Suzanne Somers FAQs (Page 2) Somersize

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CAN ARROWROOT BE USED AS A THICKENER INSTEAD OF CORNSTARCH? IF NOT, CAN YOU SUGGEST A THICKENER FOR GRAVIES? Arrowroot is a common name for a variety of starches obtained from roots of certain plants growing in tropical countries. Although it is the most easily digested starch, it is still a starch and is therefore not allowed on Level One. Look at the recipes in the Somersize books for naturally reduced sauces without any thickeners. They are delicious!
IS IT TRUE THAT CASHEWS ARE NOT NUTS? THEREFORE, HOW DO THEY FIT INTO SOMERSIZING?

Cashews are nuts, and therefore a Funky Food.
WHERE DO YOU FIND ARTICHOKE PASTA? I HAVE LOOKED ON THE WEB AND ALSO HEALTH FOOD STORES IN MY AREA, SAN DIEGO. The only thing I can recommend is to ask your health food store to special order it for you, and make sure it's a whole grain pasta.
I RECENTLY COOKED CELERY ROOT PUREE, WHICH MADE US EXTRAORDINARILY GASSY. IS THIS A NORMAL REACTION TO CELERY ROOT? IS IT LIKE COOKED CABBAGE? OR IS THERE A WAY TO PREPARE IT SO THAT IT PRODUCES LESS GAS?

Celery root, also known as celeriac, comes from the umbrel family. This family of aromatic plants includes celery, parsley, carrots and fennel. I have never heard of celery root giving one gas, but certainly if it makes you uncomfortable, avoid it. A tip to keep beans from giving you gas is to add a slice of ginger while you're cooking them. Maybe you should try this with your celery root.

I AM A BIG FAN OF YOURS AND KRYSTINE CROWELL. I KNOW THAT WHILE ON LEVEL ONE SUGAR SHOULD BE AVOIDED; BUT IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING (ALSO IN KRYSTINE'S BOOK) THAT FRUCTOSE IS A BETTER SUBSTITUTE THAN REGULAR SUGAR. IS IT POSSIBLE TO EAT A FEW OF HER DESSERTS ON LEVEL ONE? I'm not familiar with Krystine's desserts, so I don't know if they fit in with the Somersize program. Here is the Somersize position on fructose: Originally, we had it on the Funky Food list, but since then, we have found that certain types of fructose will not spike your insulin level. In fact, my new SomerSweet is a blend of fiber and fructose. I am busily working on bringing it to you. Make sure you are registered because I will be sending an announcement letting you know when it will be available to purchase on the website!
I KNOW I CAN HAVE SUGAR FREE ICE CREAM (WITH THE FAT IN). BUT IS IT A CARBO OR A PROTEIN/FAT? Ice cream of this type is a Pro/Fat.
I REALIZE BANANAS ARE A FUNKY FOOD, BUT ON LEVEL TWO CAN YOU HAVE MASHED BANANAS ON WHEAT TOAST FOR BREAKFAST? I WOULD GUESS THE IMBALANCE TO BE THE SAME AS FRUIT SWEETENED JAM. PLEASE ADVISE.

Because of their high starch content, bananas would create a somewhat greater imbalance than a bit of fruit sweetened jam. However, as you are on Level Two, give it a try and see how it affects you. If it's creating too great an imbalance, go back to Level One until your body has readjusted.
I DRINK A HOT BEVERAGE CALLED CARO (INGREDIENTS SOLUBLE SOLIDS OF ROASTED MALT BARLEY, BARLEY, CHICORY AND RYE) WHICH I HAVE HOT WITH SKIM MILK, WHICH I KNOW YOU TREAT AS A CARBO. SO IS IT OKAY TO DRINK? I WAS PUT ON TO IT AS A HEALTHY COFFEE SUBSTITUTE, AND IF ALLOWED, I PRESUME I SHOULD HAVE IT WITH CREAM AFTER A PRO/FATS MEAL? I can't tell from the ingredient list if these grains are whole grains or refined grains. If they are whole grains, you can have it with skim milk as a Carbo. You can not combine cream with this for a Pro/Fat because you would be combining Pro/Fats with Carbos.
WHERE DOES UDO'S CHOICE: ULTIMATE BLEND OIL FIT INTO THIS PROGRAM, OR DOESN'T IT? INGREDIENTS ARE LISTED AS: FLAX SEED OIL, SUNFLOWER OIL, SESAME OIL, MCT'S (FROM COCONUT OIL) EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, SOY LECITHIN, RICE BRAN AND RICE GERM OILS, OAT AND OAT GERM OILS, ROSEMARY EXTRACT, TOCOTRIENOL. Coconut oil is a Funky Food, and it looks as though one of the ingredients is made from that, but this oil sounds like a healthy blend, and should not give you any problems on Level One.
MY HUSBAND IS JAPANESE AND WE LOVE SUSHI-ESPECIALLY CALIFORNIA ROLLS. I KNOW I CANT EAT THE RICE WITH IT, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SEAWEED? IS THIS CLASSIFIED AS A VEGETABLE? AND IS IMITATION CRAB MEAT A PROTEIN? I LIKE TO EAT THE CRAB MEAT, THE SEAWEED AND MAYONNAISE TOGETHER AND ELIMINATE THE RICE. IS THIS OKAY? Seaweed is fine, it's a Veggie. Mayo, of course, is a Pro/Fat. Imitation crab is full of starches and sugar, and therefore a Funky Food.
I FOUND A SUGAR FREE AND CAFFEINE FREE AND FAT FREE COCOA POWDER IN THE HEALTH FOOD STORE IS IT OK? It sounds as if they've done the eliminating for you! It sounds fine, but check the label to make sure it isn't full of chemicals.
I RECENTLY MADE THE DECADENT WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE AND FOUND THE GANACHE VERY THIN. SINCE THERE ARE ONLY TWO INGREDIENTS IN THE GANACHE, WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM?

