she wrote this: The freebies allowed are junk! You are freely allowed sugar free jelly, sugar free chewing gum, sugar free jam, sugar free ice-pops, diet drinks, flavoured/sweetened waters, tea and coffee with sweeteners if desired. Splenda sweetener is a regular used ingredient in the recipes. Diane can’t have read the obesity journals that I have read about the impact of caffeine and sweeteners on insulin (as the diet makes many references to insulin).
Diane Kress' response: The freebies on The Metabolism Miracle include: lean meat, poultry, fish, cheese, eggs/egg whites, soy, tofu, nuts, nut butters, low carb protein shakes, olives, avocados, mayonnaisse, butter, oil, salad dressing AND, in addition, you have the option of having an additional 5 gram carb choice at all of your meals, bedtime and in the middle of the night.
(I asked Zoe Harcombe for a retraction of all the false-hoods. I guess the removal of the book review (and all the comments that followed) is the best I can expect).
Onward and Upward....Diane
January 8, 2010....Oh What a Week! ....and adding carb- free flavor to delicious "Greek Yogurt"
I'm still standing....(and still smiling). This week has been such a whirlwind after the wonderful featured serialization of The Metabolism Miracle in the UK's Daily Mail. For those of you who missed getting a copy or seeing the online version, you can read the entire 4 day series by clicking the links on the Media Page of this website.
It was also great fun being on Talk Radio in Ireland on Thursday afternoon. I am thrilled that MM is now truly international as uncontrolled Met B is certainly a world-wide problem. The Metabolism Miracle program will decrease the terrible effects of world-wide obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, depression/anxiety, PCOS, pre diabetes....and decrease the need for millions of dollars of costly prescription medications currently "band-aiding" these conditions. We're going to do it. We are finally going to take control of our health and lives. This is the year....this is your year. Pass it forward, spread the word, tell others in your family or circle who have Met B that there is finally help, and it doesn't come in the form of another pill!
Okay, now, about the Greek yogurt. Those of you on Step 1 know that 1/2 cup of plain low fat Greek Yogurt can be a 5x5 carb choice for meals or bedtime snack. Although this yogurt is creamy and delicious, it is plain in flavor. For those who want to add some panache to this 5x5....try adding one of the following to the yogurt, give it a stir, and enjoy a different flavor every day!
-Vanilla extract and a pinch of Splenda or Stevia
-Lemon extract and a pinch of Splenda or Stevia
-'Propel fitness water' individual drink mixes (the kind pre-measured to add to a water bottle)....add the powder "to taste" to the yogurt and you can create mixed berry, strawberry/kiwi, lemon, grape flavored yogurt.
-'Splenda' flavor packets like French vanilla, hazelnut ...add the powder "to taste" to make the plain yogurt oh so tasty.
-'Walden Farms' makes carb -free fruit flavored spreads that can be added to the yogurt to give it the taste of fruited yogurt without the carb grams.
-Always feel free to add chopped nuts to yogurt for that added crunch!
January 5, 2010....Welcome to all the new readers from both "across the pond" and "way up north!"
I'd like to personally welcome and say hello to all the readers coming on board the Metabolism Miracle way of life from Great Britain, Canada, Ireland, Belgium, Greece and from so many distant lands as a result of the amazing coverage offered by The Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail, one of the UK's largest circulation newspapers, is running the best written, most detailed series
on The Metabolism Miracle to date. (Mon-Thursday, January 4-January 7) If you'd like to take a peek at the coverage, go to the Media Tab on this website. There are wonderful graphics, well-written passages, recipes, tips, and above all...accurate reporting. I am thrilled with the series and with the tremendous response.
A few tips for new readers:
** Please take some time to read the Metabolism Miracle blog, 2009. There is so much extra information included there and I will continue to update the program and answer questions in the Blog, 2010. Rest assured that I am the only person blogging on this website and the information is accurate as "I wrote the book on MM"...(smiling here!).
**If you are a Facebook user, there is a Facebook group called: The Metabolism Miracle group. This is purely an informational group. By joining that group, you will always be first to learn the latest news, tips, etc. on the program through "messages to group member" alerts.
**There are many online support groups of people who are living the Metabolism Miracle way of life. Two popular groups can be found at:
www.mmfriends.boardhost.com and on Facebook: The Metabolism Miracle Network. I don't monitor the groups, they are purely for support, commradery, motivation, tips, recipes, etc. Thousands of people use MM support groups while on their journey to a healthier, happier life.
**I am a very involved author. This program means everything to me as it transformed my life and the lives of thousands of my patients from one of constant weight struggles, fatigue, medications, and progressive illness to a life of great health, weight control, high energy, and no medication. I am constantly working to answer your questions, offer support/direction, and remain accessible to those who have lived and suffered with uncontrolled Met B for years or even much of their lives.
I wish each and every one of you the very best experience as you make the changes that will enhance your quality of life for the rest of your life. Welcome aboard and I hope you "enjoy the ride!" Diane
January 1, 2010....New Year, New Decade, New You!
Welcome to the Metabolism Miracle's Blog Page for 2010. This page is exclusively maintained by Diane Kress, RD CDE, author of The Metabolism Miracle. You will find updated information, answers to reader's questions/concerns, recipes, tips, publicity updates on this page. All the information provided is factual and reliable. If you are new to the "MM" way of life, I'd suggest you start journey by reading the Metabolism Miracle Blog for 2009. I've indexed the important topics and it is a great way to gain valuable insight into the program.
So.......here we go......New Year, New Decade, New You! Think positively, take one day at a time, take good care of yourself, and learn to love your body and mind! Diane