Carb-blocker pills

[kkhlavinka]

A health food store near my house in Houston is selling a product that is supposed to block up to 1200 carbs a day in your diet, plus some fat. Has anybody used these products?

[tamarian]

Interesting coincedence! I just found them at store near me as well. Was reluctant to buy them, and was going to post a message asking for personal experiences! Anyone?

Wa'il

[kkhlavinka]

I was having a hard time with ketosis and was very discouraged, but yesterday I bought a product at Great Earth Vitamin Store (they say they are in US and Canada)called Carb Arrest Great Shape. It is supposed to block 1600 calories from carbs, and some fat, per day. I took it yesterday and put it to the test. My husband and I went to dinner and I actually ate a mini-muffin--my first bread in weeks--and instead of going out of ketosis, my ketosis stick turned a lovely shade of deep pink. So far, no ill effects. Good luck to everybody out there--I can hear the thin clothes in my closet calling me!

[doreen T]

Not a lot of information about these products out there, except of course, from the companies that are pushing them. What few scientific articles there are about any of the ingredients, are either inconclusive, or flat out show they don't work and don't live up to the claims.

Trying to read through the ads for this stuff though, is mind-boggling to say the least. Convoluted, misleading, vague, inaccurate and downright false! .. :mad:

The main ingredients for these "carb blockers" is a combination of any or all of the following : phaseolus vulgaris (or some "patented" name derived from it) gymnema sylvestre garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitrate) chromium chitosan possibly other vitamins or mineralsPhaseolus vulgaris is yer garden variety of white kidney bean. An extract of the raw bean has been shown to inhibit the production of alpha-amylase, an enzyme required for the breakdown of starch molecules into glucose. It's this same principle that makes ya FART when you eat baked beans. As the "undigested" starch moves throught the bowel, however, it is acted upon by normal bacteria, which brings about the conversion to glucose, and ends up being absorbed anyway. Another problem is that the pill likely gets acted upon by hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and the effect is diminished or even totally negated. Also, enzymes in our saliva begin the starch-breakdown and glucose-conversion process, long before the food ever reaches the small intestine. (Beware of claims that digestion takes place in the stomach - it DOES NOT)

Gymnema sylvestre has a slightly more favourable reputation. It has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for blood sugar control and diabetes. However, for this purpose, it needs to be taken in fairly high doses, and requires the supervision of a trained health care professional. One of its benefits seems to be that it might reduce sugar cravings, possibly by inhibiting the sweet-taste sensors in the tongue (??)

Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitrate) is widely touted as being able to prevent glucose from being converted to body fat. Again, this has been demonstrated in the lab setting, but no studies on humans have shown it to be effective for either reducing body fat, or for weight loss. That being said, there are testimonial reports that hydroxycitrate may have some appetite suppressant effects.

Chromium is a mineral which plays a role in insulin production and function. It's often called "glucose tolerance factor" or GTF. However, it also has NOT been shown to enhance weight loss, fat-burning or lowered blood sugar in any human study.

Chitosan is derived from the shells of crustaceans - shrimp, crayfish, etc.... It is supposed to bind with fat in the digestive tract, thus preventing absorption; there are claims also that it can reduce blood cholesterol levels. From what I could read, chitosan MAY be able to do what it claims in the lab setting, but the dose required is very high, and supplements only provide a fraction of the effective amount. Caution is advised for those with allergies to shellfish. Recent studies in Britain have shown no weight loss or lowered cholesterol levels from taking chitosan.

====================================================

Checking around the lowcarb message boards, a few folks have had "positive" experiences with these, but most found them not worth the money. And a lot of uncomfortable gas, bloating, gas, diarrhea and GAS ... :eek:

The whole notion of being able to eat pasta, potatoes, carbs, and sugary desserts goes against the principle of a lowcarb WOE or WOL. If you want to eat all kind of carby foods every day, then you are not lowcarbing. Some of the more experienced lowcarbers felt the products were vaguely helpful for occasional carb splurges, such as a wedding or holiday celebration. The general consensus is that the lowcarb diet itself should be the mode relied on for weight loss.

It's worth noting also that the carbs these pills are supposed to block are complex starches only. Not sugar, not highly refined, quickly digested starch such as white flour or white rice. Kind of defeats the purpose, I think.

This is just my opinion, of course, but seems to me the only thing getting slim here, is yer wallet.

hope this is helpful,
Doreen

[Edited by doreen T on 04-02-01 at 16:55]

[kkhlavinka]

Well, so far, so good on the carb blockers. I learned I have not lost weight due to a needed change in my thyroid medication. Since I went on the low carb diet, all I have wanted to do is sleep and I couln't understand this because everybody else says they feel great on this diet.

I was having hard time staying in ketosis but when I started to take the carb blocker, my stick glowed dark pink. I was even able to reintroduce a few items into my diet, like a Wasa high-fiber cracker yesterday and a few strawberries. I was not looking for a way to eat cake and ice cream, just a little more variety in my diet.

Anyhow, should have T3 added to the T4 I am now taking and this may make the difference.

