Suzanne Somers FAQs (Page 5) Somersize

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE  STARTING THIS
OR ANY OTHER EATING OR EXERCISE PLAN
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HOW MUCH SODIUM ARE YOU ALLOWED TO HAVE PER DAY? ISN'T CHEESE FULL OF SODIUM?

The Somersize program does not have limits for sodium. If you are concerned with your sodium intake, please see your doctor.
WHICH ARE CARBOS AND WHICH ARE CONSIDERED VEGGIES: WAX BEANS, WATER CHESTNUTS, SNOW PEAS? All of these are Veggies.
IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE OLIVE OIL EVERY DAY ON THIS DIET?
 It is not necessary, but it tastes great and it’s great for you!
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN SOY SAUCE AND SOYA SAUCE? I CANNOT FIND SUGAR FREE SOYA SAUCE ANYWHERE, NOT EVEN IN HEALTH FOOD STORES AND NATURAL FOOD ISLES. I'm not familiar with soya sauce. If it's impossible to find it without sugar, I would assume it's a Funky Food.
I JUST BEGAN HRT (HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY) WITH PREMPHASE AND I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE WARNED WEIGHT GAIN. HAVE ANY OF YOUR SUBSCRIBERS BEEN ON HRT AND BEEN ABLE TO AVOID THE WEIGHT GAIN BY SOMERSIZING? The hormone replacement therapy does not cause weight gain. Weight gain results when your hormones being imbalanced. Somersizing is a great way to help keep your hormones balanced. However, if you are going through menopause, some women experience severe loss of hormones that cannot be balanced alone by diet. Please ask your doctor about natural hormone replacement, rather than synthetic. Synthetic hormones only take away the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, irritability, loss of libido, etc. Natural hormones actually replace the lost hormones which keeps you happier, healthier and thinner! You do not need to resign to the shape of a pear just because you are going through menopause! Replace your lost hormones with natural hormones and keep on Somersizing.
IN THE FUTURE, WILL THERE BE A COOKBOOK OR ARE THERE SUGGESTIONS THAT I CAN DO TO LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT USING ALL THE FATS IN BUTTER, MEAT, ETC? One of the basic tenets of the Somersize program is that dietary fat is not only okay to eat, but good for you! Certainly you may choose to reduce the amount of fat in the recipes, but there will not be any Somersize shift reflecting low-fat. The only fat-free meals you’ll see are a few great Carbos and Veggies recipes.
I WAS WATCHING SUZANNE ON HSN A COUPLE OF WEEKENDS AGO AND A CALL CAME IN, A WOMAN WAS LACTOSE INTOLERANT, AS I AM. I ALSO HAVE IRRITABLE BOWL SYNDROME, SO I HAVE TO BE REALLY CAREFUL ABOUT EATING TOO MANY, AND CERTAIN VEGETABLES. I CAN EAT SOME DAIRY. ANYWAY, SUZANNE SAID SHE WAS GOING TO CONSIDER THESE PROBLEMS, HAS ANYTHING COME OUT OF IT YET? It’s very difficult to address specific ailments with a program that is written for the majority of people who do not share these conditions. For most people, eating dairy and plenty of vegetables is a benefit. However, it is certainly possible to Somersize without dairy and with a reduced amount of vegetables, if that is what works for you individual needs. Best of luck.
I JUST PURCHASED SOMERSIZE PROGRAM, AND WONDER IF IT'S NECESSARY TO TAKE THE BOOST PILLS? ARE THEY SAFE? DO THEY CONTAIN A HIDDEN FORM OF EPHEDERINE? Somersize Boost is a supplement that came with the Somersize kit sold through an infomercial. This kit is also available on the web site. Somersize Boost is completely safe and does not contain ephedrine. While many people have success without this product, it helps you along by encouraging healthy blood sugar levels and increasing your metabolism. Currently I am working on bringing you an entire line of supplements to enhance your health and well-being.
I GOT THE SOMERSIZE PACKAGE WHICH CONTAINS THE SOMERSIZE BOOST. WHAT DOES THIS DO FOR ME AND WHEN DO I TAKE IT, WITH FOOD OR ALONE. ALSO DO I TAKE IN THE MORNING? Somersize Boost is a vitamin supplement. It helps stabilize your blood sugar and increases your metabolism. You should take it once a day at the same time every day. It may be taken with or without food.
DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE FOR COOKIES THAT I COULD MAKE FOR LEVEL 2 THAT WOULD INCORPORATE ACCEPTABLE INGREDIENTS ACCORDING TO YOUR PLAN? Cookies, by their nature, are not easily Somersized! They almost always contain Pro/Fats and Carbos, which as you know, are not a good combo. I have several cake recipes that have this combination, but with the cakes I can greatly reduce the amount of flour, which lessens the problem. With cookies you must use quite a bit of flour, so they create a larger imbalance. If you just have to have a cookie, use whole wheat flour and know that you’ll have to go back to Level One to get your balance back.
I USED TO FOLLOW DR. ATKINS’ PLAN AND RECENTLY SWITCHED TO SOMERSIZING. DO YOU BELIEVE IN KETONES IN THE URINE AS AN INDICATOR OF FAT BURNING?

