Boyfriend just lost 20 pounds in two weeks doing the 4 hour body (slow carb)
So I started and lost 10 in a week. Wooo hopefully this works out for us!!
what is the 4 hour body? that sounds like a LOT of weight!
best of luck dear
Its a lot of eating in all seriousness. I have never ate so much in my life.
Heres the plan all summed up!
The Slow-Carb Diet (From Tim Ferriss’ book the 4 Hour Body)
So here are the rules:
Rule #1 - Avoid ‘white’ carbohydrates
- Avoid any carbohydrate that is, or can be, white. The following foods are prohibited - All bread, rice (including brown), cereal, potatoes, pasta (even whole wheat), tortillas, and fried food with breading. This also includes quinoa, oatmeal, and couscous. (I know they are good for you, but the purpose of this program is to get ALL of your carbs from legumes and vegetables)
Rule #2 - Eat the same few meals over and over again
- The most successful dieters, regardless of whether their goal is muscle gain or fat-loss, eat the same few meals over and over again. Mix and match from the following list, constructing each meal with one pick from each of the three groups.
Proteins - Eggs (preferably organic), Chicken breast, Beef (preferably grass-fed), Fish, Pork, and other lean meats
Legumes - Lentils, Black beans, Pinto beans, Red beans, and other beans
Vegetables - Spinach, Asparagus, Broccoli, Green beans, etc.
You are allowed to eat as much of the above groups as you like, there is no portion control in this program.
Rule #3 - Don’t drink your calories
- Drink massive quantities of water (you can also drink unsweetened tea and coffee…with no more than 2tbsp of of cream). Do no drink milk (including soy milk), soft drinks (even diet), or fruit juice. *Tip - I put a bunch of tea bags into a pitcher of water and keep it in the fridge. You are allowed up to 2 glasses of red wine per night.
Rule #4 - Don’t eat fruit!
- The only exception to this are tomatoes and avocados. Fruit is loaded with fructose/sugar which pretty much equals fat storage
Rule #5 - Take one day off per week
- Your cheat day breakfast should still be a Slow-Carb Diet breakfast. The rest of the day you are allowed to eat any and as much junk as you like. The science behind allowing you to do this tells us that dramatically spiking caloric intake this way once per week increases fat-loss by ensuring that your metabolic rate doesn’t downshift from extended caloric restriction. Basically it keeps your metabolism on it’s toes, never allowing it to adapt, which would cause it to plateau (aka slow down). Keep your cheat day on the same day of the week during the program - I like to use Saturdays as my cheat day.
Rule #6 - No Dairy
- No cheese, milk, yogurt or any other dairy products
Rule #7 - Have a handful of nuts with each meal
- The good fats and the protein from the nuts will help promote fat loss and help sustain longer energy
Tip #1 - What should I eat for snacks?
- There should be no need, or real physical urge, to eat snacks. If you are hungry between meals, you’re not eating enough protein and legumes at each meal. This is an uber-common screwup. I’ve been there too. EAT MORE! If you must snack, snack on vegetables. Or just have another Slow-Carb meal. If you get headaches or have other symptoms of low blood sugar, 90% of the time it will be because you are not eating enough.
Tip #2 - Do I really have to binge one a week?
- Yes, it is important to spike caloric intake once per week. This causes a host of hormonal changes that improve fat-loss. In addition, everyone binges eventually on a diet, why not schedule it ahead of time to limit the damage? The psychological benefits outweigh even the hormonal and metabolic benefits…”you mean I’m allowed to have ice cream and cake and beer and pizza???”
Tip #3 - What about breakfast?
- Most of my breakfasts consist of eggs, lentils, and spinach. I get my lentils/beans straight from the can. I also add salsa to my eggs as well (salsa is a great way to increase taste in your meals)
Tip #4 - What if I eat out all the time?
- First thing, Mexican restaurants are perfect on this program, even Chipotle. Just get a meal with meat, beans, veggies, salsa and guacamole (yes guacamole is good!). Stay away from the tortilla, rice, cheese, sour cream and you’ll have a great Slow-Carb meal! As for other restaurants, order a piece of meat with a side of veggies. Try to get some beans as well, but if they don’t, substitute with a salad loaded with healthy veggies.
Tip #5 - I also add a serving of nuts/seeds with every meal as well. I got into this habit from last months challenge and have found greater sources of energy in doing this.
So, here’s a summary of the rules:
Rule #1 - Avoid ‘white’ carbs (or anything that can be white)
Rule #2 - Eat the same few meals over and over again
Rule #3 - Don’t drink calories
Rule #4 - Don’t eat fruit
Rule #5 - Take one day off per week and go nuts
Rule #6 - No dairy
Rule #7 - Eat a handful of nuts with each meal