Thanks for your input.

[doreen T]

Ooops! Didn't mean anybody personally, and hope I didn't offend. I was just trying to provide accurate information about these products in general, so folks can make up their mind about them. As I noted, a few experienced lowcarbers have used them for infrequent "special" occasions, and like yourself, did not go out of ketosis or screw up their weight loss. Nowhere though, other than the ads promoting them, did anyone state the product helped them LOSE weight, only that it prevented weight gain after an occasional cheat.

One product includes a diet program to follow while taking these pills. The menu follows loosely the Zone format (40-30-30) - when I added it up, it averaged around 1,000 calories a day. I'm sure any weight loss would result from the low calories, not from the carb-blocking action of the pills. Again, just my opinion.

My big objection is to the advertising. So misleading. They say these pills are ideal for Atkins, the Zone and low carbohydrate diets, then proceed to boast how you can eat ice cream, spaghetti, pizza, apple pie, etc...... Well, that's not lowcarbing. And, since the product has only been shown to block digestion of certain starches, it's false to say it will block all carbs including sugars.

You sound like you've got a good handle on things, and if the pills work for you, bonus! ..;)

I guess I would be concerned about a newbie just starting Induction who might use them in hopes of being able to "cheat" and follow old eating patterns, without really giving lowcarb a chance. Or an experienced lowcarber who only intends to eat "just a bit" of forbidden treats which triggers cravings, which leads to bingeing and etc.....

Good work pinpointing your problem to thyroid, it gets missed a lot. Hope your doc. is more understanding than mine though. I believe I would also benefit from adding a small dose of T3 to the T4 I'm currently taking, and she will not budge, pooh-pooh's the suggestion. SIGH ..:(

take care, and continued success

Doreen

[Edited by doreen T on 04-02-01 at 20:55]

[kkhlavinka]

Doreen, my doctor did not listen either, so I had to find somebody who would. You may want to check this out if you have not seen it before--it has a wealth of info:

http://www.thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/
aa021199.htm

This is the address of a very good article about T3. The thyroid website promotes low-carb diet, also.

Best of luck and I won't push the carb-blockers too far!

[Sadai]

Can you tell me the name of this product ... I have had a possitive effect with one called Carb blocker... but no mention about 1200 carbs, I actually had cake and ate it to.. *lol* I will do anything!! :D

[Sadai]

I just wanted to add that there are 2 types of blockers one is a carb blocker and the other is a fat aborber which is Chitosan?? Doreen is it possible you are refering to the fat absorber in your last post, curious to know??

[numberonewendy]

My two cents, I too found them at our Shoppers (carb block pills), in hopes of finding Ross's Chocolates! I looked at the bottle, but thought, nope...keep up what your doing now Wendy...LOL

Hey Sadai, we have two Shoppers here and while posting my posters, I was able to post at one Shoppers but not the other! (Go figure eh?)

Strick rules with the latter about sticking things on walls, and no boards allowed up. This brings me to the Ross chocolates you mentioned, about seeing if Shoppers would order them, as you feel they would have no problem since yours has been helpful. I may ask, if I don't get them first from the Ross's but why do I feel they won't be too concerned here....LOL

Wendy

[doreen T]

hey Sandi,

Um, actually, I referred to both substances in my post, in that some of the products contain both phaseolin and chitosan.

I have been following these items with interest; hey, I would love if there was something out there -- preferably natural -- that would help my weight loss efforts, which are really NEEDING help let me tell you .. :( .. Anyway, from what I'm seeing, these products are still not the great dieter's panacea.

As I stated above, phaseolin, which is the carb-blocker, is effective for blocking STARCH carbs only, not sugar. And there are many processes at work in the human digestive tract, which effectively render the phaseolin useless. What I read around the web is that the larger percentage of folks who have tried it found it did not work. A few folks used it daily, and angrily defend the effectiveness of the product, but go on to say they followed a lowcarb program with only occasional starchy "cheats" -- hard to say if their weight loss resulted from the supplement, or from the diet ?? A number of long-term, serious lowcarbers have stated they use the product only occasionally, eg. a special celebration, or business meetings, where carbs are unavoidable. They are otherwise following a sound lowcarb program, and feel the product keeps them from going out of ketosis. Period.

Some of the websites for these products only guarantee results if you follow their recommended diet, and use their other recommended supplements (often a type of thermogenic stack, containing ephedra and/or caffeine). A quick look at the weekly menu plan, and you see a lowish-carb diet, very similar to "The Zone", with around 100 gm carbs and 1000 to 1200 calories a day. Hmmm, chances are good you'd lose weight (and save money) just by following the diet plan alone. Other websites absolutely insult the intelligence of serious lowcarbers, with big pictures of cake, ice cream, pizza, spaghetti .... then suggest you can follow Atkins' diet AND cheat and eat all these carby foods. Duh.

Chitosan is a fat blocker, and there was a discussion about it in another thread on this board recently. Click here to read it (http://www.lowcarber.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4033&highlight=chitosan). The concensus is that fat-blockers are unnecessary and even work AGAINST the metabolic advantage of a sound lowcarb program.