The ganache will be thin before it hardens. Place your cake on a cooking rack with something underneath to catch the extra ganache. Pour the ganache over the cake, letting the remainder drip down the sides. Then transfer the cake to a plate and refrigerate until the ganache sets, like the exterior of a chocolate candy. Additionally, make sure the white chocolate you're using is a high quality chocolate. Most white chocolates today are made from oil and sugar. If you can find a chocolate made from cocoa butter, that would be best. Also, you may try using a little less cream.
CAN YOU MARINATE YOUR MEAT WITH ORANGE JUICE OR ANY OTHER JUICE IN LEVEL ONE? You can marinate meat in lemon or lime juice, which are free foods. Orange juice is a little higher in sugar, therefore we don't recommend that you marinate meat in it.
YOU'VE MENTIONED MALTED BARLEY IS AN ACCEPTABLE INGREDIENT IN GRAPE NUTS CEREAL, WHAT ABOUT USING MALTED BARLEY EXTRACT AS A SUGAR SUBSTITUTE FOR MAKING HOMEMADE BREAD? The difference between malted barley and malted barley extract is that in the extract, the carbohydrates from the barley have already been converted into sugar. Malted barley extract is very high in sugar, and therefore a Funky Food.
I NEED TO KNOW IF TAYLOR HAM AND KEILBASA ARE ALLOWED? THEY BOTH LIST SUGAR IN THEIR INGREDIENTS. I can't find these products to check the ingredient list to determine how much sugar is in these products. Generally try to avoid sugar-coated hams, because they can be quite high in sugar. Many sausages have small amounts of sugar, and I have found that it has not been a problem to include them on Level One. Use your own body as a guide.
YOU SAY THAT BOTTLED CAESAR AND BLUE CHEESE DRESSINGS ARE GENERALLY SUGAR FREE, BUT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY. CAN YOU PLEASE RECOMMEND A PARTICULAR BRAND? ALSO, AFTER SEARCHING FOR BEST FOODS MAYONNAISE, I FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT BEST FOODS IS ONLY SOLD IN THE WEST. IN THE EAST, IT IS SOLD AS HELLMAN'S. (HELLMAN'S BLUE CHEESE DRESSING CONTAINS SUGAR).

If the dressings you are referring to contain trace amounts of sugar, they should not affect your progress. If the dressings you're finding contain a lot of sugar, look in the health foods aisle for sugar free dressings. There are many companies that sell sugar free dressings online, as well. If you have the time, try making some of the delicious sugar free salad dressings from my Somersize books.
I'M A BIT CONFUSED. IN GET SKINNY, ON PAGES 257 YOU HAVE LISTED SUGAR SNAP PEAS AND SNOW PEAS AS VEGETABLES. YET IN ONE OF THE FAQS YOU HAVE MENTIONED PEAS AS BEING CARBOS. WHERE DO SUMMER SWEET PEAS FIT IN? I assume that the summer sweet peas you are talking about are regular old peas. Peas are higher in Carbos than sugar snap peas or snow peas, and are treated as a Carbo. With sugar snap peas and snow peas, you also eat the pod, which is not high in sugar. That is why these are listed as Veggies.
ARE SWEETENERS LIKE BROWN RICE SYRUP AND BARLEY MALT ACCEPTABLE? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY CONSIDERED? These sweeteners contain a lot of sugar, and are therefore Funky Foods.
HOW ABOUT KING ARTHUR'S WHITE WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR?

This flour is made from hard white wheat. The product states that it is made from 100% of the wheat germ and bran, so it would be the same as whole wheat flour.
WOULD EATING A SMALL AMOUNT OF THE SUGARLESS CHEESE CAKE EVERY NIGHT FOR DESSERT (AFTER A PRO/FAT DINNER) SLOW DOWN MY WEIGHT LOSS? Sugarless Cheesecake is a Level One dessert, and should not slow down your weight loss, but I highly recommend that you limit your intake of artificial sweeteners. My SomerSweet is coming soon, and because it is 99.9% chemical free, then you will be able to have your cheesecake and eat it, too!
SHOULD YOU AVOID ALCOHOL ALTOGETHER IN LEVEL ONE?

Yes, alcohol is very high in sugar, and therefore a Funky Food. While you're cleaning out your system on Level One, you should avoid it completely.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING FAT FREE WHOLE WHEAT PRODUCTS. I FOUND SOME SPELT PRETZELS BUT THEY HAVE 1/2 G OF FAT FOR 18 PRETZELS. WOULD THAT BE TOO MUCH TO INCLUDE ONE LEVEL ONE? The trace amount of fat should not affect your weight loss. It's a very minor imbalance.
I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CREAM CHEESE. HOW DO I COMBINE THIS WITH OTHER FOODS? LEVEL ONE OR LEVEL TWO? Regular cream cheese is a Pro/Fat. There are nonfat cream cheeses, but many of them are filled with starches and chemicals to make up for the missing fat. Technically, nonfat cream cheese is a Carbo, but check the ingredient list for yucky stuff.
BESIDES FRUIT SMOOTHIES, ARE THERE ANY OTHER "SHAKE" RECIPES?

In my new book, "Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away," you'll find two new coffee flavored smoothies. Yum!
CAN REGULAR RICOTTA CHEESE BE USED WITH PROTEIN/FATS OR CAN WE ONLY USE NON-FAT, WHICH CAN ONLY BE USED WITH CARBS? Regular ricotta cheese has trace amounts of carbohydrates, but we have included it with our Pro/Fats group so as to not split hairs. You may eat regular ricotta cheese with Pro/Fats, or nonfat ricotta cheese with Carbos.
I'VE HAD A HARD TIME FINDING BACON OR SAUSAGE THAT DOESN'T CONTAIN SUGAR OR SOME TYPE OF CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, OR SUGAR-CURED. CAN YOU SUGGEST A FEW OBTAINABLE BRANDS? I TRAVEL A LOT, AND HOTEL BREAKFAST BUFFETS HAVE FLUFFY SCRAMBLED EGGS & FRIED BACON. I SUSPECT THAT THE EGGS HAVE MILK ADDED AND THE BACON MIGHT CONTAIN SUGAR. ANY SUGGESTIONS? The trace amounts of sugar in bacon and sausage shouldn't affect your weight loss. The small amount of milk possibly added to the scrambled eggs would create a very minor imbalance, so they should be fine.
CAN PERRIER TAKE THE PLACE OF MY WATER INTAKE OR CAN IT JUST BE USED AS AN ACCEPTABLE DRINK ALTERNATIVE IN ADDITION TO 8-10 GLASSES OF WATER PER DAY?

