	HOME - JOIN OUR COMMUNITY - CONTACT US - SIGN IN

Frequently Asked Questions

Somersize - Miscellaneous


1.	Q: ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AFTER HAVE A PRO/FATS MEAL I AM HUNGRY AGAIN. AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG?
	A: 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.

2.	Q: CAN I EAT HUMMUS WITH A BAGEL?
	A: Yes, fat-free hummus on a whole-grain bagel is fine.

3.	Q: CAN I HAVE CHINESE FOOD? I KNOW I CAN'T HAVE THE RICE, BUT WHAT CAN I HAVE?
	A: 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.

4.	Q: CAN I HAVE GRITS?
	A: Grits are made from corn and are, therefore, a Funky Food.

5.	Q: CAN I HAVE PICKLES?
	A: 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.

6.	Q: DO I HAVE TO BE CONCERNED IF A PRODUCT HAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF SUGAR IN IT, LIKE BOTTLED SALAD DRESSING OR BREAD OR MEAT?
	A: When you first start the program you should be very strict to eliminate all sugars, even the small amounts to which you refer. Then use your weight loss as a measuring stick. If you are steadily losing weight, try incorporating these minor imbalances and see if it affects your weight loss.

7.	Q: DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION FOR STORING PARMESAN CHIPS?
	A: I would suggest you store the Parmesan chips in an airtight container and refrigerate them.

8.	Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTION AS TO WHAT I CAN ADD TO A CARBOS MEAL TO KEEP ME FROM BEING SO HUNGRY SHORTLY AFTER I HAVE FINISHED EATING? THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN WITH A PRO/FATS MEAL?
	A: Carbos are a form of sugar and can get your body craving more and more. Even the good carbohydrates on my program can have this effect. That is why I recommend you eat more Pro/Fats meals than Carbo meals. Even with my good carbohydrates, your body does not feel as satisfied. The best way to get rid of hunger pains is to eat Pro/Fats. A piece of cheese really does the trick for me.

9.	Q: DOES SOMERSIZING WORK IF I AM ON BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?
	A: 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.

10.	Q: DOES THE FACT THAT I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF WEIGHT TO LOSE MEAN THAT IT MIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LONGER FOR ME?
	A: It really varies for everyone. Some lose it very quickly regardless of how much they need to lose. For others, it takes a little longer to get started.

11.	Q: HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO MOVE FROM LEVEL ONE TO LEVEL TWO?
	A: When you like the way you look and have reached your goal weight, you move to Level Two to maintain your weight.

12.	Q: HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE ME TO LOSE TWENTY POUNDS?
	A: 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.

13.	Q: HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO YOU RECOMMEND DAILY?
	A: 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. I also recommend weight training to prevent osteoporosis.

14.	Q: HOW MUCH SHOULD I BE EATING? DO I HAVE TO COUNT CALORIES OR FAT?
	A: 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.

15.	Q: I AM A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT STARTING LEVEL TWO WHEN THE TIME COMES. I AM CONCERNED THAT WHEN I START CREATING IMBALANCES, THE CRAVINGS WILL RETURN. IS THIS A POSSIBILITY?
	A: 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!

16.	Q: I AM A VEGETARIAN. HOW WILL YOUR EATING PLAN WORK FOR ME?
	A: 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.

17.	Q: I AM TRYING TO BEGIN SOMERSIZING, BUT MY SUGAR LUST IS BRINGING ME DOWN AND IT SEEMS I CAN'T GET STARTED. CAN YOU GIVE ME ANY ADVCE TO OVERCOME IT, OR IS COLD TURKEY THE ONLY POSSIBILITY?
	A: Unfortunately only you can make the decision to do this. You have to really make the commitment to do this and to follow the program diligently. You have to decide when you are ready mentally to make that commitment. You have to totally cut out the sugar to make it work. Also know that the sugar cravings really only last a couple of weeks. Plus SomerSweet is available and we can have "legal" desserts when we want something sweet.

18.	Q: I HAD LOST 3.5 POUNDS THE FIRST WEEK AND THEN SUDDENLY I GAINED 1.5 POUNDS IN ONE DAY! I WEIGHED 127 ON SATURDAY AND ON SUNDAY I WEIGHED 128.5. WHAT HAPPENED?
	A: You've just learned why it is best to weigh yourself once a week. It is totally natural that our weight fluctuates from one day to the next. So many things can affect it, including the time of the month. You were probably just retaining some water that day. It's probably gone already. This happens to everyone. It is only temporary so don't worry.

19.	Q: I HAVE A GOOD BREAKFAST BUT AT LUNCH I CAN'T PREPARE THESE NICE LUNCHES FROM YOUR BOOK. SO WHAT KIND OF SANDWICHES CAN I MAKE?
	A: How about making extra for dinner and having leftovers for lunch? Make a big pot of soup ahead of time that can be reheated. As far as sandwiches, if it's with bread, remember it needs to be Carbos and Veggies, so you could have a veggie sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, sprouts, cucumber and mustard. You can also make whole wheat tortilla roll-ups by mixing my Somersize Dip Mix with non-fat ricotta cheese and using it as a spread. Then layer with tomatoes, herbs, onion, or any veggies you like. Roll it up and you have a Somersize Wrap. You could also have egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, BLT, sliced turkey with mayo but on all of these instead of bread roll them up in lettuce leaves like tacos.