However, two components of some of these products ARE showing some usefulness with carb metabolism, insulin and blood sugar control. These are chromium and hydroxycitrin (Citrimax, Garcinia Cambogia). They are NOT carb "blockers" though. Chromium improves the effectiveness of insulin, and could be very useful for persons with insulin-resistance, and may help with blood sugar surges and cravings when following a sound lowcarb program. Hydroxycitrin also has blood sugar levelling effects, and some studies suggest it may be useful for inhibiting insulin's effect of fat-storage. I'm following these products with interest.

So to answer your query, no, I wasn't confusing one product with another. My opinion, and it's just opinion .. :) .. is that the carb-blocker supplements MAY possibly (itty-bitty tiny possibly) be helpful to keep an otherwise serious and committed lowcarber from going out of ketosis after an occasional starchy carb-fest. Otherwise I remain a frowning skeptic .. :D

Doreen

[Sadai]

Thanks Doreen shows just how much I know... I had no idea what the working ingrediant was called in the carb blockers, now I know... :confused:

hard to say if their weight loss resulted from the supplement, or from the diet ?? A number of long-term, serious lowcarbers have stated they use the product only occasionally, eg. a special celebration, or business meetings, where carbs are unavoidable. They are otherwise following a sound lowcarb program, and feel the product keeps them from going out of ketosis. Period.

I do not use it on a regular basis, but whenever I have planned a cheat such as a piece of cake on my son's birthday.. I took 2 pills 15 minutes before I ate my cake and checked my stick after with no change in the color. However, I will head your advice and not count on them as a rescue method to me weakness... :) I don't use the fat blocker as they cause my stomach too much duress.. :D

[Susie]

I've had double the results in half the time taking Hydroxycut.
Although I'm never on them for more than two weeks at a time and I don't take them on the weekends either.
My energy has skyrocketed, which probably explains why I lost more fat.
Either way I still have a cheat day or two usually on the weekends just to "screw up" my metabolism.
Although I'm following what most would call a clean diet. Which means nothing made with flour, rice and or potatoes (rice & potatoes only occasionally).
So my cheat day for me consist of pizza and anything made with flour....pasta! mmmm!! :)
I don't crave sugar anymore!

I'm glad to say I'm almost down to where I want to be
and worked my butt off doing it, by not only eating clean but also exercising with free weights. As we all know that muscle burns more calories and gives us that lean and toned look we all love and of course some form of aerobics.
Even my bottom is nice and round like it was before I had my 3 children. And the cellulite almost all gone!!!
My abs are showing through! Which is something I haven't seen in more than 6 years!

Sorry for the long post...haven't been in for a while!
Good luck to all who are on their way to a better bod!

Susie

[Sadai]

Hi Susie
I was wondering if you are Canadian?? if you bought the Hydroxycut in Canada or the US? Reason being that Canada has cut out the L-Carnitine and the Chrominum from their product. I was thinking of trying this myself, but need to know if the Canadian version stills works without those important ingrediants..... :confused:

[Susie]

I'm Canadian and buying the US version of Hydroxycut.
Just go to an independant Natural Food store (not a chain one as they won't carry it) and ask for Hydroxycut. They'll usually have it hidden behind the counter and not on the shelf with other products. Take a look at the ingredients list to make sure!!

Please follow the directions on the bottle for use and do not attempt and think that taking the maximum dosage is better! Because it's not. I can't go beyond two pills a day!

By the end of the first five days I'd lost "flubber" in my buttocks and back of my thighs that I had been having problems with.
You'll lose extra water first and then you'll see the fat starting to melt off all within days. Drink extra water as the caffeine content seems to dehydrate a little. And you'll probably sweat more when exercising. Take a break from them on weekends and every other week so that you'll always get maximum benefits from them.

Susie

[Sadai]

Susie
Thanks for that info, I have tried the American version when I lived in AZ and was really impressed as I lost 20lb's, unfortunetaly when I returned to Canada, they had quit getting selling it and now that they do again, its been altered and doesn't have the same effect?? I think its the L-Carnitine... I am in Edmonton and will try to find the real thing... I have placed a couple of calls with no luck ... but I will keep trying... By the way where are you located?? Sandi :)

[Susie]

I'm in Northern Ontario (about 4 hrs from Toronto)
If you call they will deny having it. Just go up to the main counter and ask dicreetly if they have the original Hydroxycut.

If you still have problems finding it let me know!

Susie

[Sadai]

Susie
Finally, I have found some!!!... Thank you so much for your help..:)

[Susie]

You go girl!:D

Good for you! Now I guess you could say you have your own "supplier" of this drug. (hehe)

Let us know how it goes the month your on them!