I wouldn't replace water completely with Perrier, but it's certainly an acceptable drink.
THERE IS AN ICE CREAM ON THE MARKET CALLED "CHAPMAN'S NO SUGAR" ICE CREAM. COMES IN VANILLA, CHOCOLATE AND BUTTERSCOTCH. PER 50 G SERVING: ENERGY 98 CAL, PROTEIN 1.4G, FAT 4.7G, CARBOHYDRATE 13G, SUGARS 4.5, MALTITOL 6.8G, SUCRALOSE 5.0G. A FRIEND OF MINE, WHO HAS BEEN SOMERSIZING FOR THE LAST YEAR, HAS LOST 70LBS. AND SWEARS BY THIS STUFF. I'M A BIT SKEPTICAL. YOUR THOUGHTS? This sounds like a great Level One dessert to be eaten occasionally.
Maltitol and Sucarlose are both artificial sweeteners, which should only be eaten in moderation. In my new book, EAT, CHEAT AND MELT THE FAT AWAY, you'll find my recipe for a new sugar-free, full-fat ice cream.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE OF US WHO "BROWN BAG" FOR BREAKFAST THAT CAN BE MADE AND REHEATED? I HAVE NO OPTIONS FOR COOKING AT WORK OTHER THAN A MICROWAVE, NOR ANYWHERE CLOSE TO MY OFFICE TO BUY A PROTEIN BREAKFAST AT THAT EARLY HOUR. I FIND THAT IF I HAVE A PRO/FAT BREAKFAST, I HAVE NO PROBLEM RESISTING THE BAGELS, DONUTS, MUFFINS AND OTHER SUGARY CARBS OTHERS BRING IN. BUT IF I START WITH FRUIT THEN CARBS, IT'S DOWNHILL ALL THE WAY. ANY MORE GREAT IDEAS FOR PROTEIN BREAKFASTS THAT I CAN "HEAT AND EAT"? I have several great recipes in all three Somersize books for omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs that could be easily reheated in a microwave. Frittatas can be made in advance and are delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for brown bagging!
I DON'T EAT ANY VEGETABLES, NOT EVEN SALAD. I'VE TRIED THEM BUT I JUST DO NOT LIKE THEM. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN STILL DO THIS DIET? When you're eating your Pro/Fats meals, it is important to include vegetables, because that's where you're getting your fiber. Also, vegetables provide a small amount of carbohydrate, which is necessary to keep your body balanced. Clearly, we would not recommend just eating meat, cheese, and eggs every day. That's not a healthy, balanced diet. If you absolutely refuse to eat any vegetables, please make sure you are dividing your meals between Pro/Fats and Carbos, and eat fruit in the morning.
I TAKE 1 TABLESPOON OF FLAXSEED OIL IN THE EVENING. I HAVE NOT LOST ANY WEIGHT AND HAVE BEEN ON THE PROGRAM FOR 3 WEEKS. DO YOU THINK THE FLAXSEED OIL IS KEEPING ME FROM LOSING WEIGHT?

First of all, good for you, flaxseed oil is an excellent supplement. I don't think the flaxseed oil is the problem. Please be patient and stick with it. Some people start dropping weight immediately, for others it may take a while. It took me two months to start losing weight, but believe me, the patience pays off. Once the fat begins to melt away, you will be amazed with the results. Hang in there!
YOU SAID COCONUTS ARE A FUNKY FOOD. WHAT ABOUT THE WATER INSIDE THE COCONUT AND THE COCONUT MILK YOU GET OUT OF SHREDDED COCONUT? The water/milk you speak of is also high in sugar, and therefore a Funky Food.
I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT ADDING A TRACE OF FAT TO A CARB MEAL. FOR EXAMPLE, I LIKE TO ADD ABOUT 1/3 CUP OF LOWFAT SOY MILK (1 GRAM OF FAT) TO MY WHOLE GRAIN OATMEAL. I IMAGINE 1 GRAM OF FAT IS OK, BUT HOW ABOUT 2 OR 3? IS THERE A CERTAIN POINT WHERE THE IMBALANCE BEGINS? If you're steadily losing weight Somersizing, this kind of minor imbalance probably won't upset your weight loss. Use your own body as a guide. The beauty of the program is that it's NOT a diet, we try not to split hairs and focus too much on what we can't eat. Again, if you're eating this and it's not causing a problem, don't worry about it. However, to stay within Level One guidelines, you should use nonfat soy milk on your oatmeal.
WHAT BRAND OF TURKEY SAUSAGE DO YOU USE? I get my turkey sausage from Whole Foods in Los Angeles.
THE ONLY KIND OF CREAM I CAN FIND IS EITHER TABLE CREAM OR LIGHT CREAM, AND IT ALSO HAS 1 CARBO PER SERVING. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE, OR IS 1 CARBO NORMAL AND OK?

Either table cream or light cream is fine. The 1 gram of carbohydrate is so minimal, it won't create an imbalance.
MAY I EAT REGULAR COTTAGE CHEESE WITH A PROTEIN/FAT MEAL? IS NONFAT COTTAGE CHEESE A CARB? Nonfat cottage cheese is a Carbo. Lowfat or whole milk cottage cheese is technically a Funky Food, as it contains both fat and carbs. However, if you're doing well on the plan, you may incorporate some whole milk cottage cheese with your Pro/Fats meals and see if it disrupts your weight loss.
WHAT IS PATTYPAN SQUASH AND WHERE WOULD I BE ABLE TO BUY THIS? Pattypan squash is in the summer squash family. It's green, round, and flattish with a scalloped edge. It looks a bit like a UFO! You should be able to find it in the produce section of most grocery stores.
YOU USE SEA SALT IN YOUR COOKING VIDEO. IS SEA SALT BETTER THAN REGULAR TABLE SALT? Yes, yes, yes! Please give it a try, it has a wonderful flavor!
WHAT BRAND OF SHERBET WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? THE ONES I HAVE CHECKED IN MY LOCAL GROCERY STORES ARE ALL MADE WITH SUGAR AS THE SECOND OR THIRD INGREDIENT. You actually want to look for sorbet that is sweetened only with fruit juice. Remember that concentrated fruit juice is still quite high in sugar, and therefore should only be eaten in moderation on Level One.
WHAT EFFECT DOES TAKING METABOLIFE HAVE ON SOMERSIZING? IT CONTAINS CHROMIUM PICOLINATE AMONG OTHER THINGS I don't know the specifics of this product, so I would recommend that you try Somersizing without it. See what your results are. Sometimes diet pills can wreak havoc on your metabolism, so see if you can retrain your metabolism in a natural way with Somersizing.
ARE OYSTERS ALLOWED? HOW ABOUT FRIED OYSTERS?

Oysters are fine, they come under the Pro/Fat category. If you're frying them, just make sure they aren't dredged in flour or bread crumbs first.
IS IT OKAY TO DRINK RED WINE THAT HAS NO CARBS ON LEVEL ONE? Technically, we eliminate all alcohol on Level One. However, if you're going to create an imbalance with alcohol, red wine is your best choice. If you find that incorporating a little red wine on Level One doesn't affect your progress, enjoy in moderation!
I KNOW YOU SAID WE COULD HAVE FAT-FREE COTTAGE CHEESE ON WHOLE WHEAT BREAD, BUT CAN WE ALSO HAVE FAT-FREE MOZZARELLA CHEESE? OR ANY OTHER FAT-FREE CHEESE WITH WHOLE WHEAT BREAD? Yes, technically you can have any kind of fat free cheese with a Carbo meal, such as whole wheat bread. However, please check the label. Many times the fat that is removed from cheese is replaced with all kinds of chemicals and fillers, so watch those labels!
I FOUND SOMETHING IN THE HEALTH STORE CALLED TARO ROOT CHIPS. THEY ARE FRIED AND SEEM TO RESEMBLE POTATO CHIPS. ARE THEY ALLOWED? Taro is a very starchy root that is grown in Hawaii. Unfortunately, the high starch content makes it a Funky Food that is not allowed on Level One.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MUCH CHEESE I CAN EAT IN A DAY? No.
IS IT OKAY TO USE PORK RINDS TO COAT CHICKEN AND FRY IT?

Pork rinds and chicken are both Pro/Fats, so it is allowed.
CAN YOU GIVE ME INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE TO FIND PAVEL'S YOGURT? The yogurt is sold pretty much only in California at Whole Foods, with the exception of parts of Arizona and New Mexico. In Northern California, they sell the yogurt at Safeway. There is no mail order because it is too small a quantity and it also shakes up the yogurt. They are currently working on selling it in Dallas and Chicago.
I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN FINDING WHOLE WHEAT WONTONS AND WHOLE WHEAT LASAGNA NOODLES OR SPINACH LASAGNA NOODLES. EACH STORE I HAVE CALLED INCLUDES SOME WHITE FLOUR WITH SPINACH FLOUR OR THEY DO NOT CARRY WHOLE WHEAT AT ALL. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND A PLACE WHERE I MIGHT BE ABLE TO LOCATE AND PURCHASE THESE ITEMS. Try your local health food store. If they don't carry these items, ask if they can special order them for you.
IS FLAXSEED OIL OKAY TO TAKE? HOW ABOUT FLAXSEED GRANULES? WHEY (IN THE POWDERED FORM WITH NO SUGAR ADDED?)

Flaxseed oil is okay to take, and very good for you. I highly recommend it. Treat it as a Pro/Fat. I'm not familiar with the effects of flaxseed granules or whey on metabolism. Please read the label.
I FOUND A RECIPE FOR "FAKE" PANCAKES. IT CONSISTS OF EGG, RICOTTA, VANILLA EXTRACT, NUTMEG, AND CINNAMON, FRIED IN A PAN USING BUTTER AND SERVED WITH SUGAR FREE SYRUP. IS THIS RECOGNIZED AS A PRO/FAT? IS IT OK TO USE THE REGULAR RICOTTA (INSTEAD OF FAT FREE RICOTTA...I THOUGHT THAT WOULD MAKE IT A CARB)? I FOUND SUGAR FREE SYRUP AT THE GROCERY STORE, AND IT CONTAINS SUCRALOSE. IS THIS OK TO HAVE WITH THE FAKE PANCAKES? I would use whole milk ricotta, since this meal is already a Pro/Fat because of the egg. Sucralose is a chemical sweetener, so please use the sugar free syrup sparingly. This meal will cause a minor imbalance, so eat it in moderation if you're on Level One.
IS COUSCOUS ALLOWED ON LEVEL ONE?

Yes, it's a Carbo.
CAN I HAVE VELVEETA CHEESE ON LEVEL ONE? Velveeta is an American cheese, and as such we haven't technically ruled it out. However, it does contain enough chemicals to sit on a shelf unrefrigerated! Just remember that the closer you stay to whole, unprocessed foods, the better.
WILL I GAIN WEIGHT IF I EAT MORE CARBS AND VEGGIES THAN PRO/FATS, OR WILL I JUST NOT LOSE AS FAST? Everyone is different, so there are no hard and fast rules on this. You will still lose weight if you're eating mostly Carbos and Veggies, but my concern would be that you're not getting enough protein and dietary fat. Just make sure that you snack on an egg or some cheese now and then.
I AM YOUNG SO I OFTEN GO OUT WITH MY FRIENDS DRINKING. I KNOW YOU CANNOT SUPPORT ALCOHOL, BUT IF IT WAS A MUST, WHICH COMBO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT BE MIXED WITH? CARBS AND NO FAT? You're right, I can't support alcohol. And as you know, alcohol is not allowed on Level One. I always say that if you do want to create an imbalance with alcohol, red wine is your best bet. As far as your meal is concerned, you should be careful about portion size. You cannot eat unlimited portions if you are creating an imbalance. Your alcohol intake will spike your insulin, so your meal is in danger of getting stored as fat. Here's an idea - club soda with lime!
I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT ORDERING COFFEE DRINKS FROM PLACES SUCH AS STARBUCKS. BESIDES GETTING A DECAF COFFEE, WOULD IT BE SAFE TO ORDER A DRINK THAT IS DECAFFEINATED, SUGAR FREE, THAT USES FAT-FREE MILK? OR DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR GOOD DRINKS? ARE THERE ANY RULES THAT APPLY WITH WHEN TO DRINK IT? FOR EXAMPLE, DO I HAVE TO DRINK IT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME AFTER ONE MEAL OR BEFORE A MEAL OR DOES IT MATTER?

A decaf, sugar free, fat free drink is fine. I love decaf herbal tea and decaf nonfat cappuccinos! When you drink coffee with nonfat milk, that is a Carbo and should be considered the same as a member of the Carbo food group. If you drink decaf coffee with cream, that is a Pro/Fat and should be treated like a Pro/Fat food.
I AM CONFUSED ON ORANGE JUICE IN THE MORNING. CAN I HAVE IT OR NOT? IF I CAN HAVE IT, CAN I DRINK IT WITH MY MEAL OR DO I HAVE TO WAIT AND DRINK IT AFTER MY MEAL? We treat orange juice as a fruit, although we recommend you drink it in moderation. Most of the fiber from the fruit has been removed, and the more fiber you have with fruit, the less your insulin level will respond to the sugars naturally occurring in fruit. So it's always best to eat whole fruits. If you do drink orange juice, do so on an empty stomach, or with a Fruit meal. If you're having a Carbo breakfast, wait twenty minutes after your juice to eat. If you're having a Pro/Fats breakfast, wait one hour after your juice to eat.
WHAT ABOUT THE POPSICLE RULE? WHAT KIND IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE?

You want to look for all fruit juice sweetened Popsicles. You can have sugar free Popsicles, but I don't recommend it because of the health hazards associated with artificial sweeteners.
CAN I HAVE ICED TEA? Yes, but it should be decaffeinated.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN'T EAT DINNER UNTIL 8 PM? The rules don't change based on what time you eat.
ARE HEAVY CREAM AND LIGHT CREAM BOTH CONSIDERED PRO/FATS?

Yes.
I NOTICED THAT ON THE LABEL OF HALF AND HALF IT DOES STATE MILK AND CREAM AS INGREDIENTS (THUS WE WOULD ASSUME CARBOS IN THE MILK); HOWEVER, ON THE LABEL IT ALSO STATES 0 CARBOS. WHICH IS IT? CAN I USE HALF AND HALF AND BE SAFE NOT TO SPIKE INSULIN? CREAM IN THE GROCERY STORE WITHOUT SUGAR IS HARD TO FIND AND IT IS SO THICK. Technically half and half is a combination of cream and milk. Since milk has carbohydrates and cream has fat they should not be eaten together. However, if you can only find cream with added sugars, certainly half and half would be a better choice. If you are steadily losing weight, you should be able to incorporate a small amount of it without a problem. I would not substitute large amounts of cream for half and half because then those carbs may start adding up. Hunt for pure cream. It is curious that no carbohydrates were listed on the nutritional panel of the half and half.
Perhaps because the serving size was very small.
IS IT SAFE TO HAVE LATTES IN THE AFTERNOON THREE HOURS AFTER A PRO/FATS OR CARBS MEAL IF IT IS DECAF, NO SUGAR, AND SKIM MILK? Yes. It is a Carbo because of the skim milk.
WHEN USING MOZZARELLA AND PARMESAN CHEESE, IS IT OKAY IF THE INGREDIENTS SAY PART-SKIM MILK? Yes. It's such a minor imbalance, it won't affect your weight loss.
SOMERSIZING GETS MY MONTHLY CYCLE OUT OF WHACK. WHY? If your monthly cycle is out of whack, you should check with your doctor. There are several factors that could be affecting your cycle.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN DO TO "JUMP-START" MY WEIGHT LOSS ONCE I HAVE HIT A PLATEAU?

The only thing I can recommend is that you stick with the program. We all hit plateaus, and going off the program is just going to make it worse. Know that you're on the right track, and keep it up!
HAVE YOU HEARD OF A PRODUCT CALLED BIOSLIFE 2, WHICH IS MANUFACTURED BY REXALL? IT'S A FIBER/VITAMIN POWDER WITH CHROMIUM PICOLINATE. YOU MIX IT WITH WATER BEFORE MEALS AND IT GIVES YOU A FULLER FEELING BESIDES BEING LOADED WITH FIBER AND VITAMINS. WOULD THIS BE A GOOD ADDITION TO YOUR DIET? DO YOU RECOMMEND ADDED FIBER AND THE CHROMIUM PICOLINATE TO HELP WITH WEIGHT CONTROL? I don't know enough about this product to recommend it. I don't know if it contains carbohydrates, or how it might affect eating the Somersize way.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND A GOOD FAT-FREE PASTA SAUCE TO USE WITH CARBO MEALS? The fat-free pasta sauce recipes in my books are quick, easy, and delicious, so you might want to give those a try. If you're looking for a canned sauce, a Somersizer told us about a fat free, sugar free pasta sauce called Millina's Finest. Not all of the varieties fit this category (as usual, read the label). One we know is okay is the Organic Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. It was found at Whole Foods in Los Angeles.
IS IT OKAY TO SQUEEZE FRESH LEMON OR LIME INTO WATER? Yes, lemons and limes are very low in sugar, so they are categorized as free foods.
IS LIVERWURST OR BRAUNSCHWEIGER ALLOWED? No. Liverwurst and braunschweiger are both made from liver, which is a Funky Food.
I BOUGHT SOME SHREDDED CHEESE AND THE INGREDIENTS SAY PART SKIM MILK. DOES THAT MAKE IT FUNKY? IT ALSO HAS AT THE END OF THE INGREDIENTS LIST POTATO STARCH TO PREVENT CAKING. IS THIS OKAY? As you can see, the more processed your food gets, the more additives you wind up with. I doubt that the imbalance from eating this food would be very great, but if you have time, it's certainly better (and tastes better!) to shred your own cheese.
I NEED TO DRINK A WHEY PROTEIN DRINK IN THE MORNING (HAS NO SUGAR). IF I COMBINE THIS WITH SOY MILK, WILL THAT BE OKAY? IF NOT, CAN YOU MAKE SOME SUGGESTIONS? WITH THIS PROTEIN DRINK CAN I STILL HAVE A CARB BREAKFAST, OR IS IT LIKE EATING A PROTEIN BREAKFAST SO I MUST STICK WITH PROTEIN?

I'm sure that your whey protein drink, even though it has no sugar, is pretty high in carbohydrates. Check the label. If it is a carbo, treat it as a Carbo meal, which means using nonfat soy milk. If you want to eat a breakfast in addition to this protein drink, make it a Carbo breakfast.
I'M CRAVING A BEER! IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENJOY AN ALCOHOL-FREE BEER? ALSO, I CAN'T FIND A REFERENCE TO CAPERS, WHICH I LOVE WITH MY BEER! ARE CAPERS A GOODIE OR A BADDIE? First, the capers. They are a "goodie!" They're considered a vegetable. An alcohol free beer will cause an imbalance, but it wouldn't be as much as a beer with alcohol. If you'd like to treat yourself to an alcohol free beer, you will be creating an imbalance. The lack of alcohol doesn't make it a free food, and should be used in moderation. Me? I'll take ice cream over an alcohol free beer if I'm going to cheat!
I AM A VEGETARIAN. I GET MY PROTEIN FROM TOFU AND FISH. HOW SHOULD I TREAT TOFU CHEESE? Tofu cheese should be treated as a pro/fat. It does contain some carbohydrates, but we make exceptions for vegetarians.
WILL MY DRINKING CAFFEINATED COFFEE SLOW DOWN MY WEIGHT LOSS? Quite possibly, yes. Caffeine causes a spike in your insulin level, and as you know, insulin is the deciding factor on whether your food is used for energy or stored as fat. Weaning yourself off of caffeine is difficult for the first couple of weeks. I know, I used to be ADDICTED to the stuff! I had headaches for the first few days, but now I don't even crave it anymore. Try treating yourself to a quality decaf coffee to help you get through the process. If you must incorporate caffeine on level one, it's best to drink it alone. That way, when your insulin rises, you won't have a meal in your stomach in jeopardy of being stored as fat.
THERE IS A NEW PRODUCT OUT CALLED "CARB SOLUTIONS." THERE ARE CANDY BARS, POWDER (FOR SHAKES) AND VITAMINS. I HAVE BEEN EATING THE CANDY BARS FOR A PROTEIN SNACK IN BETWEEN LUNCH AND DINNER. THERE ARE A LOT OF INGREDIENTS THAT SOUND MORE LIKE "CHEMICALS" IN THESE BARS, BUT THEY SEEM TO HELP SATISFY MY CRAVINGS FOR SWEETS (THERE ARE 2 GRAMS OF CARBS AND 0 GRAMS OF SUGAR PER BAR). ARE THESE ALL RIGHT TO EAT? You're right, there are a LOT of chemicals in these bars! I would recommend using actual food for a protein snack (cheese, eggs, etc.), and if you are really craving sweets, try my sugar free desserts in my Somersize books.
I HAVE BEEN BUYING SLICED FARMER'S CHEESE, WHICH IS A FORM OF YOGURT CHEESE. IS THIS OKAY FOR SOMERSIZING (LEVEL ONE)?

The rules are the same as the rules for yogurt. If it's nonfat farmer's cheese, it would be a Carbo. If it's low fat or whole milk farmer's cheese, it would be a Funky Food, as it contains both Carbos and Pro/Fats.
IS IT OKAY TO USE CINNAMON? Absolutely! Spices and herbs are free foods.
I HAVE BEEN USING MOLLY MCBUTTER FOR YEARS AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR BUTTER AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT FITS INTO YOUR PROGRAM; AND IF SO, WOULD YOU CONSIDER IT A CARB? MOLLY MCBUTTER IS GREAT ON VEGGIES. Substitutes for butter are generally filled with chemicals, so I would suggest that you put the substitutes aside and use real butter.
HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT PENTABASOL, A SUPPLEMENT THE DOCTORS WHO WROTE "PROTEIN POWER" ARE SELLING ON AN INFOMERCIAL? THE CLAIM IS THAT THIS PENTABASOL WILL DOUBLE YOUR RESULTS WITHOUT HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS WHILE YOU DO A LOW CARB/HIGH PROTEIN WAY OF EATING. IT IS ADVOCATED TO ALSO HELP IF YOU'VE HIT A PLATEAU. IF YOU HAVE HEARD OF THIS STUFF, DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION YOU COULD SHARE?

I don't know enough about this product to give an opinion.
I HEARD THAT IF YOU EAT BROWN RICE WITH BLACK BEANS IT IS CONSIDERED A PROTEIN, AND THEREFORE, YOU CAN ADD OTHER MEATS OR CHEESES TO CREATE A HEARTY MEAL. IS THIS TRUE, AND IS IT OK FOR LEVEL ONE MEALS? Brown rice, black beans, and vegetables would be okay on Level One. Adding meat or cheese to this meal would also add fat and protein, which is not okay on Level One.
CAN I HAVE TAPIOCA PUDDING IF I USE CREAM INSTEAD OF MILK AND EQUAL INSTEAD OF SUGAR? I'M STILL ON LEVEL ONE.

Tapioca is very high in starch, and therefore a Funky Food.
IS HOMINY ALLOWED ON LEVEL ONE AND WOULD IT BE A VEGETABLE OR A CARBO? Hominy is a type of corn, and therefore a Funky Food.
ARE PLANTAINS ALLOWED, AND IF SO, ARE THEY A FRUIT OR A VEGGIE? Plantains are a type of banana, so they are full of sugar, and therefore a Funky Food.
IS GELATIN A PROTEIN OR A CARB? Plain gelatin is a Free Food, so you can have it with anything. You may also enjoy sugar-free gelatin, but remember that this is made with chemical sweeteners that could be harmful to your health.
CAN I HAVE CANNED OR JARRED GRAVY IF IT SAYS IT IS 98% FAT FREE?

As always, check the ingredients, but I doubt it. Gravy almost always contains white flour or cornstarch, both of which are Funky Foods. In this case, there have probably been even more starches added to make up for the fat being removed.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO YOU RECOMMEND DAILY? Although you don't have to exercise to lose weight when you Somersize, I highly recommend exercise three times a week for at least twenty minutes. It doesn't have to be strenuous, just something that gets your heart moving. As I always say, be FIT, not fanatic! The benefits of regular exercise are so great - not just for weight loss, but to live a longer, healthier life. Check out my fitness section for some great equipment that will help you exercise the fast and easy way!
IS POPCORN ALLOWED WITH A CARBO MEAL? Popcorn is a Funky Food, and is therefore not allowed on Level One. If you'd like to have it on Level Two as a treat, it's best to eat it alone.
CAN CANNED SOUPS BE EATEN ON THE SOMERSIZE PLAN? Canned soups can be eaten if all of the ingredients fall into either the Pro/Fats and Veggies category or the Carbos and Veggies category. It's rare to find a canned soup that falls strictly into one of those categories, so, again, check those labels!
CAN YOU EAT SOUR CREAM WITH YOUR PROTEINS AND FATS? Yes, sour cream is a Pro/Fat.
SOMETIMES WHEN I CHECK THE NUTRITION FACTS ON PRO/FATS FOODS, THERE ARE SOME CARBS. IS IT OK TO EAT THESE FOODS, OR SHOULD I STAY AWAY FROM THEM?

