CAD/CALP Overview & General Rules

[Zuleikaa]

Many CAD/CALP forum members have asked me questions in various threads to which I gave some or all of the answers/explanations below. I thought it would be helpful to have them together in a new thread. Please read "Carb allergy vs Carb addiction", too.

Also, if you think the plan fits you, please by the book(s). You will refer to them many times.

CAD/CALP is a diet and life plan for carbohydrate addicts. The plan calls for 1-3 meals/snacks a day of low carb (induction level) meals, called complementary meals by the Hellers. In addition to the complementary meals allowed you are allowed one meal a day that contains carbs called a reward meal.

In the first book, CAD, the Hellers said at your reward meal you can have whatever you want, however much you want. They did make a passing mention to having a balanced meal. Of course carb addicts did not hear that and some used the reward meal as a carb binge. Carbs taken to the extreme and not in the presence of other foods can still affect insulin levels. Additionally fake sugars cause carb addicts to react as if they are true sugars.

Therefore, in the next two books, CALP and ? the Hellers clarified rules and fingered triggers, fake sugars, diet drinks, MSG, that can cause an insulin reaction and thus hunger, weight gains or stalls.

There are degrees of carb addiction and and uncontrollable appetites for carbs. However, Rachel Heller also tried Atkins and couldn't lose and even gained.

For a "true" carb addict, there is an escalating insulin surge that occurs with every incidence of eating or of the eating of carbs. Since insulin is the hunger hormone, hunger grows and grows even if you have just eaten. This chemically induced appetite can become uncontrollable.

So you see, it is the amount of carbs you eat each time but it is also the frequency with which you eat at all. Think of a superball that bounces higher each time it hits the floor. Now think of the well-meaning suggestion that you eat six times a day or that you take in more carbs.

This is why the Heller's have the various eating plans of two to four meals a day. Each carb addict needs to find his/her own eating program but no more than four times a day.

This is probably why, unknowingly, some Atkinsers refuse to leave induction even though their weight loss has stalled and their metabolism has lowered. They know instinctively and through experience that if they leave the strict carb levels of induction their hunger comes screaming back and they wind up binging.

Make sure your reward meal is balanced. That means approximately 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 of carbs (including dessert and alcohol), protein and vegetables. Also try to start your reward meal with a small salad. That way you won't get out of control. Also check your other meals for hidden carbs. Protein shakes and bars are not allowed on this diet because of possible reaction to sugar alcohols. Also diet soft drinks, sugarless gum and, in fact, all sugar substitutes are also limited due to insulin reactions. A carbohydrate addict is very insulin sensitive to sugars and sugar replacements. If you get them at your other meals, your insulin will surge and your appetite can get out of control at your reward meal. Remember insulin is the hunger hormone.

It is important to follow the one hour Reward Meal limit, that is what controls your insulin levels. You get used to it after a while. Do not stop and start your meal again later for dessert. Have your meal and then dessert. Also if you're eating in a restaurant, don't touch your beverage until your dinner comes, have them bring appetizers and entree together. When you are half done with your meal, order dessert, if you want it.

The reward meal can be moved to any time of the day for special occasions. The reward meal can also regularly be at any time of day you choose to fit with your lifestyle (business luncheons?); don't move it around except for special occasions/events. Some of my best weight loss on CAD was to have my reward meal every day for lunch. That strategy gave me a chance to work the extra carbs off through the rest of the day.

Alcohol is only allowed at the reward meal and subject to the constraints of the 60 minute limit. Beers, low carb or otherwise are only allowed at the reward meal. I think low carb beers have over 3 grams of carb/serving and are therefore restricted.

If you have cravings on CAD or have trouble stopping at your reward meal, you need to examine the non carb meals for hidden carbs. Also read "carb allergy vs carb addiction". Carbs (other than allowed foods) at non carb meals/snacks can cause insulin surges and rebound appetite/cravings. Shakes and bars are notorious for this effect in carbohydrate addicts.

[Rosebud]

This is probably why, unknowingly, some Atkinsers refuse to leave induction even though their weight loss has stalled and their metabolism has lowered. They know instinctively and through experience that if they leave the strict carb levels of induction their hunger comes screaming back and they wind up binging.
Zuleikaa, I have to take issue with this statement.

Firstly, you are implying that Atkins Induction may stall weight loss and lower metabolism.
I have never seen any evidence of this. Many folk choose to stay on Induction for long periods and have wonderful weight losses. Here, we tend to encourage folk to move on from Induction so that they can begin more easily to prepare for maintenance.

And many, many studies have proven that metabolism is increased by eating more often. Not more food, the same amount of food, split into smaller meals eaten more frequently.
Remember, what works for you will not necessarily work for others and vice versa.

And my dear, I think that your statement about hunger coming screaming back is just plain wrong. The many thousands of folk who have succeeded by following either Atkins, Protein Power, of the myriad other plans would also disagree with you.
I doubt very strongly that the Hellers mentioned that in any of their books.

Zuleika, I am not dissing the CAD/CALP plan. I know it works very well for many folk. But that does not mean other plans don't work. They do.

:rose:Rosebud:rose:

[Zuleikaa]

Rosebud

If you closely read what I said, the entire post, I was referring specifically to carbohydrate addicts, and especially severe ones. Atkins, past induction, while it works for many, many people does not work for severe carbohydrate addicts.

This is my opinion and I'll stick to it! I have a right to my opinion and I am very careful to state that this is my opinion.

Further, this is the forum for CAD/CALP and its users/supporters and the purpose on this and any specific low carb plan forum is to offer support and encouragement for that plan.

I did not bash Atkins. I use the plan myself. I think it is a very good plan and very well suited to many people. Just not the people on this forum, once past induction. If you read some of the posts here, you will see them saying exactly that.

Rosebud, I think you're out of line on this post. It is not a one size or a one low carb plan fits all kind of world. The human species is wonderfully diverse and so is it's body chemistry.

