Suzanne Somers FAQs (Page 4) Somersize

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE  STARTING THIS
OR ANY OTHER EATING OR EXERCISE PLAN
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THE BOOK DOESN’T LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CARBOS I CAN HAVE IN THE MORNING.  IS THAT POSSIBLE? Yes, as long as you follow the Somersize combinations; however, use your common sense.  Most people find that they lose weight faster if they limit their carbohydrates.
CAN I HAVE TOFU?

Tofu has protein, fat and carbs, so it is a Funky Food…technically.  However, there are many people who use it in pro/fats meals with oil, cheese and veggies or in Carbo meals with veggies and they have no problem.  It is a very minor imbalance.  If you are doing well on Level One, you should not have a problem adding Tofu. 

I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY WHOLE WHEAT PASTA, CEREAL OR BREAD THAT DOES NOT HAVE SOME FAT.  EVEN GRAPE NUTS HAS 1/5 GRAM OF FAT. Don’t worry about the fat content listed per serving.  Look at the ingredient list and make sure there is no “added fat.”  Many grains have minimal amounts of fat that will not create a problem.  Grape Nuts are perfect for Somersizing.  As for bread, let your own body guide you.  If it is not absolutely free of fat and sugar, limit your intake to reduce the effect.
WHERE CAN I FIND BETAFOOD? Betafood is made by Standard Process Inc.  Palmyra, Wi. 53156.  Hope this helps you.
I HAVE FOUND THAT ALMOST ALL THE WHOLE WHEAT BREADS HAVE MOLASSES OR HONEY IN THEM.  IS THERE A CERTAIN BRAND YOU RECOMMEND?  WILL THE AMOUNTS OF MOLASSES AND HONEY IN THESE BREADS THROW ME OFF TRACK?  Unfortunately, most whole wheat breads in standard grocery stores have sugar of some form or another. If you have a bakery in your city, ask them for a multi-grain bread that has no sugar, molasses, honey, or any other form of sugar.  It might cost a little more, but the flavor is so much better and more delicious, I'm sure you'll find that it's worth it.  If you are thick around the middle, that means you have an elevated insulin level, meaning that your cells are holding all the sugar they can for fuel from the carbohydrates you eat, and that any sugar you add to your diet at this point, even if it's a carrot, will be stored as fat.  So, while you are in the weight loss phase of the program, it's important to stay away from any and all sugars for the best results.
IS SOMERSIZING SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? Of course, you should check with your doctor, but in my experience I have had so many letters from pregnant women who say Somersizing is an excellent program during pregnancy.  It is low in sugar and high in foods that include protein and calcium. During pregnancy I would check to Level Two and enjoy real foods, vegetables, proteins, and fats whole grain carbohydrates and fruit.  My daughter-in-law Caroline, Somersized her way through both pregnancies and can't praise it enough.  There is a letter in "Get Skinny" from a pregnant woman who loved the benefits of Somersizing while pregnant.  Check it out, and good luck.
ARE DRIED FRUITS ALLOWED? Yes, but only sparingly because the sugar content has been concentrated during the drying process.
CAN I HAVE JUICE? By the time you make juice from fruit you have taken out all the nutrition and are left with fruit sugar.  Technically, if you are drinking juice alone, you may have it in the same way you eat fruit alone.  However, many juices are very high in natural fruit sugar and I recommend you drink them sparingly.  The whole fruit also contains fiber which helps to reduce the effects of insulin.  But sometimes on Level One it’s great to enjoy a Popsicle made from fruit and fruit juice only.  Beware of  eating too many products with concentrated fruit juice because it will make your insulin spike.
CAN I USE ARTIFICIAL FLAVORINGS AND EXTRACTS IN FOODS? Yes, but when you start eating real foods, you learn to enjoy nature’s real flavors.
CAN I USE ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS?  I have done research on artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame and I feel very strongly that this is a dangerous chemical and should be eliminated for health reasons, not for weight loss purposes.  Many Somersizers eat and drink products with artificial sweeteners (Aspartame and Saccharin) because they need something sweet during Level One.  There is an all natural sugar substitute called Stevia.  You can read about it in GET SKINNY on page 41.