Dr. Atkins using ketones as an indicator of fat burning. If you’re going to switch programs, then come all the way over! Although Dr. Atkins has wonderful information, our programs have many differences. You do not need to count your carbs and you do not need to pee on a stick. Simply enjoy the freedom and ease of Somersizing and I’m sure you’ll have great results.

I KNOW THAT SUZANNE ONCE SAID THAT SHE DOES SOMETHING TO COUNTERACT THE ACID IN HER SYSTEM, CAN YOU SHARE WHAT IT IS? There is a wonderful book called Alkalize or Die, by Dr. Theodore A. Barody. It explains how we are facing a crisis of illness and disease linked to overacidity in our bodies. We want our bodies to be alkaline, not acidic. Many factors lead to this dangerous acid condition… polluted air, chemically filled food and water supply and high stress levels. One of the easiest ways to get your body alkaline is to eat asparagus. I have it several times a week. Pick up a copy of the book to get all the information.
I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THE CANDIDA PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME. I HAVE STAYED AWAY FROM SUGAR, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANY RESEARCH HAS GONE INTO THIS SWEETENER IN REGARD TO HOW IT MIGHT AFFECT PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM?
 SomerSweet is made from a blend of fiber, fructose and soy. I’m not sure if fructose aggravates candida. Check with your doctor.
WHAT ARE SUGAR FREE GUMMY BEARS AND HARD CANDY CONSIDERED, A PRO/FAT, OR A CARBO? Sugar free gummy bears and hard candies are considered neither, as they're made entirely from icky chemicals. If you must have them, eat them in moderation.
CAN PSYLLIUM FIBER, LIKE METAMUCIL, BE USED ON LEVEL ONE? Fibers like Metamucil are fine as long as they do not contain sugar. Try to find the sugar-free Metamucil. Better yet, get your fiber from real foods, like whole grains, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.
CAN YOU USE THE NON-FAT MILK IN A CAN, LIKE CARNATION FOR YOUR
CARBO MEAL?

If the only ingredient is nonfat milk, yes, it's a Carbo. If it’s a Carnation Drink filled with sugar and such, then the answer is no.

DIABETICS ARE SUPPOSED TO EAT CARBOS EVENLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY TO KEEP A LEVEL SUGAR LEVEL. HOW ABOUT A SOMERSIZE PLAN FOR US? As with all medical questions, you must check with your doctor. That being said, we have heard from many diabetics who have used the Somersize program to great success. I highly recommend you read Dr. Schwarzbein’s book, The Schwarzbein Principle. She is a brilliant endocrinologist who has helped many diabetics turn their health around.
HOW ABOUT OATMEAL WITH CAFFEINE FREE CINNAMON APPLE SPICE TEA? INSTEAD OF COOKING IN PLAIN WATER, AND OF COURSE ADD SOME SKIM MILK AND THE SWEETENER. Sounds like a delicious Level One Carbo breakfast!
WHAT CAN YOU SUGGEST FOR PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM HYPO-THYROIDISM AND HAVE GAINED WEIGHT? WILL YOUR PROGRAM HELP THEM?
Again, I'm not a doctor, so I can't give medical advice. We have heard from many people, like you, who have lost the weight by Somersizing. Please check with your doctor to see if this program is safe for you.
HAS THIS WAY OF EATING BEEN SUCCESSFUL FOR DIABETICS THAT DON'T WANT TO LOSE ANY WEIGHT, BUT WANT TO CONTROL THE DIABETES? The reason Somersizing is effective is that it helps control your insulin levels. We have many success stories from diabetics who report improved blood sugar levels. Some have lost weight and some have not. Check with your doctor, or go see Dr. Schwarzbein in Santa Barbara, CA.
I HAVEN'T LOST ANY POUNDS, BUT I'M DOWN TWO DRESS SIZES! WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

You’ve lost two dress sizes and you think you’re doing something wrong? You're doing great! Many Somersizers notice that they lose inches before they lose pounds. The old adage "muscle weighs more than fat" is actually true!
IN MANY DRESSINGS AND WHOLE GRAIN BREADS, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IS LISTED AS AN INGREDIENT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THESE PRODUCTS WITHOUT THIS INGREDIENT. IS THIS AN OKAY FOOD TO HAVE?
High fructose corn syrup is not okay. It will spike your insulin levels. Once you’ve started losing weight steadily, you may be able to incorporate a small amount and still continue losing weight. In the beginning, it’s important not to eat any sugar of any kind. Try making your own breads and salad dressings. There are some great recipes in my books, including bread recipes in the new book, Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away. You can make these items ahead of time, freeze them, and enjoy without worrying about hidden sugars! Plus, I’m working on a line of salad dressings and many other Somersize food products.
HOW LONG AFTER EATING CAN YOU DRINK WATER?
Try to wait until you're at least halfway through your meal to drink anything. The majority of your drinking should occur between meals; two hours after your last meal.
MY GALLBLADDER WAS REMOVED IN 1995 AND I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT EATING TOO MUCH PROTEIN IS NOT GOOD FOR MY SYSTEM. HOW CAN THIS PROGRAM HELP ME?
If you shouldn’t eat a lot of protein, then you would have to Somersize without eating a lot of protein. It’s possible, but Somersizing is high in protein by design, so perhaps this is not the program for you. Please ask your doctor.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON SOME WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS SUCH AS: CHITOSAN AND CARB BLOCKER. ALSO DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE USE OF STIMULANTS LIKE XANDRINE THAT CONTAIN EPHEDRA AND MA HAUNG.
 I'm not familiar with these products. Any product that contains stimulants will mess with your metabolism. Don’t look for weight loss in a diet pill. You will only subject yourself to a lifetime of roller-coaster dieting. Heal your metabolism the natural way by eating real foods, the Somersize way.
I'VE HEARD ALOT OF TALK RECENTLY ABOUT TAKING ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS. I WAS WONDERING WHAT YOUR OPINION OF THESE SUPPLEMENTS WAS. DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD INTERFERE WITH MY WEIGHT LOSS?   I'm not familiar with the effects of alfalfa, so I can't make a recommendation. I certainly don't think it will interfere with your weight loss.
HOW CAN WE GET ANY RECIPES OF THE DAY WE MISSED?
 The recipes of the day are taken directly from Eat Great, Lose Weight and Get Skinny on Fabulous Food. Both of these books are available for purchase directly from our website.
I NEED MY CAFFEINE IN THE MORNING. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY INSULIN TO DROP BACK TO A NORMAL RANGE AFTER ONE CUP OF COFFEE? If you absolutely must have a cup of coffee, wait a couple of hours before your next meal. Just know that caffeine boosts your adrenalin, which drops your serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels make up crave comfort foods, which are usually carbs and sugars. Try decaf!
I AM HOOKED ON CREME BRULEE FLAVOURED DECAF COFFEE. (THEY ARE COFFEE GRINDS NOT THE FLAVORED COFFEE WITH SYRUP.) AM I ABLE TO HAVE THIS ON LEVEL ONE? Assuming these are coffees flavored with extracts, you may enjoy them on Level One.
I HAVE HEARD SUZANNE TALK ABOUT A FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE, BUT I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE RECIPE. IS IT IN THE NEW COOKBOOK?
 There are two almost flourless chocolate cakes, one called the Decadent Chocolate Cake in Eat Great, Lose Weight, and another called “Molten Chocolate Cakes” in Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away.
CAN YOU TELL ME IF BROWN RICE CAKES ARE ACCEPTABLE AS LONG AS THE ONLY INGREDIENTS ARE BROWN RICE AND SALT?
 Yes, it is a Carbo. But don’t overdo it.
YOU SAID THAT MALT O MEAL WOULD BE A FUNKY FOOD BECAUSE IT IS WHEAT FARINA, WELL THEN WHY IS CREAM OF WHEAT OK?