I respectfully request that we agree to disagree.

[Rosebud]

This is my opinion and I'll stick to it! I have a right to my opinion and I am very careful to state that this is my opinion.
Zuleikaa, Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but I cannot see where you state in the above post that the information is in fact, just your opinion. It comes across as an overview of the Heller's plan, not just your interpretation of it.

Atkins, past induction, while it works for many, many people does not work for severe carbohydrate addicts.
Again, I refer you to the many thousands of folk, most of whom are carbohydrate addicts. All low carb plans are useful for carb addicts - that's why we need such plans.

I agree totally with you that we all have different needs in our plans. However, it is your untrue statements about Atkins such as leaving Induction causes hunger to come screaming back that concern me.

:rose:Rosebud:rose:

[VickiP]

Zuleikaa,
Thankyou very much for your helpful post. I am trying to follow CAD and I'm having trouble with it. I end up eating a ton of junk food during my RM. I eat my RM for dinner, and I have turned it into allowing myself to eat whatever I want for the rest of the evening. My problem with having it at lunch, is that I usually don't have an hour for lunch. Dinner is my relaxing time of day and I like to enjoy it as much as possible. I'm going to start trying to control my portions more, maybe by measuring out or something. Do you think that splenda causes problems?
Also, about the restricting carbs too much for too long changing your metabolism debate, there is proof that doing that can alter your metabolism. This happened to me definately. It can affect your T3 levels (or T4 I can't remember). I got mine tested not low carbing, they were fine. I got them tested lowcarbing (Atkins, severe carbs restriction), they were too high (hypothyroidism) I got them tested again not lowcarbing and they were fine again. I also did read this in a few places. I'm sure staying on induction helps some people lose. Starving yourself also works on some people, in the aspect that they lose weight, doesn't mean that it is good for you.
That's just my $.02
Tori

[Zuleikaa]

Vicki P

Thanks for your support.

Overuse of fake sugars can cause insulin surges and result in carb binging at reward meals. As the Hellers mention--if it tastes sweet, your body thinks it's carbs and releases insulin to process it.

I suggest that you limit your use of fake sugars to no more than 4 a day, including the amounts in softdrinks. I further suggest that you only use these sugar replacements when ingesting them with your meals.

So my short answer is yes, Splenda definitely causes problems. So does MSG.

[Karen]

Do you think that splenda causes problems?

Being a sugar junkie, I used to think that artificial sweeteners cause an insulin rise so I finally - after low-carbing for three years - bought a glucometer to check the theory I was dead wrong about it (results are in my Journal). So, what I'm assuming it did was start a process that stimulated seratonin and beta-endorphins. Just like a junkie switching methadone for heroin.

What matters most is not necessarily what you eat, but why you eat it. Supporting the behaviours and beliefs that got you to where you are now will foil any progress. Finding other non-addictive sources of seratoniin and beta-endorphin stimulation works too! ;)

Addiction is a complicated physiological, psychological and spiritual disease. Abstinence is the beginning of recovery, but the other aspects have to be addressed too.

CALP is a solid plan and like any other plan should be followed as written until you're "out of the woods" and are completely comfortable with it as a lifestyle. The Heller's have a lot of sound advice and it's always best to turn back to the source every once in a while for a refresher.

Karen

[Zuleikaa]

Sorry I did not mean to offend anyone or to slight Atkins. However the thread of CAD overview and general rules was comprised of answers to questions on various threads. I thought it would be helpful to have them in one place. Also, this is the forum for CADers and is meant, I understand, to support and affirm the choice of those who chose this WOE.

I didn't mean to cause such an uproar and thought I would also show some of my other comments on the CAD board:

Again, there are different levels of carb addiction and for some levels perhaps Atkins works for the long term. However, for the severe carb addict, (just my opinion) being stuck forever to induction for control of your disease is not living.

The levels of carb addictiion can be even further complicated by SAD (seasonal affective disorder). SAD creates carb addicts in winter by the chemical reaction (lack of) in the brain serotin levels caused by lack of light intensity. You can imagine what effect carb addiction on carb addiction has. Often people are not carb addicts or can keep their addictions under control during late spring and summer month's, but when winter comes Look Out!!!

I can not tell you what plan to choose. I can only recommend that you read through "Which low carb plan is right for me", but I can recommend that you read through the CAD book and see if it describes you. There is also a test in the book that helps determine your level/severity of carb addiction.

If you are not a carb addict, perhaps you are not getting enough calories and have damaged/slowed your metabolism.
The solution to that is more food, limits of 12-16 ounces of protein (my suggestion) and patience. The body is a miracle of adaption and you abuse it at your own risk. It's a shame to say that many on Atkins cut calories by cutting out veggies when they should be adding them. However when adding, especially at first I would recommend sticking with the very low carb ones. However, you can still eat a lot of veggies for very few carbs.

[AlluraD]

Hello~ *s* I'm glad this thread is here......it's true that everything works for someone. I've been stalled for a long time on Atkins and I have to religiously stick to induction or I do crave sugar horridly........I don't eat it but I WANT it!!!! Aaaaaggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

I am seriously going to give this plan a try just not sure which one to do if there is a difference?? Any suggestions.......I'm still reading thru the site.

[Zuleikaa]

Why don't you give CAD a try first. It's the simplest plan. Just be sure and include some veggies. Also keep taking your fiber. Later you can add CALP options.

[Zuleikaa]

Update

[skyspinner]

Good basic info here.....

[need2bthi2]

:wave: You know I have done both plans and find that it depends on the individual to how successful it all is. But one thing I noticed is that at night I have a cup of herbal tea (I dont like it without sugar) so I use Stevia which does not seem to have a reaction at all with me. :D But I would not like to risk any other sweetner.

[skyspinner]

I have tried so many different stevias, and have never found one I like......do you have a brand you could recommend?

Thanks in advance....