Susie

[doreen T]

hi Sandi,

Glad you found it!!! I've been having a hard time finding l-carnitine even as an individual supplement ... as I'm sure you've read, it helps transport fatty acids into the muscles to be used as fuel ... and I've read a number of reports that it could be helpful for the pain and muscle spasms of fibromyalgia as well. I'm still searching locally, never thought of "asking", duh .. :rolleyes: (thanks Susie)

Anyway, hope this helps with your weight loss efforts, I know you've had your struggles with stalls etc. Take care, and do keep us posted how you're doing

Doreen :)

[Sadai]

Hi Doreen
How you doin Doreen? :D Its been awhile.. and guess what, I am currently in another stall but not to worry I shant give up, I will just have to regroup and get stronger... *lol* I have also read some really positive things about L-Carnitine, and have looked for it everywhere without success.. Sure was glad to find the Hydroxycut... "Thanks Susie" I will let you know how it goes when I start taking it again... I also intend to start exercising... haven't done anything for exercise so far, I really don't even know where to begin any suggestions for someone very out of shape, on how I should start?? ..

[Trainerdan]

Well ....

First I would say that you should just start walking. Just be sure that each time you walk, you go a bit further than last time.

After about 3 weeks, add in some light weight training. Do one exercise for each muscle group (legs, chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps) and expand from there.

If you need help with a walking program let me know and I will post it.

If you REALLY need help, I know of a really good personal trainer .... LOL

[tamarian]

Just curious, what are the ingredients on this Hydroxycut?

Susie, nice tip. I always beleive you should not always take no for an answer, even though sometimes you should! ;)

I run into this particularly when we list products in our databse and someone emails me "I asked the guy in the isle, and he never heard of it!" Just ask someone else, etc. or ask for the manager. Best of all, use some charms. ;)

Wa'il

[Sadai]

hey'
Thanks for the advice and Wow who couldn't use thier own personal trainer :D
I will try the walking, but I have always had a problem walking without a destination... *lol*
And Wa'il here is a site with the ingrediants posted for the US Hydroxycut http://www.1-sports-supplements.net/hyrdoxycutsale.html
Sandi

[Sadai]

Hi Susie
I have a question for you regarding the Hydroxicut... You mentioned you only took 2 capsules per day, would that be together or 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon??? I have started taking them 3rd day now but at only 1 per day, so I am now ready to increase... not sure how to do that?? Please let me know so I can try it tomorrow... Also have you tried more than 2 per day??? Thanks Sandi...

[Susie]

Hi Sadai,

You have it right, I take one in the morning and then another in the afternoon, usually before lunch. I'm now up to three a day but if I take my third too late (5pm) I'm up 'till 1am. Not a good thing!
I now try to take my third before my snack in the mid-afternoon.
That way the caffeine effect will be gone come my bed time!

Although I did try two at the same time, (am) It made my heart race too much, made me jittery. I don't take them on weekends and every other week I'll stop taking them altogether for a couple of weeks and then start over with the lower dosage.
This way my body doesn't adapt to the drug and I can keep my dosage low.

I'm glad to hear you're doing well on them!
Let us know the results you've gotten after your first 30 days on them.

Susie

[Sadai]

Ok!! I have it now..... :) I noticed that I had trouble sleeping as well, but found that a 1/2 cup of warm milk and 1pkg of equal cured that.. Might have to up it too 1 cup when I increase the dosage.. *lol* Any way I was wondering what your workout schedule was like per day??? I am not to aware about exercising, but would like to change that and I would like to imitate success... :cool: So if you could I would love to know what a day for you would be like... I sure have the energy now!!!*lol*

[Susie]

I'm following a 5 day split. Plus cardio of 45minutes, 5-6 days a week.
If you are just starting out with exercise, start with cardio for the first two weeks at least 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes.
After a couple of weeks add resistance training. If you have access to a gym get someone there to put you on a beginner's program.

You should be hitting every body part 3 times a week plus cardio on alternate days. After 4-6 weeks on this program you can change it to a four day split or keep the 3 days a week routine.
At this point your cardio should be at least 45 minutes preferably on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. If you can't do this then do cardio right after your weight workout.
Depending on much fat you have to lose you can increase your cardio work to 5-6 days a week.

This is my current routine (for this past week, I change it frequently...cause I get bored easily)

Monday: Back/Chest + Cardio (45min)

Tuesday: Buttocks/Shoulders + Cardio (45 min)

Wednesday: Biceps/Triceps + Cardio (45 min)

Thursday: Off

Friday: Quadriceps + Cardio (45 min)

Saturday: Hamstrings/Calves + Cardio 45 Min

Sunday: Off

Sometimes I'll workout only every two days and take a day off in between. This gives me plenty of time to recuperate and I don't feel like I'm always in the gym. I also do some yoga in the evening when I'm not out at soccer games with the kids.

It may sound like I do alot but my weight workouts usually never take more than 30 minutes. Intensity is the key here + Consistency + Cardio & Weights + Clean diet = AWESOME BOD in a shorter amount of time!

Susie

[Sadai]

Thanks again Susie
I will head to the YMCA tomorrow and get them to put me on a beginner program 3 days a week... Its amazing all the energy I have now, I actually want to get with the program... :) Sure hope this energy lasts.
I am even looking at buying some equiptment to work with at home, maybe the bun and thigh rocker or Tony's Little's Gizelle?? :D You mentioned Tai Bo workouts,...is that what you use for your cardio?