Originally, I had listed farina as an acceptable whole grain. Since then, we have discovered that, like durum, farina is the name of a grain that has already been removed from its husk, making it a processed grain, and therefore a Funky Food. Now that we've got all the facts, both Malt-o-Meal and Cream of Wheat are Funky Foods. We will update this in the next book.
YOU STATED THAT ALL BRAN CEREAL WOULD BE OK. I CHECKED IT AT THE STORE AND THE 2ND INGREDIENT IS SUGAR, THE 3RD INGREDIENT IS CORN SYRUP, AND IT HAS 6 GRAMS OF SUGAR PER SERVING. ARE YOU SURE THIS IS OK? IF SO, WHY CAN'T WE HAVE CHEERIOS WITH ONLY 1 GRAM OF SUGAR? Fiber helps counteract the negative effects of insulin. All Bran is so full of fiber, that it won't spike your insulin, even though it does contain a small amount of sugar. It is only for that reason that I make an exception for All –Bran. Cheerios are also low in sugar, but I don’t think they contain as much fiber. Cheerios are fine for Level Two.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO JUST START SOMERSIZING AT LEVEL TWO AND GET RESULTS?
It depends on your body and your metabolism. It depends on how much healing your metabolism has to do. You will see results much faster on Level One.
WHAT'S THE FINAL WORD ON CAROB?  Carob is similar to chocolate in that it has fats and carbohydrates. Sorry, it’s Funky.
ARE EGG BEATERS ALLOWED TO BE USED WITH CARBS? AS AN EXAMPLE, IN MUFFINS, PANCAKES AND SUCH OR SERVED WITH WHOLE WHEAT TOAST? Egg Beaters are 99% egg whites and 1% crap. I am not an Egg Beaters fan. Real eggs are one of nature’s most perfect foods. They are an excellent source of protein and the egg yolk has all the essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids. If you want to include Egg Beaters, they would be considered a Pro/Fat. Personally, I would not use them in any group. I know you are hoping for more ways to expand your Carbo meals, but I don’t want to give you more options for Carbo meals. You will be much healthier and much thinner if you choose the Pro/Fats meals.
IS IT TRUE A LARGE WAISTLINE IS USUALLY CAUSED BY AN IMPROPER INSULIN LEVEL IN THE SYSTEM? People with raised insulin levels have more glucose then their cells can store. If the cells are filled with this sugar and can not take anymore, the glucose will be sent to the fat cells where it is converted to fat and reserved for later use. Insulin is like the gate-keeper… it decides if the glucose gets stored in the cells as fuel or converted to fat. If the fuel cells are full, the first place glucose looks for a home is in the fat cells around the mid-section. For men, it’s the love handles and “beer belly.” For women it’s the reproductive areas like the tummy, hips, butt and thighs. Once you deny your body fuel in the form of sugar and carbohydrates, your body turns to its stored fuel as an energy source. That’s when the melt begins. You body goes from being a carbo-burning machine into a fat burning machine.
SOME SAY THAT NO MATTER WHAT PROGRAM YOU'RE FOLLOWING, IF YOU EAT MORE CALORIES THAN YOU USE DURING THE DAY THAT IT WILL BE STORED AS FAT. IS THIS TRUE? The hormone insulin must be present for food to be stored as fat. This is scientifically undisputed. Insulin is the fat-storing hormone. If you are eating foods that do not cause an insulin response, then they cannot be stored as fat. You can sit down and eat a Somersized meal, like a steak with broccoli and salad, and as long as there are no hidden sugars, this meal will not be stored as fat because these foods do not cause an insulin response. BUT, if you follow up that meal with just a bite or two of cake, you have blown the whole thing! Now the entire meal may be stored as fat because the insulin released from the sugar in the cake may trap the steak dinner as well, and send the entire meal to the fat reserves. You must be diligent!
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