WHAT ABOUT LOW FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS? Low fat milk is not included in this program because it contains fat and carbohydrates.  Low fat cheese contains less fat and usually no carbohydrates.  But full fat cheese tastes so much better and is perfectly okay on Level One.
CAN I HAVE SALAD DRESSING? Yes!  The great thing about Somersizing is that you can have the oil and the fats.  Watch out for bottled salad dressings.  Watch out for commercially prepared dressings that have sugar or some type of starch or thickener in them.   Of course, these are all dressings you would use when having pro/fats and veggies.  If you are having a Carbos and veggies meal, your dressing can have no fat .
DO I HAVE TO DRINK A LOT OF WATER? I highly recommend you drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.  But try not to drink with your meals because water can dilute your digestive juices, which slows down the digestive process.  Your stomach acids are strongest right before you begin a new meal.  When you eat, the acids break down the food quickly and pass it from the stomach.  If you drink a big glass of water before your meal, these gastric juices become diluted and are less effective at breaking down the food.  Therefore, if you must drink with your meal, eat a portion of your food before you drink anything so as not to dilute the strength of the gastric juices.  It’s best to drink your 8-10 glasses between meals.
WHAT KINDS OF FOODS SHOULD I ORDER IN A RESTAURANT? Pro/fats and veggies are the easiest to order in restaurants because there is so much variety.  I find that carbo meals are more restrictive.
WHAT ABOUT WHOLE WHEAT?

Many people see wheat flour on an ingredient list and assume it is whole wheat flour. This is incorrect. While flour can originate as wheat flour; it's just been stripped of its nutrients and its color. You must look for whole wheat flour, whole wheat, cracked whole wheat or stone ground whole wheat.
You may also have other whole grain pastas and breads (remember no fat or sugar added). They include amaranth, barley, bran, brown rice, buckwheat, kamut, millet, oats, pumpernickel, rye, spelt or lavash bread (or any combination of the above.) Semolina is not included in this group because it is "the purified middlings of hard wheat (as durum) used for pasta (as macaroni or spaghetti). When something has been "purified," it is usually bleached as in "bleached wheat flour"-white flour. So, when the label says "durum wheat semolina" or "durum semolina," they mean the bleached inner part of what used to be whole wheat.
WHAT CEREALS CAN I HAVE?

Regular Grape Nuts, Puffed Wheat and Shredded Wheat are fine.  Grape Nuts Flakes have added sugar so you need to avoid them.  Don’t get confused by reading the grams of sugar on the nutritional panel.  For instance, Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts Flakes show the same sugar content in the nutritional panel, but regular Grape Nuts’ sugar comes from malted barley and Grape Nuts Flakes have added sugar…so no Flakes.  Rule of thumb, read the ingredient list for added sugars and fats.  Cheerios have added sugar and modified cornstarch, but I enjoy them in Level Two without a problem. 

HOW MUCH SHOULD I BE EATING?  DO I HAVE TO COUNT CALORIES OR FAT? Do not count fat grams, carbs, calories or weigh anything.  Follow the Level One guidelines and eat what you want until comfortably full.  Try to eat a wide variety of foods each day.  There are NO liquid meal replacements, prepackaged foods, diet bars or protein powder supplements mentioned in Somersizing because I encourage you to eat real food.
CAN I EAT ANY MEAT I WANT? Yes, just make sure it is not cured with sugar.  (Pork is most often the culprit.)  Watch out for cold cuts and be sure to read the ingredient list. 
SHOULD I USE MARGARINE? Even though margarine is listed as a pro/fat, you may want to avoid it because of the trans fatty acids.  Also try to avoid any food that has the word “hydrogenated” on the package.  Adding hydrogen to fat makes it a cheap filler for the producer.  Unfortunately it raises your LDL cholesterol (bad) and lowers your HDL cholesterol (the good one that helps get rid of the bad).  It’s a personal choice, but at least you’re informed.
WHAT ABOUT EGG WHITES? Even though they are fat free, do not eat them on Level 1 with a carbo meal.  They are still considered a protein.  Since proteins and carbos digest at different rates, you will be combining improperly.
WHY CAN I USE OLIVE OIL AND I CAN’T HAVE OLIVES? You can have olive oil because it is a pure fat, but olives contain fat and carbohydrates.
CAN I HAVE YOGURT? Yogurt with Grape Nuts is a nice snack or breakfast; however the yogurt must be plain or vanilla with no sugar, nonfat and no added thickening agents containing any type of starch.
I'M CONFUSED. EXACTLY WHICH YOGURT CAN WE HAVE? Plain, nonfat yogurt is the only kind of yogurt you may have on Level One. It is listed in the Carbo group because it has carbohydrate and no fat. Pavel's is my favorite brand, but it is sometimes hard to find. You may sweeten it with a little vanilla extract or artificial sweetener, if you must.
WHAT IS THE LEAST HARMFUL WAY TO EAT NONFAT YOGURT WITH FRUIT AT THE BOTTOM? Fruit should be eaten by itself. If you want to have yogurt, you should have the plain nonfat yogurt. The least amount of imbalance from yogurt with fruit would be to have nonfat yogurt with fresh berries. Yogurt with fruit at the bottom is filled with sugar. It's definitely a no-no.
I’VE BEEN SOMERSIZING FAITHFULLY AND HAVEN’T LOST ANY WEIGHT.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? 		Don’t be desperate.  The same thing happened to me.  In fact, I went two months without losing an ounce.  I was going to give up; and one morning I woke up and “the melt” happened to me.  I was thinner in my face, neck, chest, torso, legs, even in my feet.  I now understand  what was happening.  I am not a person who retains much water.  You are eating off your own fat reserves, so it is happening from within and not apparent on the outside.  Stay with it, and I PROMISE you one morning you will wake up and a whole new you will be there.  Be patient.
WHAT ABOUT BEANS? All beans (except green beans) are considered to be carbos for the purpose of Somersizing.
I AM CRAVING SWEETS.  WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? Eat a piece of cheese to stop the craving.  Also, you can use Betafood, a supplement made from beets and carrots to reduce the cravings.  (Yes, beets and carrots are funky but the way they are processed into Betafood makes them okay for Somersizing….go figure.)  Betafood is made by Standard Process Inc.  Palmyra, WI 53156
IS COFFEEMATE CREAMER ALLOWED? The first 2 ingredients in Coffeemate creamer are corn syrup and vegetable oil, so you should not use it.  Use cream in your coffee for a pro/fats meal or nonfat milk for a carbos meal.  You may also add artificial sweeteners, but I try to eliminate them because of the harmful chemicals.
IS IT SAFE FOR CHILDREN TO FOLLOW THIS FOOD PLAN?

If your child is overweight, you should check with your doctor.  But the letters I have received from parents indicate this is the easiest way their children have ever lost weight.  Plus, it eliminates sugar, which keeps their moods more even.  For children who don’t need to lose weight, Level Two with proteins, fats, whole grains and fruit provides a very balanced healthy way of eating.

IS IT BETTER FOR ME TO EAT MY CARBOS IN THE MORNING, OR DOESN’T IT MATTER? The earlier in the day the better because you are more likely to burn it off as fuel.  Remember, carbohydrates equals sugar equals energy.  You don’t want your last meal of the day to be fuel, because most likely you are going to go to bed shortly after.  If fuel is not burned off, it has the potential to be stored as fat even if it is a whole grain or fruit.
HOW MUCH FRUIT CAN I EAT?
IS THERE A LIMIT?

I don’t give you any limits on how much fruit you should eat; but remember, fruit is a natural sugar.  If you are eating a lot of fruit and find you are not losing weight, I would try cutting back to see if that helps.  I usually eat fruit in the morning and occasionally as a snack in the afternoon. 

WHEN CAN I EAT FRUIT? You should eat fruit on an empty stomach.  You can have it first thing in the morning or wait two hours after your last meal to have it as a snack or dessert.  You can also eat fruit alone, then wait 20 minutes and have a Carbo meal.  Or eat fruit alone, wait an hour and have a Pro/Fats meal.
ARE THERE FRUITS I SHOULD AVOID? Even though bananas are high in potassium, they are also very high in starch. That is why they are, therefore, a Funky Food.   With all the other fruits you can eat, you won’t miss them.   Berries are very high in fiber and, therefore, cause only a slight imbalance when eaten with other foods.  If you are doing well on Level One, you may enjoy berries with whipped cream after a pro/fats meal.  On Level Two, I sometimes use all fruit juice sweetened berry jam on my whole grain toast in the morning.
I’M NOT A BREAKFAST EATER.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE BREAKFAST? 		If you skip breakfast, your body has gone sometimes over 12 hours without any food.  By the time you eat lunch your body may hang on to every morsel for fear it might not get food again.  The best way to increase your metabolism is to eat.  Try to have a little something for breakfast.
IS IT OKAY TO HAVE THE SUGAR FREE LEMONADE DRINKS LIKE COUNTRY TIME AND CRYSTAL LIGHT? Yes, but do know that most sugar-free drinks contain Aspartame, which has been known to cause brain damage in laboratory rats.  Personally, I try to stay away from all chemicals and drink as much water as possible.  But if you are craving a soft drink, the caffeine-free, sugar-free ones are the best.
CAN I HAVE THE SUGAR-FREE HARD CANDIES? Yes, but only in moderation.  They are filled with chemicals, so you are trading sugar for chemicals.
HOW ABOUT SUGAR-FREE CHOCOLATE CANDY? I understand we all have sugar cravings, and these are certainly better than eating candy with sugar.  Use them in moderation because of the chemicals in sugar-free products.
IS PEANUT BUTTER ALLOWED? It is made from peanuts which are Funky Foods.  When you get to Level Two, you can enjoy it in moderation.
ARE NUTS OKAY TO EAT? Nuts are a Funky Food.  When you get to Level Two, you can enjoy them in moderation.
COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME POINTERS FOR HORMONAL IMBALANCE?  I will be discussing hormonal imbalance in depth in my next book (due out the beginning of next year).  Eating the Somersize way will help to balance your hormones and improve your symptoms.  If hormonal imbalance persists, ask your doctor, preferably an endocrinologist, about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy using natural hormones made from plant extracts rather than the synthetic drugs like Premarin and Provera.
I AM ON THE DRUG TAMOXIFEN.  CAN THAT BE SLOWING DOWN MY WEIGHT LOSS? Absolutely.  Tamoxifen interferes with your hormones; and when there is hormonal imbalance, there will be weight gain.
CAN I HAVE PICKLES? Sure, as long as they are dill pickles and not sweet pickles.  As with all foods, check the ingredients to make sure there is no added sugar.
HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE ME TO LOSE 20 POUNDS? It took me 2 months before I started seeing any weight loss.  Everybody is different.  Some people see results in the first week and for other people, like myself, it takes a little longer.  Be patient…it will work.
ARE PUMPERNICKEL BAGELS OKAY TO EAT?  IF SO, WHAT CAN I HAVE ON THEM? Read the ingredients on the bagel packaging to make sure they have not added any sugar or white flour.  If they are made from pumpernickel flour, they are fine for a carbo meal; but on Level One do not use cream cheese or butter.  Try nonfat cottage cheese, nonfat Ricotta cheese, sliced tomatoes, onions and fresh basil.  Many people use nonfat cream cheese, but I have found these products to be filled with starches and chemicals and I don’t recommend them.
CAN I HAVE CHINESE FOOD?  I KNOW I CAN’T HAVE THE RICE, BUT WHAT CAN I HAVE? Eating in a Chinese restaurant is very difficult because they use sugary sauces as a base in most of their preparations.  Some Chinese restaurants are offering brown rice and steamed vegetables, or you could order stir fried vegetables with chicken, meat or fish and ask them to cook it in oil and soy sauce only.  On a personal note, I would also ask them to eliminate MSG because it’s a chemical.
WHAT ABOUT SOY MILK AND OTHER SOY PRODUCTS, LIKE SOY NUTS? Nonfat soy milk is included in the carbo group because it has carbs without fat.  Regular soy milk, tofu and soy nuts are considered Funky Foods because they contain protein, fat and carbs.  If you are a strict vegetarian and you need additional protein sources, I make an exception with tofu and soy products because the carbohydrate content is not terribly high.  In addition, in Level Two, these are some of the first foods I encourage you to put back into your eating plan because soy has such important nutrients.
I JUST FOUND OUT I’M DIABETIC.  IS SOMERSIZING GOOD FOR ME? Diabetes is a serious condition and you should check with your doctor.  I received hundreds of letters from diabetics who say this plan is a miracle for them, which makes sense because Somersizing eliminates sugar and sugar elevates your insulin levels.
CAN JUICE BE USED IN SMOOTHIES FOR LEVEL ONE? Yes, as long as it is sugarless.
WHAT CAN I SUBSTITUTE FOR HONEY OR MOLASSES WHEN I MAKE BREAD IN MY BREAD MACHINE? Eliminate it completely.  It will taste fine.
ABOUT ½ HOUR AFTER I HAVE A PRO/FAT MEAL I AM HUNGRY AGAIN.  AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG? Eat more!  Have larger portions.  Eat until you feel satisfied.  Keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge to help fill you up after a meal.
CAN I HAVE GRITS? Grits are made from corn and are, therefore, a Funky Food.
CAN I HAVE CHOCOLATE? On Level Two you may enjoy dark chocolate in moderation.  It must be at least 60% cocoa.  I like Valhrona but there are many others.
CAN I USE BROWN RICE PASTA? Yes, because it is made from the whole grain. 
IS GUM ALLOWED?  IF SO, WHAT KIND? Sugar free gum is allowed, but don't overdo it.  Sorbitol, Nutrasweet and Saccharin are chemicals and the most healthy choice is to eliminate them.
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT SUGAR.  IF IT’S LISTED IN THE NUTRITIONAL PANEL, IS IT ALLOWED EVEN IF THERE IS NO SUGAR LISTED IN THE INGREDIENTS? Always look at the ingredient list.  If there is no added sugar or other Funky Foods, you may have it.  In many foods in the Carbos list you will see "sugars" in the nutritional panel due to the carbohydrate content.  Do not worry about the nutritional panel.  Similarly, in the nutritional panel you may find trace amounts of fat in whole grain pastas.  Do not worry about the fat grams in the nutritional panel if there are no added fats in the ingredient list. 
ARE PRUNES ALLOWED ON LEVEL ONE? Yes, but only sparingly because the sugar content has been concentrated during the drying process.
CAN I HAVE OATMEAL FOR BREAKFAST ON LEVEL ONE? Yes!  Oatmeal is a Carbo and can be enjoyed with nonfat milk.  If you must have it sweetened, use a little artificial sweetener.
WHY IS LIVER NOT ALLOWED ON THIS PROGRAM? Liver has protein, fat and carbohydrate, making it a Funky Food.  You may enjoy it on Level Two without a problem. 
WHAT IS CELERY ROOT?  WHERE DO I FIND IT IN THE GROCERY STORE AND IN WHAT FORM? Celery root is a large brown root usually with a few celery stalks coming out the top.  Look near the other roots, like horseradish, and parsnips.  When in doubt, ask your produce manager where it is.  If they don't carry it, ask them to special order it for you. 
IS IT OKAY TO USE SALT? Unless you are on a salt-restricted diet, it is okay to use salt in your cooking on this plan.
I'M CONFUSED. YOU SAY IT'S BEST TO STAY AWAY FROM CRYSTAL LIGHT-TYPE DRINKS IN YOUR FAQs, BUT IN EAT GREAT, LOSE WEIGHT, YOU SAY IT'S OKAY TO DRINK. In the book I said you could have the Crystal Light-type drinks, but personally I stay away from diet and soft drinks because they are loaded with chemicals. I also said I highly recommend drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
SHOULD I STAY AWAY FROM A BRAND OF SALAD DRESSING OR ANYTHING ELSE IF IT LISTS SUGAR AS THE LAST ITEM IN THE INGREDIENTS AND SAYS THERE ARE 0 GRAMS OF SUGAR IN THE NUTRITIONAL PANEL? In my early Somersizing days I would have said not to include anything that has sugar in the ingredient list. I even had Best Foods mayonnaise on the no-no list because it has sugar listed in the ingredients. I have since learned that the amount of sugar in my beloved Best Foods is so slight, that it does not even show up on the nutritional panel.  Yeah, Best Foods is back on the acceptable list and I would say your salad dressing is probably fine, too. If you are doing well and steadily losing weight, you can incorporate it without a problem. Just be sure not to include these questionable treats around every corner, or they will start to catch up with you.
WHERE I CAN PURCHASE WHOLE WHEAT PASTRY FLOUR TO MAKE YOUR DELICIOUS POPOVERS? Try your local health food store. If they don't carry it, ask if they can order it. I get mine in Los Angeles from Whole Foods.
CAN I USE KASHI, WHICH IS MADE OF BUCKWHEAT? IT SAYS IT'S PROTEIN AND NOT CARB. Look on the ingredient list. If it's made of buckwheat with no added fat, it is a whole grain and therefore placed in the Carbo group. It may contain protein, but that does not affect its grouping as a Carbo. If the ingredient list has buckwheat and added fat, it would be considered a Funky Food and you should wait until Level 2. On the nutritional panel sometimes you will see a couple grams of fat that occur naturally in whole grains. Do not worry about trace amounts of fat in the nutritional panel if there are no added fats in the ingredient list.
WOULD FLAX MEAL BE CONSIDERED A CARBO OR PRO/FATS? I am not familiar with flax meal. Look at the ingredient list and compare the ingredients with your Somersize Food Groups to determine whether it is a Carbo, a Pro/Fat or a combination of both which would make it a Funky Food. My instinct tells me it's probably a Funky Food because flax seed has carbohydrate and fat. Regardless of the specifics, it probably does not create a large imbalance. If you are doing well on Level One you should be able to incorporate it without a problem.
CAN FLAX SEED BE EATEN? CAN IT BE USED FOR AN OIL REPLACEMENT IN BREAD? Flax seed has similar qualities to other nuts and seeds... they contain fat and carbohydrate. These foods have many health benefits, but in Level One we like to keep fats and carbohydrates separate. Of all the imbalances, these Combo-Foods create only a minor imbalance. If you are doing well on Level One you may incorporate flax seed without a problem. On Level Two it is perfectly fine. Flax seed would be delicious in bread and would only create the slightest imbalance. Let me know how it works!
WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE SHOULD I BE USING TO MAKE YOUR CHOCOLATE DESSERTS? I KNOW IT SHOULD BE 60%, BUT IS THAT SEMI-SWEET OR UNSWEETENED? Chocolate with at least 60% cocoa is somewhere between unsweetened and semisweet High quality chocolate usually has a percentage of the amount of cocoa. Semisweet chocolate has too much sugar in it. Some dark chocolate is 60% or more, but you can't know for sure unless the percentage is listed. Look for this good quality chocolate in fine food shops or through catalogs. If you can't find chocolate with the percentage on it, use bittersweet or dark chocolate.
ARE SESAME SEEDS ALLOWED? Sesame seeds have carbohydrate and fat, so technically they are a Funky Food. They only create a slight imbalance. If you are doing well on Level One, you probably will not have a problem if you decide to include a few with your Pro/Fat & Veggie meals, or with your Carbo meals. Tahini is a puree of sesame seeds and should be treated similarly.
WHAT ABOUT SUNFLOWER SEEDS? Sunflower seeds belong in the same category with nuts and seeds. They have carbohydrate and fat, so technically they are a Funky Food. They only create a slight imbalance. If you are doing well on Level One, you probably will not have a problem if you decide to include a few with your Pro/Fat & Veggie meals, or with your Carbo meals.
COULD BREAST FEEDING BE THE CAUSE FOR NOT LOSING ANY WEIGHT SOMERSIZING? Absolutely! Your hormones go through a big change when you are breast feeding. This happened to my daughter-in-law, Caroline. DR. Schwarzbein explained that sometimes the hormone progesterone becomes elevated when we are breast feeding. This elevation can keep us from losing weight. It's like mother nature's way of making sure we hang on to some body fat so we can keep producing healthy milk for the baby. Keep on your Somersizing path so as not to make the problem any worse. Breast feeding is so great for your baby. Keep it up. As your baby starts to eat solids, the weight will begin to melt away.
WHEN MAKING WHOLE WHEAT BREAD, WHAT CAN BE USED FOR A SUGAR SUBSTITUTE AND WHAT CAN BE USED FOR A FAT SUBSTITUTE? I am working on recipes for whole grain bread with no sugar or fat. It's a little tricky. I'll keep you posted.
IS PARMESAN CHEESE ALLOWED ON TOP OF MY WHOLE WHEAT SPAGHETTI? In Level Two you can add a little fat, like Parmesan and olive oil to your whole wheat pasta.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST AS A SPREAD ON TOAST? You may have whole wheat toast with nonfat cottage cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you like. You may also top your toast with tomatoes or a slice of red onion or nonfat ricotta cheese. On Level Two you may use a little berry jam (sweetened only with fruit juice).
WHERE DO PIMENTOS FIT IN? CAN I HAVE PIMENTO CHEESE? Pimentos are peppers that have been pickled. They are considered Veggies. Pimento cheese is fine.
IS IT OKAY TO EAT SPINACH PASTA, OR TOMATO PASTA? As long as the spinach or tomato pasta is made from whole grain, such as whole wheat, spelt, amaranth or brown rice, then you may have it.
WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO BUY SOMERSIZE FOOD ON THE WEB OR IN THE STORES? Coming soon!
CAN I HAVE HOT COCOA MADE OUT OF HERSHEY'S PURE COCOA WITH ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER AND SKIM MILK? WOULD IT BE COUNTED AS A CARBO? Technically cocoa is a Funky Food and should be eliminated on Level One. Cocoa has caffeine which can spike insulin levels. But if you're going to have hot chocolate, the recipe you devised would create the least amount of imbalance, and yes, it would be considered a carbohydrate.
CAN I USE COOKING SPRAYS SUCH AS PAM? Pam is simply vegetable oil in a spray can. You may use it freely as a Pro/Fat.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST HAVING FOR BREAKFAST? Start with a fruit salad or fruit smoothie, then 20 minutes later have some whole grain cereal with nonfat milk or nonfat yogurt. Or have oatmeal with a little sweetener. If you decide to have a Pro/Fats meal, enjoy eggs fried in butter, scrambled with vegetables and cheese, or poached. You may even add bacon or sausage. You'll find many more breakfast ideas in EAT GREAT, LOSE WEIGHT starting on page 38 and in GET SKINNY ON FABULOUS FOOD.
IS WHEAT GERM ALLOWED? Yes, wheat germ belongs in the Carbo group. Sprinkle it on your whole grain cereal.
CAN STRAWBERRIES BE EATEN AT ANY TIME? Berries are grouped with the Fruits. When you are just beginning to Somersize you should include berries with all the other fruits and follow the guidelines for when you may have them. However, berries are very high in fiber and cause less of an insulin surge that other fruits. If you are doing well on Level One and are steadily losing weight, you may loosen the reigns on berries and treat them as a free food. Enjoy them with whipped cream after a Pro/Fat meal. Or swirl them into nonfat yogurt for a Carbo breakfast or afternoon snack. (Sweeten the whipped cream or yogurt with little vanilla.)
IS NONFAT FROZEN YOGURT IN THE SAME CATEGORY AS REGULAR YOGURT? Nonfat frozen yogurt is filled with sugar and definitely a no-no for Somersizing. There are some nonfat frozen yogurts that are also sugar-free. Technically you can have this because it is made from nonfat dairy products and artificial sweetener. Please use good judgment when you choose to include products filled chemicals. It's great to have a treat like this every now and then on Level One, but don't overdo it!  Even on Level Two, you are much better off having real ice cream (made from milk, cream, eggs and sugar) rather than nonfat frozen yogurt which is filled with sugar and starch or artificial sweeteners to make up for the missing fat.
IF CHEESES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PROTEINS, WHY CAN'T NONFAT CHEESES AND YOGURTS ALSO BE CONSIDERED IN THIS CATEGORY? WHY ARE THEY THOUGHT TO BE ONLY CARBOHYDRATES? Any kind of milk, nonfat, low-fat or whole has protein and carbohydrates. Since we don't combine fat and carbohydrates we put low-fat and whole milk in the Funky Food category. Even though nonfat milk also has protein, we treat it as a Carbo. Yogurt falls into the exact same category as milk. Nonfat is a Carbo, low-fat and whole milk yogurt are Funky Foods. Cheese is different because in the process of making cheese, cream and butter, all of the carbohydrates are separated out from the original milk and only the proteins and fats remain. These foods are therefore, grouped as Pro/Fats. Now to answer your question. Look on the label.  If nonfat cheese has carbohydrates you should treat it as a Carbo (just beware of chemical or starchy fillers that are sometimes used to replace fats). You may not group it as a protein because we don't want to eat carbohydrates with proteins and fats. Same goes for nonfat yogurt. It has carbohydrates and we don't want to eat carbohydrates with proteins or fats because carbohydrates cause our bodies to secrete insulin. Remember, insulin must be present for food to be stored as fat. We can eat proteins, fats and low starch vegetables freely because they do not cause an insulin response. Whole grain carbohydrates and nonfat dairy products cause a moderate release of insulin and therefore are eaten separately.