20.	Q: I HAVE BEEN LAID OFF WORK AND CAN'T AFFORD MOST OF THE INGREDIENTS YOU SUGGEST FOR SOMERSIZING. CAN YOU RECOMMEND THINGS THAT ARE LESS EXPENSIVE?
	A: I've received several letters saying that my food is too expensive. You don't have to eat lamb chops, duck and fillet mignon. Simply choose less expensive cuts of meat like ground turkey, chicken and hamburger. I'm working on more recipes that use less expensive ingredients.

21.	Q: I HAVE BEEN ON YOUR DIET FOR TWO WEEKS AND AN 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 TO BE ENOUGH.
	A: 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.)

22.	Q: I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR PROGRAM TO THE LETTER AND HAVE NOT LOST AS MUCH WEIGHT AS I HAD HOPED.
	A: You need to look over what you are eating and make sure you are not straying from Level One guidelines. If you are following Level One to the letter, be patient. I swear it will happen. It took me 2 months and then the melt began.

23.	Q: I HAVEN'T LOST ANY POUNDS, BUT I'M DOWN TWO SIZES! WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?
	A: 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!

24.	Q: I KNOW I DO NOT NEED TO COUNT FAT GRAMS, BUT IS THERE A POINT AT WHICH YOU CAN EAT TOO MUCH FAT IN ONE DAY AND NOT LOSE WEIGHT?
	A: It is very difficult to over-eat fat, unless you ignore the signs from your body. When you eat fat your brain releases an enzyme that signals your body you are full; that is why these full fat meals are so satisfying. Don't overdo it. You need to use common sense. Balance your meals with plenty of vegetables and include fruit as snacks.

25.	Q: 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?
	A: 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.

26.	Q: I WAS WONDERING IF SOMERSIZING WOULD BE GOOD FOR ME EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT. I DO GET LOW BLOOD SUGAR. I'M THIN, BUT AFTER I EAT EVEN A LITTLE BIT, I'LL HAVE A VERY POOCHY BELLY. I ALSO HAVE SOME DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS.
	A: Yes, this would be a great way to eat even if you do not need to lose weight. I am sure you are aware we cannot make any medical claims. Having said that, however, many Somersizers have told us how eating this way has helped their digestion.

27.	Q: I WEIGH 450 POUNDS. I'M 5 FEET 9 INCHES, SO I'M A REALLY FAT PERSON. I CAN EAT THREE WHOPPERS, LARGE FRIES, A LARGE COKE, AND A LARGE MILKSHAKE AT ONE SITTING, SO YOU NOW I'M A BIG EATER. ALTHOUGH I DON'T THINK I EAT AS MUCH ON YOUR DIET, IS IT REALL
	A: 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!

28.	Q: SINCE YOUR DIET IS BASED ON FATS AND PROTEINS, IS MY BODY FAT PERCENTAGE GOING TO INCREASE DRAMATICALLY?
	A: Eating dietary fat will not make you gain weight, as long as you do not combine it with carbohydrates. This is the basic premise of Somersize. You can actually lose weight and body fat, by following the Somersize guidelines to achieve your ideal body composition. Remember, sugar is the real enemy.

29.	Q: IF I USE YOUR STUFFING MIX TO STUFF THE VEGGIES, DO I NEED TO MIX IT WITH EGG BEFORE FILLING THEM (AS YOUR OTHER STUFFING RECIPES CALL FOR)?
	A: You don't have to, but it helps bind the stuffing to hold it together.

30.	Q: I'M NOT A BREAKFAST EATER. IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE BREAKFAST?
	A: 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

31.	Q: IS COUSCOUS ALLOWED ON LEVEL ONE?
	A: Yes, it's a Carbo.

32.	Q: IS HOMINY ALLOWED ON LEVEL ONE AND WOULD IT BE A VEGETABLE OR A CARBO?
	A: Hominy is a type of corn, and therefore a Funky Food.

33.	Q: IS IT BETTER FOR ME TO EAT MY CARBOS IN THE MORNING, OR DOESN'T IT MATTER?
	A: 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.

34.	Q: IS IT OKAY IF TWO OUT OF THREE MEALS ARE CARBO MEALS? IF SO, WILL I STILL LOSE WEIGHT?
	A: You will lose weight more quickly if you limit your Carbos to breakfast only. When you cut back on the carbs, you force your body to use your fat reserves as an energy source. That's when "The Melt" begins.

35.	Q: IS IT OKAY TO USE PORK RINDS TO COAT CHICKEN AND FRY IT?
	A: Pork rinds and chicken are both Pro/Fats, so it is allowed.

36.	Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO JUST START SOMERSIZING AT LEVEL TWO AND GET RESULTS?
	A: 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.