If everything on the ingredient list falls under the Pro/Fats or Veggies category, you don't need to worry about the carbohydrate grams listed on the nutritional panel. There usually are some carbohydrates in proteins, fats and vegetables, and you'll also find some protein in foods from the Carbo group, so keep an eye on the ingredient list, not the nutritional panel.
I AM A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT STARTING LEVEL 2 WHEN THE TIME COMES. I AM CONCERNED THAT WHEN I START CREATING IMBALANCES, THE CRAVINGS WILL RETURN. IS THIS A POSSIBILITY? When you start Level Two, it's wise to start out slowly. You're absolutely right, if you jump into imbalances that your body can't handle, the cravings will return, and you'll find yourself in a downward spiral that will have you craving more and more sugar. The good news is, now that you've attained your goal weight, the sugar has been cleansed from your cells, allowing you to create some minor imbalances without throwing your body into a tizzy. So start slowly, pay attention to your body, and enjoy the treats (in moderation!) that Level Two brings. You've earned it!
I WEIGH 450 LBS. I'M 5' 9", SO I'M A REALLY FAT PERSON. I CAN EAT 3 WHOPPERS, LARGE FRIES AND A LARGE COKE AND A LARGE MILK SHAKE AT ONE SITTING, SO YOU KNOW I'M A BIG EATER. ALTHOUGH I DON'T THINK I EAT AS MUCH ON YOUR DIET, IS IT REALLY TRUE THAT PORTION SIZES DON'T MATTER, EVEN IF YOU ARE A BIG, BIG EATER? We always say in Somersizing that you can eat as much as you want, but most people eat less food to get full. However, the fact that you'll be eating foods that won't cause your insulin levels to spike is going to create a great improvement for you. Please try it and see if it works for you. Best of luck, and let me know how it goes!
IF I EAT A SMALL SNACK OR TREAT (ON LEVEL 2), DO I STILL HAVE TO WAIT 3 HOURS BEFORE EATING A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MEAL? IF I EAT A COUPLE SQUARES OF DARK CHOCOLATE, DO I WAIT THREE HOURS TO EAT A PRO/FATS DINNER? OR IF I HAVE ICE CREAM (LEVEL 2), DO I HAVE TO WAIT 3 HOURS AFTER A PRO/FATS DINNER? In Level Two, we loosen the reins a bit, so you can ease up on the amount of time between switching to a different type of meal. Just know that you're creating a minor imbalance by changing from one type to another without waiting the full three hours, and keep it in check.
I HAVE BEEN ON YOUR DIET FOR 2 WEEKS AND AM CAFFEINE FREE. I AM EATING MORE CHEESE THAN I HAVE FOR QUITE A WHILE. I AM CONSTIPATED ALL THE TIME. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS? I EAT A FRUIT SMOOTHIE AND THIS JUST DOES NOT SEEM ENOUGH. It takes a while for your body to adjust to not having caffeine. Make sure you're eating plenty of vegetables with your Pro/Fats meals, as veggies contain lots of natural fiber to keep your system running smoothly. Fruit is also full of fiber, so a fruit smoothie is a great idea. Consider adding a whole grain cereal in the morning, such as Grape Nuts or All Bran. (All Bran does list a small amount of sugar in the ingredients, but it's so minor, it shouldn't be a problem.)
YOU SAY TABOULEH IS A CARBO, BUT THE DRESSING INCLUDES OLIVE OIL. IS IT ONLY ALLOWED ON LEVEL 2?

You're right. Cracked bulgar wheat is a Carbo which is fine for Level One with Veggies and no fat. Tabouleh is a salad made of the bulgar wheat, mint, parsley, tomato, cucumber, green onions and olive oil. It's fine for Level Two. Remove the olive oil, and you can eat it on Level One.
CAN I ADD BUTTER TO BROWN RICE AND TO BROCCOLI? You can't add butter to brown rice on Level One, as brown rice is a Carbo, and may not be eaten with Pro/Fats (butter). You may add butter to broccoli and eat it alone or with a Pro/Fats meal. If you want to eat butter AND brown rice AND broccoli, you may do so only on Level Two.
I KNOW THAT SOME OF THE OVER-THE-COUNTER IBUPROFEN TABLETS I TAKE (ADVIL) ARE COATED WITH A SWEET CANDY-LIKE COATING. WILL THIS HAVE A NEGATIVE AFFECT ON MY SOMERSIZE RESULTS? The minimal amount of candy-like coating on Advil should not have an affect on your results.
AT WHAT POINT CAN I INTRODUCE SOME LEVEL TWO DESSERTS? I HAVE NOT REACHED MY GOAL WEIGHT, BUT AM REALLY FEELING DEPRIVED OF SOME SORT OF SWEETS. If you are steadily losing weight on Level One and would love some type of a sweet, check out some of my delicious desserts that are low in Carbos. You could certainly have some of my sugarless cheesecake, or a decaf coffee granita on Level One. Another idea might be to get some premium vanilla ice cream (heavy on the cream, full fat), and have that after a Pro/Fats meal. In my new book that's coming out in April, "Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away," I'll give you some tips on how to cheat on Level One without disturbing your weight loss. Plus, you can look forward to my new sweetener, SomerSweet, which will also allow you to eat sweets on Level One without disrupting your weight loss at all.
WHERE CAN I FIND DECAF CAPPUCCINO? IS IT CONSIDERED A CARBO OR PRO/FAT?

A cappuccino is made from espresso and steamed milk/frothy, foamed milk. To make it Somersized, it would be a Carbo made with decaf espresso and nonfat milk. I get mine at Starbucks, but you should be able to find one at any local coffee house.
DOES SOMERSIZING WORK IF I AM ON BIRTH CONTROL PILLS? Any medication that you are taking could have an effect on your hormonal balance; and as you know, Somersizing is all about balancing your hormones. However, I have not heard of anyone having a problem Somersizing while taking birth control pills.
WHAT CAN I SNACK ON BETWEEN A CARBO MEAL AND A PRO/FAT MEAL SO I DON'T GET SUCH AN EMPTY BLOATED STOMACH? Two to three hours after your Carbo meal, you could snack on a hard-boiled egg, a piece of cheese, or maybe some fruit. Of course, veggies and dip are always a great snack!
IS SUSHI OK TO EAT ON LEVEL ONE? I COMMONLY HAVE THE CALIFORNIA ROLL... BUT THERE IS A VEGETARIAN ROLL WITH JUST CUCUMBER, WHITE RICE, AND SEAWEED. IS THIS OK? HOW ABOUT THE WASABI (HORSERADISH PASTE) AND LIGHT SOYA SAUCE? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO JAPANESE FOOD IF THESE ARE NOT ALLOWED?

As you know, white rice is a Funky Food, since it spikes your insulin level, and is therefore not allowed on Level One. The cucumber, seaweed, wasabi and soy sauce are all fine. You may want to try sashimi, which is sushi without the rice. You could also have buckwheat noodles with steamed vegetables and soy sauce. Or have chicken or steak grilled with oil and soy sauce with some vegetables. Steer clear of teriyaki sauce, as it's full of sugar.
IT SEEMS I CAN'T GET BETAFOOD UNLESS I GET IT FROM A DOCTOR. IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE TO HELP WITH SUGAR CRAVINGS? Actually, I'm working on bringing you a supplement to help alleviate your sugar cravings. Check back on the website often!
IS IT OKAY TO HAVE MALT-O-MEAL FOR BREAKFAST? Malt-o-Meal is made from the "farina" of the wheat, meaning that the wheat bran and the wheat germ have been milled out of the grain. This is not a whole grain, so I'm afraid Malt-o-Meal is a Funky Food. If you want to eat it on Level Two, I would do so with nonfat milk, as it is a Carbo.
I HAVE FOUND A TERRIFIC TASTING PASTA MADE BY EDEN FOODS, INC., BUT I'M NOT SURE IT'S LEGAL. THE INGREDIENTS ARE: ORGANIC DURUM WHEAT, RED BELL PEPPER, PAPRIKA, SAFFRON, GARLIC, CLOVES, PEPPER. Durum is the hard interior of a kernel of wheat. Durum flour, therefore, is not a whole grain flour. Any pasta you use must say "whole wheat," so I'm afraid this one is not, as you say, legal!
ARE PORK RINDS ALLOWED? IF NOT, CAN YOU SUGGEST A SUBSTITUTE? Believe it or not, yes they are! Some pork rinds contain a lot of preservatives, so be on the lookout for a lot of chemicals. Beyond that, treat them as a Pro/Fat.
CAN YOU SUGGEST SOME SNACKS THAT DO NOT HAVE TO BE REFRIGERATED LIKE CHEESE DOES?

There are individually wrapped cheeses that are ok out of the refrigerator for quite some time. Hard-boiled eggs are OK for a couple of hours without refrigeration. If you're snacking on an empty stomach, fruit is great. Veggies, again, are an excellent snack option. If you're looking for a Carbo snack, try whole-wheat pretzels with no fat.
I WAS WONDERING ABOUT A SOY BEAN CALLED EDAMAME. ARE THESE ALLOWED WHILE SOMERSIZING? Edamame are wonderful snacks, full of nutrition, protein and healthy fats. Unfortunately they also contain more carbohydrate than the low starch vegetables in our Veggies group. Therefore, technically, you must save them for Level Two. However, they only cause a small imbalance so if you are losing steadily on Level One you could try to incorporate them and see if your body reacts.
ARE YAMS OKAY FOR LEVEL TWO? Yams are pretty high in starch… similar to a potato and should be treated as such. Anything is okay in Level Two, but only in moderation. As for yams, reserve them for your treat if you really like them. You will diminish the effect of any high starch food by eating it with plenty of fiber, like a big green salad.
CAN I EAT TUNA FISH WITH WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR BREAD ON LEVEL ONE? No. Tuna is a protein and whole wheat bread is a carbo. We do not mix pro/fats and carbos. This combo is acceptable in Level Two.
IS GREEN TEA ALLOWED? Yes, as long as it's decaffeinated.
I KNOW I CAN HAVE TOMATO JUICE, BUT IS IT A CARBO OR PRO/FATS?

Tomato Juice would be considered a vegetable; and, therefore, you can have it with either.
I LIVE IN ALASKA AND AM FINDING IT HARD TO FIND REAL SUGAR-FREE FOODS. ALMOST EVERYTHING IN THE SUPERMARKET CONTAINS SOME KIND OF SUGAR. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SHOP FOR THE RIGHT FOODS? I ENJOY DRINKING WARM DRINKS, BUT I KNOW HOT COCOA AND FLAVORED COFFEES ARE A NO-NO. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? The best way to shop for the right kinds of foods is to shop for “real foods” in their natural state. It sounds like you’re still weaning off the sugar, which can be a difficult process. Stick with it! As your body starts unloading the stored sugar built up in your cells, you will lose your craving for sugar. As for warm drinks, decaf coffee with whipped cream (with a Pro/Fats meal) or decaf coffee with nonfat milk (for a Carbo meal). You may add artificial sweetener, if you like. If you’re going to cheat a little on Level One, you could add some unsweetened cocoa powder to your decaf coffee with cream and artificial sweetener. It’s a minor imbalance (because of the small amount of caffeine in the cocoa), so don’t drink it all the time.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT TO HAVE YOUR DESSERTS AFTER A PROTEIN/FATS MEAL OR A CARBOS MEAL? If you are having a dessert made with mostly Pro/Fats, like sugarless cheesecake, you may eat it right after a Pro/Fats meal. If you are having a couple of squares of dark chocolate, the best time to eat that is all by itself, in the middle of the afternoon. If you are having a fruit based dessert, like fruit sorbet, you should wait 2 hours after your last meal. Of course, all of these guidelines loosen up as you enter Level Two, or get close to entering Level Two.
MY MOTHER RECENTLY MADE A POT OF HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP. SHE MAKES HER SOUP WITH FRESH CUT POTATOES. IS IT OK TO EAT THE SOUP IF I PICK OUT THE POTATOES, OR DOES IT STILL AFFECT THE CARBS IN THE SOUP? The best cooks know that adding potato to your broth makes it nice and rich. Unfortunately, the starch that cooks into the soup from the potatoes is technically going to spike your insulin. If you were to follow the Level One guidelines to the letter, you could not eat the soup. However, as we always say, experiment with your own body and see if eating this soup affects your weight loss. If you are steadily losing weight, you may be able to incorporate this soup, in moderation, without a problem.
I AM CONFUSED ABOUT EATING PROTEINS. CAN I EAT PROTEINS, LIKE CHICKEN FOR EXAMPLE, ON WHOLE GRAIN BREAD WITH MUSTARD WITH VEGETABLES, NOT EATING ANY FAT AT THIS SITTING? OR EAT GRILLED CHICKEN WITH NO ADDED FAT TO ANYTHING, WITH A WHOLE GRAIN PITA OR TORTILLA WITH VEGETABLE SALSA? I think you need to go back and refresh yourself with the basics of the program. There are four Somersize groups. Pro/Fats, like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and cheese. Veggies, like broccoli, asparagus and zucchini. Carbos, like whole grains pasta, bread and brown rice. And Fruit, like apples and oranges. At every meal you may choose to eat Pro/Fats with Veggies or Carbos with Veggies, or Fruit alone. Therefore, you may not eat chicken with bread. Chicken is a Pro/Fat and whole grain bread is a Carbo. The same goes for the chicken with Pita. You may eat fat with your protein, but not Carbos. In Level Two you may eat Pro/Fats with whole grain bread.
WOULD RALTSON BE OKAY FOR BREAKFAST? THE INGREDIENTS ARE 100% MILLED WHEAT. I am not familiar with this product. It sounds like it’s okay from the label, unless they have refined the heck out of the wheat. Remember, white flour comes from wheat. Does it look like a whole grain product or a white flour product?
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