[Zuleikaa]

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[Zuleikaa]

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[Zuleikaa]

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[dfletcher]

Thank you for the clear summization of the diet. I just started, and Ihave spent the last 3 days trying to contact SOMEONE who knows what they are doing! You sound lilke the perfect person. Since I also am new to the site and do not know how to use it, I am having to post this to you. I am not sure if I have done the right thing. I would appreciate an email from you since I cannot email you.

[Zuleikaa]

dfletcher
Welcome to CAD! Sorry I can't post my email for you. That is not allowed here. You also cannot PM (Private Message) me as you do not have over 25 posts to your credit.

Nevertheless, I am happy to answer any questions you might have about CAD in this forum. You can post your questions here in the CAD/CALP forum and I and others will answer them.

Good luck with the program.

[dfletcher]

Thanks for the info - I have to learn the rules as well as figure out how to use this site.

Are you sure you want to get in to this?

Okay, the first thing I would like to know is can I eat at any time I want, or only at meals? What about after supper? I mean no-carb, of course. I do not remember from reading the book - I was so excited about the diet, I went through it a bit quick. I have just been a grazer for so long, and I sometimes just "need" to eat. I am very weak!

Secondly, can you suggest anything else I can drink but water. I am soooo sick of it, and there is nothing else on the list. and I am only on day 4!

The good news is that I am on day 4. I have been trying for 2 weeks to get past day 1, and I finally decided to make Feb 1st my definative start date, and so far so good. But so far! I read Don Elliot's inspiring story, and wish I had the strength to do what he did.

[Zuleikaa]

You can eat no more than 4 times total a day. No gum, no mints.
The four times a day can be 2 CMs, 1 CS, and 1RM. While you cannot eat more meals than that, you can eat fewer. You must drink coffee within 15 minutes, otherwise your body thinks it's a meal and it counts as one. Your meals can be any time of the day you want. Try not to eat too late at night. Sorry water is best. You can have up to two diet sodas a day but only with a meal. If they start cravings cut them out or only have them with your RM.

Most CAs (carbohydrate addicts) often former grazers find they are just not hungry more than 2-3 times a day on CAD. If you get hungry more often, examine the foods you are eating. Only eat the foods on the CAD list. If you can't find the food on the list. Do not eat it!!!

Good Luck! Congratulations on getting to day 4. That's usually when the cravings and headaches subside.

[dfletcher]

I read in the book about CA Diet Ceters, and CAD counsellors. But I cannot find where or who. Have you any leads?

[Zuleikaa]

I only know of the center in New York. If you visit the CAD website you might find more information.

[dfletcher]

I have spent much time there! The CAD website I mean. But cannot find any information. New York City? Any suggestions on how to contact them.

[Zuleikaa]

Sorry. I don't. I had a very hard time trying to contact with anyone with information on that website. There seems to be no way to contact them or ask questions. I know how frustrating it is.

[luv67fire]

:: bump ::

[Zuleikaa]

Update.

[cherry]

im confused now...
this is my day one on de atkins diet....
wat's de diff between atkins diet and CAD/CALP??
wat is CAD CALP diet??
how do i start??... wat am i allowed to eat??..

ps: i've only read books on atkins and not CAD.. sorry :p

[Zuleikaa]

Read this thread from the begining. Then read "Cheat Sheets", then "Carb Allergy vs Carb Addication".

[Zuleikaa]

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[Zuleikaa]

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[STALLQUEEN]

Ok, Iv beem on Atkins since July 2002, and if you eat too many carbs you dont lose. So, how ia it possible to lose wait with a reward meal, I really dont get it.

PLease explane,

Oh and what doe cm and the other abreviations mean.

what do these meals consist of,

The reward meal, do you mean any reward, potatoe chips, cake, pies, how can we lose doing this.

[Libbyfcr]

CALP is a solid plan and like any other plan should be followed as written until you're "out of the woods" and are completely comfortable with it as a lifestyle. The Heller's have a lot of sound advice and it's always best to turn back to the source every once in a while for a refresher

Karen,

Once again you have hit the nail on the head.

I have seen some discrepancies in some folks interpretations of the Heller's books. Personally, I would suggest to anyone wanting to learn more about the CAD or CALP diet to run down to their local library and borrow their books for a while. This will be the most accurate way for you to learn and understand how the Heller's diet works.


I think the most important thing I have done to help myself with my health has been to educate myself on how to improve my diet.


Best wishes,
Libby :wave:

[Zuleikaa]

Stallqueen
CAD works because it deals with the body's chemical insulin reactions. The simple explanation is that insulin tells your body to store fat. If your insulin is high, it doesn't matter that your total carb count is only 30, your body will store fat!! CAD controls insulin release so that you can lose weight.

Some on Atkins can stall because insulin (even at low carbs) is still too high to lose weight. Carbohydrate Addicts react to all carbs (even fiber!!), Artificial Sugar (if it tastes sweet, the body believes it's carbs!!).

Re the RM. After controlling carbs at the CM, the body doesn't expect the carbs at the CM and therefore only releases insulin in amounts that the CMs called for. Therefore if you finish the RM within the hour, you fool the body and your insulin never rises.

You should read further in the CAD forum on rules, quotes and very important Carb addiction vs allergy. Those threads explain in more depth.

[Leenie]

Exactly, thats why you have to follow CAD exactly. No snacking like Atkins allows you to.

Plus in my opinion....w/CAD your only eating two small CM a day with is low in fat/calories in itself.... so by the time you eat dinner your not consuming as many calories as you think.

I love it !!

[Libbyfcr]

Exactly, thats why you have to follow CAD exactly. No snacking like Atkins allows you to

Actually "The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet" does allow snacks, So does "The Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program".

I decided a long time ago that if I was hungry between meals that by golly I was going to eat the right things and not wait until I was so hungry that I made poor choices. (which I tend to do when very hungry) By choosing LC foods for snacks it kept me on the right track for my other meals too. A piece of cheese, a serving of LC veggies, cottage cheese...... just a little something.