[debbiedobson]

sandi, it's so nice to see you back!:D i was wondering where you were! you seem to be in a good place now! i'm happy for you! don't be a stranger now!:D

[Susie]

I use the Tae-bo tapes as well as the treadmill, stationary bike, roller blading etc....I'll do almost anything that raises my heart rate.
When I get sick of the tapes I'll do my cardio at the gym and use something there...and vice versa.

If you have variety in your workouts it'll keep it interesting and give you a new challenge to tackle each and every time. Instead of the "same old, same old", "I'm always doing the same thing" routine.

Good luck with your new workout program!
Let me know how it goes and how you feel afterwards!

Susie

[herodl]

What exactly is this product and what does it do?

TIA

Lori

[Karen]

The link to the description was further up in the thread.

http://www.1-sports-supplements.net/hyrdoxycutsale.html

Karen

[herodl]

Re: Hydroxycut - tks for the URL. Went and read about it and am interested in trying it. Has anyone actually tried the Canadian version and if so, what if anything happened for you? I did find a US site that is willing to ship their version to Canada, but they do caution that Customs may confiscate it. The URL is:

http://www.hydroxycut-4less.com/about_hydroxycut.html

Re: Carb blockers - has anyone else tried these? I'd cough up the 25 plus dollars if they helped a little, not so that I could cheat eating cake etc., but to have a little more variety in my diet. I have to keep my carb count pretty low to keep losing (20-25), so am finding the LC WOE somewhat restrictive and am afraid I will fall off at some point because of this. More veggies, a third cup of coffee, etc., even would help.

TIA

Lori

[IslandGirl]

I bopped over the border on my recent holidays and made a point of locating L-Carnitine, the one ingredient restricted in Canada contained in the Hydroxycut formula (so far anyway, the ephedra/ma huang just might be banned soon). Even got it on sale (a good thing, considering the US $). **smuggled** it back, LOL, though I believe it's okay to have/buy for personal use, just can't be legally sold across the border by mail, etc...

My researches tell me it's an amino acid (like the L-Glutamine) that is naturally present in foods (meats). The inference is that, since it is used to "treat" a rare genetic disease where the body cannot produce/process the stuff, it's ended up on the DIN (Drug Identification Number) lists in this country, as a prescription item. Therefore, it's pharmaceutical and restricted from OTC (over the counter) sale. Bollocks, I say. Typical bureaucratic fluffle.

If you or a friend are anywhere near a border town, hit the yellow pages and make some phone calls to Health Food or Supplement-type stores...

Hope this helps.

[doreen T]

You can buy L-Carnitine at some health food stores in Canada. You have to ask (quietly) as they often have such items "under the counter". I'm thinking about carnitine myself, because I've heard it may be helpful for fibromyalgia and myofascial muscle pain, as it can improve the ability of muscles to take up and use energy, and may improve muscle strength and performance.

It is outrageously expensive, $45 for thirty 1-gram tablets. (On the other hand, if you're unable to drive cross-border ... ) Recommended dose is 0.5 to 1 gram, taken 3 times a day .. :eek:

There's accurate and reliable information about L-Carnitine, and other supplements at TNP.com ..... The Natural Pharmacist. Click here for the L-Carnitine page (http://www.tnp.com/encyclopedia/substance/115/).

Doreen

[herodl]

I've been doing some reading on Hydroxcut (gotta love the Internet) and found a really interesting discussion at the URL below regarding the pro's and con's of Hydroxycut (the US version). I'm definitely going to have to think about this a little bit more before making a decision.

[Susie]

Well did you notice the mistakes she made using the product??
First of...it clearly states not to take it later in the day.
Two...she consumed more than was necessary for her!

I take hydroxycut also and I can't take more than two per day.
Any more and it's too much for my body!
In other words don't take more dosage than is required by YOU, even if the bottle says to gradually work your way up to four pills 3 times a day. Not everybody can take take and handle the dosage.

But it's people like her that give responsible people a bad name and a good product out of reach!

Susie

[Sadai]

On behalf of Hydroxycut!!!
Ater reading the article in question, I thought I would add my 2 cents, and I absolutely agree with Susie. This is not something I would even consider taking after 1pm. I currently only take 2 per day and as a result have found the energy to join a gym and lose 7 lb's to date... So I will continue using the Hydroxycut according to the directions!!

[Susie]

Sadai,

It's great to finally hear from you!
I've been wondering how things were going with you and I'm
glad to hear you've been losing some more lbs and inches :)

Susie

[herodl]

I'm certainly not against Hydroxycut, it sounds like it works quite well from all that I have read. But it pays to be informed. What I got out of that discussion (and it was more the discussion of those who posted after the female body builder than her story in particular) was that like most things in life there are pro's and con's. In the case of Hydroxycut (and other thermogenic compounds with similar ingredients), what the discussion pointed out rather well I thought was that some people are more sensitive to it's effects others; that is, it is not for everyone. As someone who gets the jitters from having more than two cups of coffee a day, some cold/flu medications, certain foods with additives, etc., I'm glad to have read about some of the adverse reactions from Hydroxycut before buying it.

In the thread about Ross chocolates some people reported having some pretty intense reactions (painful gas and bloating, extreme fatigue, a feeling of euphoria), while others like myself have much milder reactions. While I would pay $1.50 to try a chocolate bar, I'm not sure I want to shell out $30.00 for Hydroxycut (or a similar product), and only end up using one or two pills because I'm one of the ones who reacts badly to it.

Lori

[Althea]

I think that once again, weve been ripped off by those companies who manufacture so called 'diet' pills.
I was just doing a bit of research on L-carnitine, the ridiculously overpriced 'metabolism booster' and found a couple of articles on it. Basically theyre saying that your body produces required amounts of it naturally, through the amino acids you consume in red meat. Consuming extra amounts of L-carnitine doesnt do anything to increase your metabolism! In other words theyre a huge rip off :\
Heres a link to one of those articles if anyone wants to have a look:
http://www.hcrc.org/contrib/sukala/l-carn.html

[Michelle]

Apparently, if you go to Muscle Beach in Edmonton, you can get the American version of Hydroxycut. I have not verified this myself, but a friend was on it and he says you go in and look at the Canadian version and hem and haw for a bit, and the manager or someone will come over and see if they can help you. You are supposed to say that you notices that the Hydroxycut seems to bit different and not the same stuff you tried before and were wondering what was up. They will then offer you the right stuff. They keep it behind the counter since they are not supposed to sell it, but they do have it.
HTH!
Michelle

[cowgirl]

www.generalvitamin.com/dept/0,dept_id,18,pg,2,00.asp

This is l-carnitine with other stuff for $1.00 a bottle.

Karen

[Paulette]

I found an excellent book on nutrition at the library called "The Healing power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs" published by Readers Digest, Canada. Here's an interesting quote, for example, on chromium: "Though it's no miracle weight-loss solution, taking chromium does appear to promote the loss of body fat. In a recent study, people consuming 400 mcg of chromium picolinate a day lost about six pounds over three months, compared with a three-pound loss in people receiving a placebo. Most important was the fact that all the weight the chromium takers lost was in the form of body fat, not muscles." The book also has info on psyllium, garcinia cambogia and chitosan.

[herodl]

I take Chromium daily as it is one supplement that I kept reading about. No side effects and a decent price. I'm not sure how much they really do for me personally, but I am happy to go on faith with them.

I did buy the Canadian version of the Hydroxycut (i.e., no Ephedra) and so far have had no side effects at all on one per day. I haven't noticed an increase in weight loss, but then with trying a bunch of new recipes since joining the forum, I haven't been as religious with my daily carb count as I normally am, so must get back to it and see if there is any effect. I did ask the health store manager if this was the Canadian version and she then brought up that she had the other version under the counter. To her credit she did warn me that it was much stronger and normally was taken by body builders. She suggested that because they are fit and working out on a regular basis, they are probably better able (and more willing?) to deal with the effects of Ephedra. I read up a little more on Ephedra (found in many thermogenic compounds, not just Hydroxycut) and do find the medical community advises caution - see "Web MD" site and search "Ephedra." It sounds to me like it does work, but you need to be

I also bought the carb blocker pills and although I have only used them on occasion so far, I do notice that when I have used one, I am more 'productive' in the morning if you will. Thus, I think the notion that the pills work to bind to a certain amount of carbs (starch versus sugar though) and whisk them out of the body is likely accurate. However, that said, they are too expensive for ongoing use for me, so I plan to keep a few in my purse in case I get caught out. Plus it's a little tempting to eat starchy carbs if you have them, which I definitely don't want to do.

Cheers,

Lori

[madpiano]

Hiya All

I am getting confused reagrding advise to Chromium. There seems to be 2 Chromium Supplements : One is called Chromium Pic* and the other Chromium Nicotinate. Apparently Chromium Picolinate is causing cancer and has other bad side effects ???
Chromium Nicotinate (hey cigarettes in tablet form ??) is supposed to be safe.

Does anyone have any more info ?? :confused:

Sabine

[Natrushka]

Originally posted by Michelle
Apparently, if you go to Muscle Beach in Edmonton, you can get the American version of Hydroxycut.

Just curious, have the laws changed since this was posted? I found Hydroycut with Sida cordifolia (ephadrine) and Green Tea in the first Nutrition shop I visited today on Bank Street. They had many different brands, all with some kind of Ephedra.

Nat

[Michelle]

Actually, I discovered this too after I posted the message. The Hydroxycut is exactly the same except for the L-Carnitine, which I haven't been able to locate yet.
Anyone have any sources?
Thanks!
Michelle

[doreen T]

L-carnitine is not permitted for sale in Canada. Some health food and sports nutrtition shops will have it "under the counter", if you ask quietly. It is prohibitively expensive, $40 Cdn for 30 1-gram tablets. The recommended dose is 1 to 3 grams a day. Anything less than that is ineffective.