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS. If you will check page 49 in GET SKINNY ON FABULOUS FOOD, you will find the complete explanation.
ARE BIALYS WHICH ARE MADE WITH HIGH GLUTEN FLOUR PERMITTED ON LEVEL ONE? High gluten flour is white flour. Sorry, no bialys. If you can find them made with whole wheat flour then they are okay. I have found good luck with whole wheat bagels.
ARE THERE ANY HIGH PROTEIN BARS THAT ARE OKAY FOR SOMERSIZING? I am not aware of any, but honestly I do not know because I don't eat these types of food. Most have Funky Foods like honey, sugar, high fructose and the like. Someone told me that Dr. Atkins has one. It might be worth it to check the label on his because his program is low in carbohydrates.
AVOCADOS ARE LISTED AS A FUNKY FOOD. ARE THEY ALLOWED IN LEVEL TWO? Absolutely. Avocados are one of those foods that I hate to have on the Funky Foods list. They are filled with healthy fats and are only listed on the Funky Foods because they also have some carbohydrates. You may eat them freely on Level Two, and I am sure you will not have a problem.
IS SOY FLOUR PERMISSIBLE FOR FRYING FOODS? Soy flour is still starch and on Level One we do not mix starches with fats (oil). Try frying your foods without any flour. It still has a great flavor, and I don't miss the floury crust. You could try the soy flour for frying in Level Two.
IS WHITE UNBLEACHED ORGANIC FLOUR A FUNKY FOOD? Sorry, it's still white flour. Look for whole grain flour, like whole wheat flour.
IS TABOULEH ALLOWED? Yes. Tabouleh is made from whole grain and therefore is grouped with the Carbos.
ARE THERE ANY PROTEIN SHAKES THAT ARE LEGAL FOR SOMERSIZING? I am not familiar with any because I do not eat these types of food. I stay as close to real foods as possible. Plus, I get plenty of protein from all the Pro/Fats.
I AM A VEGETARIAN. HOW WILL YOUR EATING PLAN WORK FOR ME? I have many vegetarians who love my plan. They simply eliminate the foods they don't eat and follow the rest as it is outlined. I also allow soy products on Level One to be added for vegetarians, even though they are a Funky Food. Your level of comfort will depend on how strict you are as a vegetarian. If you eat poultry, seafood and dairy products, you will still have plenty of choices on my program. If you are a vegetarian, I would say you already have enough dietary restrictions and do not need to add anymore.  Overall, just about anyone can benefit by reducing sugar in his/her diet.
CAN I MAKE FRIED CHICKEN IF I USE WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR? This is fine for Level Two, but on Level One we do not combine starches with fats. I fry foods with no flour at all and they taste delicious. You still get the flavor, just not the floury crust.
IS BEEF JERKY ALLOWED? Beef jerky is usually made with some kind of sugar, but some are dried and seasoned without any sugar or sweeteners. As always, check the ingredient list. If there are no Funky Foods on the ingredient list you may have it. 
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LACTOSE INTOLERANT? Obviously, you need to eliminate the dairy items that cause a problem for you. You may substitute nonfat soy or nonfat rice milk in the Carbos group. Otherwise, enjoy all the wonderful meats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Good luck.
DO YOU RECOMMEND TAKING VITAMINS WHILE SOMERSIZING, OR WILL THEY INTERFERE? I take many vitamin supplements and I have never felt better. Vitamins will not interfere with the program.
IS THE VEGETABLE RUTABAGA ALLOWED? Rutabaga is fairly high in starch and should be included in the Funky Foods. However, it's not as bad as a potato, so if you are doing well on Level One you could incorporate a little without a problem.
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