I never had problems with occasional snacking.

:wave: Libby

[Zuleikaa]

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[Zuleikaa]

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[Zuleikaa]

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[His Muse]

Why do you guys consider doing CAD better than Atkins? I'm curious on the comparison...

[Zuleikaa]

This is not a comparison for Atkins and we are not saying this plan is better than Atkins. What we are saying is that this plan is for carbohydrate addicts and addresses their particular and unique blood chemistries. Also, IMHO and the Hellers, CAs actually need a level of carbs to function well. Therefore, we feel this plan is better for Carbohydrate Addicts than Atkins or other low carb plans. This plan gets at the root of the problem for CAs which is a defective insulin releasing mechanism. We also feel this plan is not for you if you are not a CA.

[His Muse]

Originally posted by Zuleikaa
This is not a comparison for Atkins and we are not saying this plan is better than Atkins. What we are saying is that this plan is for carbohydrate addicts and addresses their particular and unique blood chemistries. Also, IMHO and the Hellers, CAs actually need a level of carbs to function well. Therefore, we feel this plan is better for Carbohydrate Addicts than Atkins or other low carb plans. This plan gets at the root of the problem for CAs which is a defective insulin releasing mechanism. We also feel this plan is not for you if you are not a CA.

I wasn't trying to say that CAD was better Atkins I was just wondering what the difference was for people. Like...why someone would choose to do this one over Atkins but you basically answered my question. The only other low carb diet I tried was Atkins and having to cut out carbs to that degree was just too hard for me. I am a serious carbohydrate addict. I can't tell you how many times I've eaten so much pasta and kept eating until I felt sick and miserable all night. I've never been a big meat person but I'm learning. I love eggs and chicken and shell fish. On occasion I like fish and beef so I do believe I can do this. I got the book and today I shall read it cover to cover.

[Libbyfcr]

Why do you guys consider doing CAD better than Atkins? I'm curious on the comparison...

I have never done Atkins. I have read much of Atkins' stuff, but never followed the plan. For me the reason is simple, I hit upon CALP first and tried it and liked it. It was easy. I have a feeling that I might have had trouble following the more strict Atkins plan.

I can't compare them from experience, simply because I haven't done Atkins.


I've never been a big meat person but I'm learning.

You don't have to be a big meat eater do do CALP or CAD. I am not a big meat eater, although I like it. I have found that since starting CALP I eat much more fish. Can't complain about that.

Libby :wave:

[His Muse]

Thanx for the help. I've been reading up on it this weekend and I am a tad confused. Trying to figure out the best way to handle this diet. I get up really early and my bf makes me breakfast usually it's like an english muffin or an english muffin w/egg & cheese. So now I'm planning on eating hard boiled eggs instead to avoid the carbs. Lunch is tough because I work and I have to take my lunch with me everyday. I'm thinking I might do the RM for lunch because he makes me dinner at night which is usually LC friendly. Is it ok to switch back and forth doing the RM for lunch one day and the next day RM for dinner?

[Jalera2003]

Robin: In the book Hellers recommend that you choose a specific time of day for your RM and stick to it they suggest only changing that for special occasions. I have had my RM at night and on the rare occasion when I switch to lunch I feel like I'm missing out on something later in the day. Hellers also say it is important for 24 hours to elapse between reward meals to maintain the insulin balance. :daze:

[Libbyfcr]

I agree.............. I do better if I keep my Reward Meal at the same time each day. For me it is dinner. I try to stick to that plan, unless I have a special occasion.

Packing a Low Carb lunch gets easier as you go. Be creative, try new things. Keeping a good varity in your diet is, in my opinion, a key to staying on a Low Carb plan AND enjoying it.

Best wishes,
Libby :wave:

[pre3teach]

Fyi, "The induction diet printed here is the prelude to the Atkins diet , not the Atkins diet itself, although it will probably be analyzed and reanalyzed as if it were and as if these word were never written..."

"The induction diet is a corrective diet its primary purpose is to corrct as expeditiously as possible an umblalnced metabolism."

Atkins recommends "For sugar cravings:L-glutamine 500-1000mg before meals and perhaps right at the pont in time when craving is greatest..."

Carbs are to be added a 5wk until critical level for losing is determined while keeping an eye on cravings. :)

[Zuleikaa]

Post update

[Zuleikaa]

update thread

[Zuleikaa]

update thread

[Zuleikaa]

Update post

[kokle]

This should be a sticky.

[Valkyrie]

I have just read this thread from start to finish and must say that I am impressed with the wealth of information here. I agree with you about CALP being better for a carbohydrate addict than other low carb plans firstly because I have stuck religiously to both Bernstein and Atkins for many months on each and have managed to lose only a couple of pounds which I have quickly put back on again. I switched to CALP and lost five pounds in the first week which - for me - is quite amazing. I am severely addicted to carbs and am a type 2 diabetic. I reckon I wouldn not have become a diabetic if I had known about CALP years ago either.

At first I was very afraid of including carbohydrates into the Reward Meal as, having been on strict low carb for so long, I thought my blood glucose levels would rocket but when I finally took the plunge and had some carrots peas and a potato within my reward meal and found that my blood glucose levels actually came down, I was well and truly hooked. It has been three weeks now and the only problem I have with the diet is an intense fear to step on the scales again. I know it sounds strange but I have been disappointed for so long on the other diets that I am completely phobic about checking my weight.

I have been taking GTF Chromium every morning and this has completely eliminated any cravings I might have had and I have had absolutely nothing to eat that is remotely sweet (artificial or otherwise) since starting CALP.

I am so pleased to find somewhere where there is help and support for people on this plan. Bless you for being there.

Oh yes, thank you also for answering a question I had on another problem, earlier in the thread, I was wondering why I couldn't send or receive PM's and now I know why. I had better start posting messages more often :agree:

[Zuleikaa]

Update post

[Libbyfcr]

Why do you post just an update? It is silly to keep a thread alive by posting like this, besides, it sends an email to a lot of people who then go to the trouble to follow up and read it only to find it says nothing more than "Update post"

Let's just move on to a new topic shall we?

Thanks,
Libby

[Zuleikaa]

Because peple keep asking for a description and rather that just going through the whole thing over and over, I update the post.

Also people who are interested in the program can easily find some information.

[Jalera2003]

Thanks Zule: the info is always good to reveiw.

[feather]

Thanks Zule, I've bought the CAD book and am reading through it. I have a couple of questions which I'd really appeciate some help with.
Where does broccolli fit into the scheme of things, I thought it would be the same as cauliflower, but it's not on the CM vege list. I haven't been able to find a CALP book here. I understand its for people over 35. How does it differ from CAD, will CAD still work OK for me at 47. Thanks a lot.

[Zuleikaa]

CAD will still work for you. You need to strive for balance in the reward meal anyway which is briefly mentioned in CAD but emphasized in CALP. Broccoli can cause cravings in CAs that's why it's not on the CAD list. The CALP list has it listed but with a warning.

Given the balance, the main difference between CAD and CALP is the salad before your RM. CALP also explains the triggers that can stall you and/or cause cravings such as MSG, AS, medications. CAD is the diet, CALP is the fine tuning of it.

[feather]

Thanks that helps a lot. I'll look out for the CALP book, but carry on with CAD for now. Yes broccolli (and red peppers) can and did. That's why I got serious cravings after lunch today. Tried to get rid of them by having more brocolli with some cottage cheese. Just as well I had to go to work.

[Signey]

I love this thread. I have friends who are going to be looking into the forum and CAD/CALP and I hope that they see this thread. I'm posting so that it will bump back up to the top. I've read this thread a few times and always come away with some new information. I agree with Ilse, it would make a great addition to the stickies.

[Signey]

Oh, by the way, if you are recieving any thread that you are no longer interested in you can take yourself off of the email alert. At the bottom of the email you will find a link that when activated will remove you from that thread email list.
I hope this helps.

[ndelacourt]

I first started Atkins a year ago...I have been on and off it all year due to sugar cravings....and feeling lousy. I did not get the energy...I felt more sluggish, my digestion was horrible...constipation. And would only lose about 3-4 lbs per month. But then I'd jump off the wagon and gain it all right back. The carb cravings would come back twice as bad every time.

So I tried South beach....felt ok on it...nothing miraculous...then I would start adding some carb back....and OHMIGOD...I was the anti-christ....horrible mood swings...shaking..dizzy....just awful. Not too mention I'd gain the entire 3 lousy lbs right back again!!

But not having extra carbs (more veg, some grain, or fruit) left my digestion a terrible mess...even with taking fibre supplements.

I started CALP today, I scored 50!! out of 50!! You cannot be more severe carb addict than that. I am praying this is the plan that will work for me.
So far so good. I've had 2 snacks and 3 meals....had strawberries and whip cream with my dinner as my RM.....and with all the veggies I ate today....not to be too graphic...but the week of constipation with Atkins/SBD, was gone after an hour of my dinner! :yay:

So...I agree..you just have to find the plan that works for your body. Atkins and South Beach did not work for me. I felt awful.

I hope CALP is it!!
Natascha

[cheftracy]

Wow,

Thanks for this thread. I read the CAD book at Barns and Knoble a few days ago and I found it very, very interesting. I have read Sugar Busters and Atkins and of course you can see I am on Atkins right now.

I answered yes to enough CAD questions that I might give it a try. I have been on Atkins induction for over three weeks now and lost 5 pounds and gained and lost the same three pounds for two weeks now.

The most frustrating thing is "I did not cheat at all!"
My ketostix are purple to varing degrees every night. I only use Splenda in my drinks, it's in the Morning Lo-Carb Shakes and Diet-Rite. And, I have had the Jello SF gelatin and puddings, once or twice a week. They have aspertame, but other than that I don't have anything sweet.

I also have the "regularity" problem as well, and do eat my 20 grams of carbs in the form of healthy vegetables, but with some cheese and salad dressings, I have to cut them down to stay under the total of 20 grams of carbs per day. And I do dring a lot of water.

I have resisted Oreos, candy, chocolate, all kinds of things since my dh is not on a diet and will eat these things watching T.V. at night. I discovered that I do have willpower, so I am really dissapointed that I haven't lost more weight.

I am wondering if someone can answer a few questions for me. (I looked at the CAD web site and not much I could find), since I can't afford another book or anything right now, (I have spent a little more on food lately, and shakes and stuff which is not cheap. My dh has had to cut down on his junk food as a result :)

Okay...........here goes

1. The CM meals do they have to be consumed in a time limit say 1/2 hour or less? What amout the time in between these meals, I am not sure on that, one, two, or more hours?

2. Am I correct in understanding that the CM meals consist pretty much of the same basic, very low carb choices from Atkins induction, except for the Broccoli? But following a Low fat approach too?

3. I haven't weighed myself everyday, just once or so a week. (I need to buy a scale), but is this really necessary, or does it just help pyscologically?

4. I have been reading some journals on this site, on CAD, and it seems that some people just modify this diet with the Atkins Diet, but the timing and amount of the meals per day is the key?

From what I understand I will have to cut out the artificial sweeteners, lower the fat content of my low carb meals. Eat only two or three CM meals and one RM meal each day. Nothing in between at all. Drink Water at any other time of day. And, the sweetest part, eat one balanced, but including carbs, (potatoes, sugar, pasta, flour, bread,) meal a day, in under 60 minutes, and of course not overdoing it, and basically using a 1/3 protein, 1/3 fat, 1/3 carb, balance.

If I understand this correctly, I can do this diet! I miss my homeade bread, and meatloaf with mashed potatoes and stuff. I thought I would have to give them up for life. If I can have them once in a while in controlled amounts, I would be in Heaven.

Thank you for reading. I will now continue to read all your stories and finally figure out what works for me.

Thanks for all your help,

Tracy

[Tess M]

Hi ChefTracy--I just bumped the "cheat sheet" to the top of the page for you. This (thanks to Zuleikaa) will tell you pretty much what is allowed, and everything else you will need to know, in order to get started. This will help you, I think, until one of the real experts comes along to answer your questions. I will tell you though--that I'm making meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner tonight.. :p I don't eat all the carbey foods at one meal--it just works better for me this way. So--for example--if I'm going to have potato, I skip dessert (which means I probably WON'T have the potato) :p
I sort of pick and choose my 1/3 carb allotment each day at rm. Some people can handle having it all, but it doesn't work well for me. It's a real learning process--as far as what foods and how much of them your body can handle, and still lose. But it definitely WILL work for you, if you decide to try it. Wishing you all the best...

[ndelacourt]

I too am weary of having "too much" at once....so I will choose only 1 treat and limit it to the size of what fits in one of my small ramekins (custard dish) 1/2 c size.

So last night was strawberries with whip cream....and tonight I think it might be berries again as I still have whip cream left over from last night....or maybe some baked apples with cinnamon, splenda and whip cream! MMMMM....I can't wait!!

Enjoy!
Natascha
(former Atkins and South beach)

[cheftracy]

Thanks for the cheat sheet Tess. I really think I need to change from Atkins to CAD. The more that I read, the more I think I need a change. I am losing patience and I don't want to quit. I just need a plan that I can live with.

It is nice that we are all in this together, it makes it much easier to see others have the same concerns. It is also very nice to read the success stories as well.

Thanks again,
Tracy

[Zuleikaa]

Updating post.

[Dianee]

Thanks Zulie for creating this thread and bumping it up again. You spent a lot of time to write this all out and it is very informative. :angel:

I enjoyed reading all the posts. It makes me again realize how livable CAD is and how glad that I am that I have this as my WOE. :wiggle:

[KittenLady]

Thanks, Zule! I'm bumping this up again because it's great to review! It's also something great to read if you're someone considering switching to CAD/CALP.

[Zuleikaa]

Updating post.

[AmaniNura]

Hello Again,
I was reading through this thread and wanted to make a comment about switching from Atkins to CAD/CALP. I have been a die-hard Atkins fan for years. And.. the first time I used that woe... i was successful. I lost 120 pounds and felt wonderful. At some point.. when I let my guard down feeling that I had "mastered" it and could somewhat return to a "normal" way of eating I lost all control and gained back what was lost. My own fault entirely. I looked at Atkins as a "get slim quick" method of weight loss. Not much more in the beginning. I can tell you the carb count of almost any food. I knew that Atkins works. I also knew that I could lose the weight again if I was more determined to make Atkins a way of life. I had no trouble getting back into ketosis.. and even the second time. The third time it was a bit harder to maintain.. and my weight came off more slowly and the plateaus came more frequently. Every 2 to 3 pounds instead of every 5-6. I believe whole heartedly that for someone who has tried the low fat high carb method of weight loss.. and is switching for the first time to a low carb way of life that they can be successful if determined to stay low carb for life. However, I am testimony the damage that one can do to not only their heart, but their metabolism by being inconsistent with whatever plan you follow. I have trained my body to become a carb sensitive machine. It is sensitive to things now that it was not sensitive to before. When I read the cad book I could see me. I hope this way of eating will help me regain some control over my weight and my health.

Thanks for your support

[Zuleikaa]

CAD will heal you but it will not change your CA body chemistry. That will now always be with you.

The good news is that you can do CAD for life!!! It's not an extreme.

[tampa_girl]

I am making the movement from Atkins to CAD and have read the book as well as "lurking" on this forum for a while but I'm still a little confused and hope you can help out.
I definitely understand the RM but am confused about the other 2 meals. No carbs for breakfast and lunch (if I choose dinner as my RM)? Or keep carbs to 2 at breakfast and lunch?
Somehow I thought those 2 meals were to be protein and veggies...but, of course, veggies have carbs so you can see my confusion.
Help!

[Zuleikaa]

Veggies are from the allowed list for CM. You don't count the carbs in them. The carbs you count are for condiments such as salad dressings, pickles, mayonaise, etc.

[aravis]

Hi. I'm new to the site but not new to CAD. I was put on the diet in 1993 and lost weight. I have since then gone off but have incorporated other tricks to my diet...but have found (11 years later) that all other diets cause me to fall into "binge" mentality...i'm a former eating disorder individual; thus, this mentality is quite dangerous. The one point of the diet that I've had to re-read is the "balancing" of the carb meal...i was veiwing it as a an hour long sugar binge...

I don't know why i'm posting...i guess i just wanted to say hi and that I am new to the site and renewed to the plan.

:hyper:

[Zuleikaa]

Welcome!!! You know how CAD can free you from that binge mentality. It will do it again!!!

[Zuleikaa]

Update post.

[letsdothis]

Wow! I am so glad I found this post....I had been wondering about CAD for a few days, since I'm having a hard time sticking to Atkins, even though I am down a few pounds. I'm going to check out the CAD book and switch over to this WOE. The idea that I can have my favorites in moderation sounds soooo good right now, and it sounds like something I can stick with for life!

[Dianee]

Welcome Letsdothis, (great name by the way) :D

Come join us. I think you will really like CAD. It is such a livable program. Glad to see you are going to read the book. That really does help.

Let us know if you have any questions.

[morena1]

Zule, I just want to say thank you for all the hard work you have put into this and other threads. Although you get some flak from some, most of us agree that you have clarified alot of questions for us "newbies" with your great info and supportive spirit!!! I have been doing CAD for a week (I feel great, by the way) and I look forward to reading your posts, cuz who knows what news you'll have next :D Go on girl!!!
Nikki

[Zuleikaa]

Thank you for your thank you, lol!!!

[MikieGirl]

Update thread.

[Zuleikaa]

Update thread.

[Zuleikaa]

Update post.

[Zuleikaa]

Update post.

[quikdeb]

Updating for a friend.

[JanieBeth]

Zuleikaa, Thanks for the info! I have read both the CAD & the CALP and you have really helped me clear up some questions.

It's great to see so many successful people here. It gives me hope!

[Anleigh]

Zule and everyone else - thanks so much for all the good info. I lost all my weight doing Atkins and managed to maintain for over a year without any problems. All of a sudden around the holidays, I've gotten a little bored with it and gained about ten lbs. I started reading CAD and decided maybe I should try it to get rid of some of the cravings I have developed. I am a Carb Addict, for sure. The hardest part is going to be giving up the sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. I chew an awful lot of sugar free gum and eat a good bit of sf chocolate and ice cream. Actually, my weight is still in the very acceptable range but I'm afraid I'll continue to gain.

I guess this has been discussed but wanted to ask. The new lowcarb yogurts are not acceptable for CM are they because of the artificial sweetener? Also, where does such things as Natural Peanut butter fit in (no sugar) only peanuts and salt. I have read CAD and the CAD 7-Day Plan. I guess I need to read the CALP as well.

Thanks for all your help.

[Zuleikaa]

I would say no and no. Nuts are definitely not acceptable for CM and the dairy amount in yogurt is over the 2 ounce limit once a day outside of RM.

[Zuleikaa]

Bumping it.

[Zuleikaa]

Bumping it.

[Zuleikaa]

Bumping it.

[Zuleikaa]

Update post.

[PilotGal]

Firstly, you are implying that Atkins Induction may stall weight loss and lower metabolism.
I have never seen any evidence of this. Many folk choose to stay on Induction for long periods and have wonderful weight losses. Here, we tend to encourage folk to move on from Induction so that they can begin more easily to prepare for maintenance. I had to comment on this comment. I disagree with Rosebud. Induction prolonged DOES in fact kill the metabolism. Too many people on this forum have admitted to this. Wayyyyyyyyy too many people.


And my dear, I think that your statement about hunger coming screaming back is just plain wrong. This is another wrong statement. Low Carbing is not forgiving. If you read the thousands of journals on this forum, you will read of thousands of people that have gone on holiday, eaten the best that they can, considering the country they are in, and have nearly gained it all back. Low Carb-high fat helps you lose weight, but once you leave the program, it all comes back. Your body begins to replenish all the lost water.

It hurts me to see statements like this being made, without going to the sources. We the people are the sources. That is why there are so many other programs on this forum for other ways to lose weight. It's what works best for you. And low carbing-high fat doesn't work for the majority of us that like to cook and eat.

PilotGal

[BeccaResRN]

Huh?? PilotGal, this is the CAD support, we do not do Atkins nor Atkins induction. We enjoy a Reward Meal once a day, Lord knows I can not do Atkins induction... Maybe this was a missplaced post :)

[shrl2006]

I sure want to try this. Do I balance my meal at my rm, like meat, vegies and some carbs like a small potato or spagetti or a desert. Same amount of vegies meat and carbs, I know you have a salad first.

[Zuleikaa]

Yep, look for the "Cheat Sheet" thread.

[zooromeo]

I thought this was a CAD/CALP Support forum ??

[Zuleikaa]

It is. ```````````````

[shrl2006]

Going back to Atkins, because of diabetes. I took my blood sugar after my reward meal a couple of days ago and it was through the roof. My sugar stays pretty much stable on Atkins, but all who don't have diabetes or cad works for them, good luck.
Shirl

[momto4boys]

Going back to Atkins, because of diabetes. I took my blood sugar after my reward meal a couple of days ago and it was through the roof. My sugar stays pretty much stable on Atkins, but all who don't have diabetes or cad works for them, good luck.
Shirl

Shirl, I am sorry to see you go. I wish you much success with Atkins. It is a great plan!!

Please stop by when you get a chance :bhug:

[shrl2006]

I am trying cad again, it is about the only woe I can stay on. I am tired of bouncing back and forth to one then the other.
It has worked for me in the past. I don't get hungry when I follow the plan like it says. I don't have the new cad book, mine is older than the hills. lol. I will order one though.
A lot of good info on this thread.
Thank you,
Shirl

[skeeweeaka]

Bumping because this is great info...

[Zuleikaa]

Bumping because this is great info...bumping*****

[Seabs]

this is a great thread

[karouka]

Bumping...:)

[skeeweeaka]

where is every one?

[Enomarb]

bump this up!

[danceheart]

GREAT INFO HERE ! ! ! THANKS EVERYONE ! :agree: :wave:

[skeeweeaka]

Bumping....

[Blue Jeanz]

This is a great thread, thanks! I want to add that when I am doing strict Atkins and I eat something with a little too many carbs at one time I get a sugar rush - I actually get a high feeling that lasts about 1/2 hour. For some reason I do not get that now since I started CAD last week. It's strange, because at my RM I am eating a lot more carbs than I did on Atkins but not getting the sugar rush even if I eat a dessert at my RM. Anyway, I'm taking that as a positive sign that I'm doing this right and that my body is responding to it.

[malisa32]

Hi I'm also a Atkins dieter. I lost alot of weight when I first attempted atkins. I got down to my goal weight but regain it all back after I got pregnant again. Every since then it's been a roller coaster. But I'm back down again doing the atkins which took much longer to arrive from my first try. (160lbs from 215lbs) But I'm back down to a good weight. Now I want to keep it off but I've been reading on the Cad diet and really want to try it to reach my ultimid goal weight of 145lbs. But like of atkins you lose body fat so fast that you look smaller even if you are not losing weight. I tried to do cad one week but I like many other didn't get the book or have much infor. on it. So during my RM I binged and found myself worst off then before I tried cad. But after reading allot of info on how to balance the RM I will give it another try. Where do we get the cad list of food? And how much fat is allowed when you do the protien meals? Can you tell me how much exercise is required for the CAD?

[Hoppinn]

Malisa,

When I first heard of this plan I didn't know anything about CAD. I happened to pick up the CALP book and have come to the conclusion that this is the plan for me.

When I loaned my CALP book to a friend and never got it back, DH ordered me another one. He ordered the wrong book and I ended up with CAD. As soon as I discovered it was the wrong book, he ordered me the correct one. I never opened CAD until recently because I was curious to know the difference between the two. I prefer CALP because it is straight forward and easy to comprehend.

I know you can be successful on this program but feel rather strongly you should pick up one of the books. If you do not want to invest in your own copy, borrow one at your local library.

This is my second time on CALP and the second time I purchased my own copy. It is an invaluable resource and one that you will refer to many times.

This is a great thread for someone that has read the books but, IMO, it does not contain enough information for those that are beginning the program.

[Enomarb]

bump this up!

[ManchMom]

1) what does "bumping" mean
and
2) omg, the first post in this thread is BRILLIANT, now I understand why i NEVER felt secure enough to move off induction rules, even after 6 months and a loss of #35...I didn't trust myself, 'cause i knew what would happen!!! WOW!! <light bulb>

[ManchMom]

Hi,
Still wondering what bumping means?
Anyway, thanks to the folks who stopped by and said hello--I'm waiting for the book to arrive via post (ordered thru Amazon)...planning to start in earnest following the TG holiday weekend.
I made a soup this past weekend? Butternut squash--all that's in it is the squash, chicken broth and onions sauteed in oil--is that an ok thing for this plan?

[Zuleikaa]

1) what does "bumping" mean"bumping" means you bring the post to the top of more recent posts.

[Enomarb]

hi Z-
how are you? Happy Thanksgiving!
E

(I Bumbed the post so you and other 'newbies' would see it and be able to read it!)

[lil' annie]

I have tried so many different stevias, and have never found one I like......do you have a brand you could recommend?

Thanks in advance....

I'm not the poster to whom you addressed your question, but I recently bought a box of Truvia packets at the grocery store, and I'd say after using it about a week, maybe 4 times, that I think it tastes good.

I no longer drink coffee or tea, so have no idea what it tastes like in hot drinks.

But sprinkled over a quarter cup of cooked rolled oats, it tastes fine.

I keep my box in the basement, on the opposite side of the house to the kitchen, so that anytime I use it, I have to go and get it - I don't trust having it readily available.

I think the box said that Truvia is manufactured by Cargill.

[lil' annie]

This is a great thread, thanks! I want to add that when I am doing strict Atkins and I eat something with a little too many carbs at one time I get a sugar rush - I actually get a high feeling that lasts about 1/2 hour. For some reason I do not get that now since I started CAD last week. It's strange, because at my RM I am eating a lot more carbs than I did on Atkins but not getting the sugar rush even if I eat a dessert at my RM. Anyway, I'm taking that as a positive sign that I'm doing this right and that my body is responding to it.

I can't call it a sugar rush, but similarly, anytime there's a wee tad more carbs in say, a salad, about an hour later I'm a little spaced and unfortunately, HUNGRY.

Doesn't sound like a good sign.

But glad to know I'm not the only one.

[lil' annie]

Malisa,

When I first heard of this plan I didn't know anything about CAD. I happened to pick up the CALP book and have come to the conclusion that this is the plan for me.

When I loaned my CALP book to a friend and never got it back, DH ordered me another one. He ordered the wrong book and I ended up with CAD. As soon as I discovered it was the wrong book, he ordered me the correct one. I never opened CAD until recently because I was curious to know the difference between the two. I prefer CALP because it is straight forward and easy to comprehend.

I know you can be successful on this program but feel rather strongly you should pick up one of the books. If you do not want to invest in your own copy, borrow one at your local library.

This is my second time on CALP and the second time I purchased my own copy. It is an invaluable resource and one that you will refer to many times.

This is a great thread for someone that has read the books but, IMO, it does not contain enough information for those that are beginning the program.

I agree with your points. It took me a really long time to get through this thread, and I was actually more confused AFTER plowing through it than I was previously.

I wish a NEW thread was started, and that whoever is the moderator would make it a STICKY thread.

I'm sure this diet would be much more popular if there was a STICKY thread with the basic framework, and the actual rules, few though they be.

Also, total newbies would have NO idea what is the difference between CAD and CALP; also, it would be nice to have a total list of all the books the Hellers wrote.

JMO.

[LMMS]

I have a question. I'm a newbie, 2nd day. Today was a strange eating day. I didn't eat a breakfast CM. I had nothing. I had a CM at lunch time, veggies & protein, then an RM for dinner, 2 cups salad, 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 protein, veggies and carb=baked potato. Couldn't finish it. We had to eat early to make a comedy show. I was told that if I was hungry at night when we got home I could eat a CM. I know it should have been veggies and protein but I ate a cold pork chop and didn't have the room for more veggies. Can doing something like this cause a stall. I did have 2 servings of veggies plus a salad. I tried reading as many threads as I can but couldn't find the answer. Wanted to know if this ever came up again if I ate the protein without veggies once in awhile, is this what will cause a stall or weight gain?

Thanks.

Lisa

[Enomarb]

hi Lisa-
I think you are fine. You can't have a stall now- you have just started!! This is a slow but steady plan- just give it time. You are doing great-

about having this as a sticky (have you seen the CHEAT SHEET- it is worth printing out)- please feel free to ask one of the moderators. When I did years ago, they told me they wanted people to read the books and not use a sticky as the plan guide. I agree we could use some help here!

[Enomarb]

Bump It Up!