It's used by the muscles to take up ATP and other fuel sources more effeciently. I've heard that it might be helpful for fibromyalgia. Atkins recommends it for heart problems, since it is especially favoured by the heart muscle tissue.

Ephedra/ma huang is legal for sale as a herbal bronchodilator.

Doreen

[Natrushka]

Originally posted by Michelle
Actually, I discovered this too after I posted the message. The Hydroxycut is exactly the same except for the L-Carnitine, which I haven't been able to locate yet.

Actually it's gone one other difference too, Canadian Hydroycut has Green Tea in it, the US version doesnt (from what I've been reading).

Nat

[nsmith4366]

First you were hooked on carbs.

Then you got hooked on carb blocker pills.

So the question is: if you are hooked on the pills,
...are you still hooked on carbs?

You wanted a healthier lifestyle with less carbs -
not a healthier lifestyle with carbs and carbblockers.

From what I hear, they don't work anyway.

If they do/did - think of all the calculations you'd have to do.

Yuck. Change your life. Change your eating. So much so that you don't NEED pills to "get by".

THAT is real change and freedom.
N

[phatgurl]

I bought some carb blockers called carbocurb and I took them a couple of times, I will start taking them everyday now. I noticed mine has alot of ginseng and therefore gives me extra energy. I don't know if they work or not for blocking carbs...the guy at the store said alot of people buy them. I also tried some EAS low carb drinks and they are WONDERFUL .

This is the second time I have done the low carb diet, this time I am sticking to it. The last time I lost about 25 lbs in a couple of months.

phatgurl :spin:

[Victoria]

Hey phatgirl, why use the chemicals? Isn't the whole idea to learn to eat right. Not to lose weight at any cost. If you are patient with yourself, the weight will fall off when you eat less carbs. Thank you nsmith, I feel the way you do. "Change your life. Change your eating." I know it's all a process in learning what works for you. But pills usually have side effects. I know ephedra does...does heart attacks and stroke sound attractive?
I think you need to try low carbing by itself so you'll see it really works. You don't need the chemical help...it only makes you dependent. The whole idea is to lose weight yes, but in a healthy way. So that your health stays intact. :rheart: Don't want to be harsh, but a little warning from a kind stranger ;) Victoria

[phatgurl]

Thanks Victoria but.... :rheart:

I really don't think that I am going to become dependant on ginseng and green tea extract...I understand what you are saying about learning to eat right. I plan on doing just that once I get control of the situation. I do not take pills with ephedra in them and I worn others about it. In fact the State that I live in have banned selling any drug with it or Mahuang to anyone under the age of 18. I think the carb blockers that I am taking are just three different kinds of ginseng and green tea...harmless.

This is my second time doing the low carb thing and I know it works. My first try was 149/117/117, I maintained that for about 2 years now I am at 135 and trying to get it back under control.

Thank you for your word of wisdom :)

phatgurl

[nsmith4366]

Victoria,

I whole heartedly agree with you.

"just three different kinds of ginseng and green tea...harmless. "

Well if that's all they contain, then there's nothing in that which might block a carb.

Lose the weight. Leave the pills. Gain the weight. Start the pills. Lose the weight...

...didn't you say you did this once before - if you really learned to eat differently the first time using the pills,
what happened?

N

[Victoria]

Dear Phatgirl,
Gosh, I feel like I'm unintentionally insulting you when I use your screen name. Not intended at all!!! I've used Ginseng and drink Green Tea and have never seen anything on them that says they block carbs. Must have something else in them. But I'm glad you're not using ephedra....that stuff scares me.
Like I said, be patient with yourself. You don't have that much to lose. Don't try to do it too fast. Learn all you can about what kind of foods you should be eating. It's a journey....don't take shortcuts.
I have a lot more to lose...so I know it will take a long time. But this is the first time in my life I feel I have figured out how to do it. Thanks to my Aunt who gave me a book....a simple gesture but one that has changed my life. Hoping for success for you too!! :roll: Victoria

[phatgurl]

Nsmith,

The first time that I did the low carb thing I lost the weight without any pills. For crying out loud....the point I was trying to make is that there is are no carb blockers in the carb block it is ginseng and green tea.

Your comment:
Lose the weight. Leave the pills. Gain the weight. Start the pills. Lose the weight...
Insinuates that I am some kind of addict.

Thank you for your support, I thought that was what this site was all about.

PHATGURL

[nsmith4366]

Wishing you all the best with the choices you make during your low carb journey. You will find support here, and you will also find people with views different than your own. Everyone is welcome (from what I understand). Not everyone agrees on one way to low carb or lose weight and there are definately many paths to get to your goal.

I mean it, it seems every time I throw a topic out there, I get lots of different perspectives on it. I don't address each one, some make me mad, some inspire, some even insult me - but - everyone is entitled to their thoughts/advice/concern or whatever.

No one here is calling you, or has called you any names or classified you in any way. We just hope for your success.

N

[Susanjoyce]

Have you heard about Carbolite candy bars? They are heaven and only 1.5 carbs choc. , choc. peanut butter and almond choc my favorite you got to try them Ifind them at Wallgreens and some 7-11 :roll:

[Susanjoyce]

:roll: Posts: this is by location what is the deal with the chicken leggs and steak pictures some people have one chicken legg others have more some have steak pictures and I have something that looks like an ice cream cone what is this all about ?I'm new and trying to figure all this out. I'm doing good ad this is the first dietthat I've been able to lose weight on and it's not all that hard.

[Elihnig]

Susanjoyce, the eggs, chicken and steaks (and lobsters) denotes how many posts you have made, the more you post the more items or a change of items occurs, you can click on the picture and a chart will pop up with numbers etc. Don't forget to visit the introductions page and the Daily low carber!

Good luck!

Elihnig

[Susanjoyce]

Thank you for answering my question. I am new to this sight and I'm having a hard time figuring it all out.
I just started the low carb diet I have lost 13 pounds so far. My greatest thing I hae found so far is Carbolite Bars they taste just like a regular candy bar and are great when you neeed a sweet fix or a chocolate fix There web sight is www.caroblite.com and there phone number is 812-485-002.
I know alot of people are saying the ingredients in alot of low carb bars are bad so here is the ingredients I see nothing wrong with them.
Maltitol,Coco Butter, Roasted Almonds,Chocolate Liquor, Sodium Caseinate, Mikl Fat,Soya Kecithin,Vanillin,Natural Flavors,Salt,Sucaralose(Splenda Brand)
You have to find these and try them they are heaven.

[Susanjoyce]

I want to change my current weight on my post how do I do that? I've lost more weight but dont know how to change it. Can you help me out?

[doreen T]

To change your weight stats, just click on the profile icon, at the top right of the page, just below the orange menu bar. This will take you to your "User Control Panel", and you just click on Edit Profile from the menu on that page. Change the information, and don't forget to click Submit, at the bottom :). This will not only change the weight stats that show under your name in all your posts, it will also show the % of loss toward your goal too.

Doreen

[Deb]

I've tried a carb blocker called Carb-Away and it was terrible;namely every time i took some of the tablets, i broke out in huge red hives all over my face and body. You can believe i stopped taking them pretty darn fast!

Debo

[Victoria]

So Deb, I'm glad the hives made you quit the carb-away. What exactly were they supposed to do? And have you figured out what was in the ingredients that you might be allergic to? I think it's important to remember it's about changing your eating habits, not taking pills to fix your diet. ;) Just my opinion :rolleyes: Victoria

[Deb]

i really have no idea what was in them but you can be sure they went into the cgarbage the same day! I guess because my body is so resistant to fat loss, i was hoping something might nudge me along. Oh well!

Debo :exclm:

[Chrissy]

Doreen, if your still looking for L-Carnitine in Canada, you can order it from here.......they also have many other weight loss supplements, herbs, whey proteins etc. They have Hydroxycut but its called Hydro Lean "Same formula as original Hydroxycut" they claim.......I am taking Chromium Picolinate daily 200mcg, as it is recomemded in the Atkins book.......but I'm not sure if I should be taking it as I have been reading bad reviews about it on the net and I don't know if its working for me or not????
I am also real leary with the Ephedra, will have to read and study it more, it sounds dangerous.....however as some of you posted, I would have to say right now, and agree the best way to lose our weight is to eat properly on Atkins with NO cheats and some routine exercise.




http://www.wlcweb.com/vitaminscanada/prodsearch.asp

[JustAGirl]

i think we're all different. what works for some (whether psychologically or physically) might not work for others or may even be detrimental to others. regardless, i think this board is here to offer support to one another as we all share a common goal even if our means of attaining it slightly differ. just my two cents. good luck to all of you. i say work it if it works for you. :)

[shae]

Hi Sadai

Iwas wondering if you are still taking the hydroxycut & if it's working for you? Any side effects?

Thanks
Shae

[Pixie]

Hi everyone, can anyone tell me where on the net i can buy Hydroxycut to be delicered to the UK? or if anyone in the UK has brought some, where from?

After reading these posts i really do think its worth a try.

Emma

[Sadai]

Hi Shae
In answer to your question, Yes I am still talking Hydroxycut, or HyroLean. However I did quit for several months, I was taking Wellbutrin at the time and did not want to combine. But as of Jan 1st I started taking them again while following the Atkins plan.. I find they give me much needed energy and extra help in curbing my appetite, and I take the US version. Since, I have found a brand available here that has exactly the same ingredients as the US Hydroxycut and same amounts, called Hydro Lean and less the price, only 36.00. You can compare the ingrediets as I listed them in my Journal under ( R-S) 2002NewStart... I currently take 2 in the AM and 1 in the afternoon. I recomend starting with one in the am, then work up to 1 more in the early aft. Otherwise they can affect your sleep. Hope this info helps..