37.	Q: IS WHEAT GERM ALLOWED?
	A: Yes, wheat germ belongs in the Carbo group. Sprinkle it on your whole grain cereal.

38.	Q: MY HUSBAND IS JAPANESE AND WE LOVE SUSHI - ESPECIALLY CALIFORNIA ROLLS. I KNOW I CAN'T 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
	A: 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.

39.	Q: NOW THAT I'M SOMERSIZING, IF A SPECIAL EVENT COMES UP OR IF I HAVE A BAD DAY, WILL IT SCREW EVERYTHING UP?
	A: As far as a special event messing you up, number one make sure it's worth it and not a regular occurrence. Do the best you can and try to keep cheats at a minimum. Just because one thing throws you off for the day, don't throw in the towel for the rest of the day. After it's over get back to strict level one right away. Drinking extra water helps too. Most importantly, if it's a special event, enjoy it, don't worry about it and just get right back on track the next day. Just be sure though that it is a special event and not just an excuse to cheat.

40.	Q: SOME OF YOUR RECIPES ARE QUITE IN-DEPTH. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WITH A BUSY WORK SCHEDULE?
	A: I try to include simple recipes as well as more complicated ones. Most of my meals are prepared by cooking meat, fish or poultry in a hot pan, then de-glazing the pan with wine or broth and finishing with a pat of butter. These meals take only minutes to prepare. I'm very busy, too. I have to eat frequently on the road and in restaurants. The key to cooking at home is keeping meat, fish or poultry in the freezer to thaw for a quick meal, and plenty of fresh vegetables that can be steamed.

41.	Q: THE BOOK DOESN'T LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CARBOS I CAN HAVE IN THE MORNING. IS THAT POSSIBLE?
	A: 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.

42.	Q: WE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM LEARNING YOUR PROGRAM AND KNOWING HOW TO PLAN MEALS. WE ARE PLAIN PEOPLE AND DON'T EAT GOURMET MEALS, WHICH MOST OF YOURS SEEM TO BE. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
	A: You do not have to eat gourmet meals to Somersize. I enjoy fancy foods, but most of the time I eat very simply. Look at the food lists. For breakfast you can have eggs. Cook them however you want. If you don't want to make a feta cheese omelet, use cheddar cheese or American cheese. If you don't want to make Pepper Steak for dinner, eat hamburger patties! The beauty of this program is that you can eat however you want. I try to give you recipe ideas to make your meals more flavorful, but adjust the ingredients to your taste! Just follow the simple guidelines and enjoy all the benefits.

43.	Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR PLAN AND DR. ATKINS' PLAN?
	A: Dr. Atkins' plan allows no fruit or vegetables in the beginning, because these foods contain carbohydrates. As you lose weight, you add minimal amounts of fruit and carbohydrates. In my plan, I give you a list of acceptable vegetables that are all low in starch so you may eat as much as you want. As for fruit, I ask that you not combine them with any other foods. I have a lot of respect for Dr. Atkins. He's done some amazing research. What I like about Somersizing is that you get the same kind of results, but you are allowed a more balanced array of foods.

44.	Q: WHEN I WAS DOING MY GROCERY SHOPPING, I TRIED TO BE VERY CAREFUL ON WHAT I BOUGHT. I CHECKED LABELS, AND NOTICE THAT MANY PRODUCTS HAVE SOME SUGAR IN THEM (1-2 GRAMS) AND THEY ALSO HAVE CARBOHYDRATES LISTED.
	A: The best way to determine what you can and cannot eat is to check the reference guide in the back of the book. Here you will find the allowed foods by food group. You can even copy it and take it with you to the grocery store. It's really very simple. Stick to the foods and combinations for Level One and avoid all Funky Foods. It is important that you check ingredient lists and not nutritional panels on food products. Some foods have natural sugars and carbos (such as tomatoes.) As long as the ingredients show no added sugars and all the ingredients fit properly into the Somersize food groups you are fine. Looking at the nutritional panel sometimes just makes it more confusing.

45.	Q: WHEN READING LABELS, WHAT IS A GOOD RULE OF THUMB FOR DETERMINING THE CARBOHYDRATE LEVELS SINCE EVERYTHING CONTAINS CARBS? EXAMPLE: UNDER 25 GRAMS?
	A: We do not have a set number of Carbos that are permitted in a day. That is one of the nice things about this program. You don't have to count anything. It is best to ignore the nutritional panel. Always check the ingredient list instead to make sure the ingredients fit properly within the Somersize food groups. When having Pro/Fats, always make sure there are no Carbos added to the ingredients. You don't have to worry about the natural carbos.

46.	Q: WHAT TYPE OF WINE SHOULD I COOK WITH?
	A: When using wine, cook with something that tastes good enough to drink. If you use sour wine, you'll get sour sauce. As far as brands? Whatever you can afford. There are hundreds and hundreds from which to choose, at all price levels.

47.	Q: YOUR RECIPES SAY: SERVES 2, 4, OR 6. SINCE I WILL BE FIXING THE FOOD FOR 1 ONLY, CAN I FREEZE THE REST FOR ANOTHER TIME?
	A: Feel free to freeze the leftovers or cut the recipes down to your desired servings. Also, many Somersizers like having extra meals prepared for lunch the next day.

ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES