by Vic Magary – Former ARMY Soldier & Author of The 31 Day Fat Loss Cure
“Carbohydrates are a metabolic bully.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. . .
That is a quote from a recent article in the L.A. Times that outlines how a diet rich in carbohydrate sources such as bread, pasta, and rice is responsible for today’s obesity problem in the United States.
The article even quotes the doctor who is the director of the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at Duke University Medical Center as saying, “At my obesity clinic, my default diet for treating obesity, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome is a low-carb diet.”
This article also gives a great overview of how the consumption of grains and other carbohydrate sources leads to the cycle of weight gain through insulin spikes and glycogen storage. The article does this without being overly technical or losing the reader in scientific jargon.
There’s even a mention of our hunter gatherer ancestors as a good place to look for our optimum diet 
Do I feel a sense of vindication reading this article?
Not really. From training myself, my clients, and the many followers of the 31 Day Fat Loss Cure, I already know that a diet focused on lots of vegetables, some lean meat and fruits, and a small amount of nuts is great for reaching your ideal body weight.
And if you followed the plan, then you already know this too. . .
But maybe your friends or family think you are crazy for bucking the system and going against the old government issued “food pyramid”. For those people, a little coverage of your proven and preferred diet in the mainstream press can help move them from thinking “crazy” to “convinced”.
What do you think? What has your experience been with eliminating bread, rice, pasta, cereal, and potatoes been? Let me know by leaving me a comment below….
- Vic
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Hey Vic,
Beer and breads of all kinds…… love them, hate them, love them, hate them.
I think of them as “Smiling Assassins”
They are without doubt the enemy.
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Vic,
glad to see this has finally been acknowledged by the medical community, think they are still against extremes like Atkins but its a start.
I have certainly benefited from cuting out bread, rice and pasta (that was the hardest as I love italian food!) but I just wondered if I should also cut out or change my breakfast routine which involves, green tea but then a bowl of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, brazil nuts, blueberries topped with muesli and bran flakes. Does this include too many of the cereals I should be avoiding? It does set me up for the rest of the day where I tend to stick to low or zero carbs and eat apples, melon, fruit smoothie for lunch and then chicken, broccoli, spinnach type meals in the evening (before 7pm wherever possible)?
Thanks
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Hi Vic,
After only 3 days on the 31 Day Fat Loss Cure, I agree totally what you say here. I have already lost 2 kilograms and am feeling less tight around my belly when I bend down.
I am so loving this new way of eating and don’t even miss the carbs…well maybe a little bit, but the results I am seeing are enough incentive to me to continue.
Looking forward to going shopping at the end of the month to buy myself a whole new wardrobe.
Thanks once again for sharing this diet with us all.
Regards,
Marilyn Jones
South Africa
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Hey Vic,
I totally agree with you 100%. I was diagnosed with Celiacs disease 2 years ago and although I have never been a “big” eater or anything terribly bad for you, I did eat a sandwich for lunch and possibly had pasta or rice with dinner as part of a “balanced” diet. When I did eat carbs I was the heaviest I have ever been, no matter how little I ate, or how much exercise I did. Now being a Celiac, I am leaner and lighter than I have ever been. I’m not at my ideal weight but close. It’s amazing how heavy you feel after eating bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. In a strange way becoming a Celiac was the best thing that ever happened to me eating wise.
Thanks,
Kristen.
P.S. So happy I found your site
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Well, after nearly 35 years of dutifully following every diet program, excercise regime and dieticians’ formula with out success and consistent, bitter frustration and the development of Type 2 diabetes, I can confidently say, loudly and to anyone who will give me airplay- HALLELUJAH! It’s about time the traditional food pyramid was debunked. The stubborn support of it by those “in the know” and the alarmingly evident lack of evidence was leading me to think I was part of my own “Truman Show”, a victim of a universal conspiracy or just plain nuts. I can only say, thank the powers that be, Vic, for you and your guts to go against the grain (sic) and tell the truth! I mean seriously, Low GI or Hi GI, it’s all got the G and oh, yeah, doesn’t that stand for Glucose (sugar) and doesn’t the excess of this metabilise as, oh, that’s right, FAT. It’s not rocket science, it’s just been terribly unpopular – Thank you!
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vic,
the duke doc is right – for diabetes of any sort and for metabolic syndrome, carbs – simple carbs – are anathema for the most part. as well, for obesity that he’s treating in a medical setting, carbs are a, not the, culprit. few who get overly fat do so on carbs alone – pizza, chocolate, and french fries get the bulk of their calories from fats, not sugars.
but not to debate the issue to death, let me tease a little. many argue that hi fructose corn syrup is the cause – a carb; or even artificial sweeteners (because they somehow trick the body into desiring real sugars). but no one, not any scientific researcher, disputes the fact that excess calories are the cause of weight gain.
so, as to how to lose weight? need i repeat the old mantra, eat less, move more? eat less of what? now that’s the question.
good luck.
and keep the info coming.
irv
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I tried the Adkins diet about 10 years ago, I did lose weight and fairly quickly but it wasn’t very practical and I don’t think it was all that healthy. And, as soon as you add carbs back the weight comes back. Personally I found that eating the healthier grains and limiting carbs is key. I don’t watch my fruit carbs but when it comes to breads and pasta’s I just don’t eat a ton of it and try to go wheat and whole grain when possible. Diets that limit variety tend to not work for me in the long run. Thanks
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Hi Vic!
I was completely fooled for a long time that brown rice, whole grain foods, yams/sweet potatoes and dairy were good for me. It baffled me why I was always overweight. Sometimes not grossly fat but always 20lbs or so. I tried everything and nothing seemed to work. No diets, magic potions, lotions, teas or pills. It seemed all they did was make me fatter. I was totally depressed and avoided mirrors and cameras at family gatherings. I didn’t want to date because I didn’t feel sexy and was alone for 7 years.
I found your information on 8-22-10 and today I weigh less than I have in the last 10 years and I owe it all to your knowledge and guidance. Yes, I was the one to put it into action and lose the 42lbs BUT you opened my eyes! I would still be in the same boat if it weren’t for your DFLC. I still have a few pounds to lose so my journey isn’t over yet. This summer will be a little hotter!!!! lol
Thanks Vic! Keep up the great work.
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Good morning Vic,
To answer your question : My experience with eliminating bread, rice, pasta, cereal, and potatoes (and following your paleo-inspired diet) has been SUCCESSFUL. This diet eliminated my belly fat more efficiently than all my efforts in the gym focusing on/involving the abs.
I try to summarize your diet philosophy as “avoiding food that involves a rather complex processing” and replacing them with food packed with natural nutrients and fiber.
(although potatoes and corn – found in nature – are also avoided, and I use olive oil, various vinegars, etc. – involving a processing).
I try to do that as much as possible. During the holidays, it was difficult to say no to mom’s fruit cake, stuffed breads, tourtière, etc. and the occasional sparkling wine, but I’m back on the right track this week.
But when I tell friends I’m avoiding pasta, rice, bread potatoes, cereals, etc., I get sermons (occasionnally) and funny looks (often). The thing is, eating habits involving carbs (cereals, etc.) are strongly ingrained. Most people can’t imagine preparing meals without those carbs.
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It amazes me how little doctors actually know about nutrition so this is an interesting turn. Carbs, especially today’s processed variety, are high energy foods for sure; if you eat ‘em but don’t burn ‘em, you’re gonna wear ‘em!! Most of the US population is on crappy carbohydrate overload versus being quality protein poor; people don’t move enough (on a daily basis) and the results are evident. Obesity is KING!!! sad….
Keep the light on Vic!! Thanks dude.
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Vic,
I have always been around the same weight, and noone would say I’m fat, or overweight, but I know how to dress to cover the problem areas. Two kids and a a few months from 40, people say I look good, but I know I weigh more than I should. The love handles tell me so. After finding you on the internet, I started your program. I am not going to lie and say I’m doing the exercise program, but I cut-out the dairy, most of the grains and increased the lean meats, sometimes just getting a roasted chicken for lunch! I have lost 8 lbs! I do hot yoga and other exercise at the gym (sometimes) and am inspired to do more of your program.
On another note, the dairy issue makes so much sense and I am telling all my friends who complain about their weight! If you think about it, after mother’s milk, we weren’t designed to suck milk from an animal! All the little kids I know who have huge tummies, are huge milk drinkers & their parents force it on them! My kids would never drink it after they were weaned and I used to worry about it, but they get their calcium from healthy sources, and at 4 and 8 yrs, they are lean/healthy and have never had protruding bellies. It just makes so much sense!
I love getting your emails. Thanks Vic!
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Carbs are evil!!! lol I have given them up and will never go back! It freaks me out to see how many carbohydrates the average person consumes. I have LOVED this program! I can’t even call it a diet because it has been a lifestyle change for me and I absolutely adore it! Thanks for all of your inspiration Vic ( and Coda ;o) )
Semper Paratus!
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I have been on the program 30 days…I got hurt right after I went on the program and wasn’t able to exercise and I still have lost 16pounds by just not eating whole wheat and dairy products…I eat lean meat..nuts..lots of vegetables and fruit…I will be able soon to workout and I expect much more results soon…thanks for the program that has helped me to lose weight that I’ve been trying to lose for many years…and btw I feel great!!
Lloyd king
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Vic, no question about it…carbs have been my enemy for years. I’ve only been on your program (for old folks- 72) for only 3 days and lost almost 4 pounds! Thanks for your encouraging emails! Charlie
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Avoiding carbs is the ONLY way I can keep my weight down. I cut our the processed carbs 3 1/2 years ago as I turned 45 and lost 18kgs (about 40lbs). Since, I have reintroduced some occassionally, mainly the sandwich at lunch, and have pretty much maintained my weight other then a few lbs over the festive season etc. If I do need to drop a couple of quick kgs, I follow Vic’s program, and they disappear very quickly… Tina I also weigh less than I have in the last 10 years, and actually now weigh the same as I did when I was 18, but am fitter, so look hotter at 48 than I have in my entire life!
No carbs rule!
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Hey vic,
Liking your plan so far. Couple quick questions on glutten free (wheat free) cereal with no sugar added – wondering what you think if I am absolutely craving cereal a few mornings in the month….I am using almond milk in replace and that is working with the cereal.
Also, I like green tea however not without sugar. What if I replaced the sugar with a tiny bit of honey (unpasterized).
LMK. Txs again.
PJ
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I have found the low carb diet to work well as I have been on it for a while.
I first read about it in a book called Protein Power by a husband and wife team whom happen to be doctors. Its your exercise program that I find awesome.
I find I can stick to it and have results.
TKS. Cam
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Atkins has been preaching the low carb thing for years.The big difference between you and Atkins is that you add burning exercise the mix.
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Hi Vic,
I purchesed your DFLC about 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I heart my foot and I coudn’t do the exersizes, but I eliminated all the carb, and dairy you mention. Already I feel less bloated, and less heavy after a meal. I feel more energetic for longer period of the day. My doughter made me aware of an artical she read, mentioning that drinking pure pomegranate juice every day could help trimming your fat. Could you please give your thought about this.
Thanks Vic.
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I relate to exactly what you are saying, Tina. I am 7 days in on the 31DFLC diet and right now some wild rice or sweet potato sounds pretty darn good to me. I have done well so far, but there’s definately a challenge to it. Notice that I am not craving donuts or chips either! I thought I was eating right. Maybe to maintain, but not to lose fat?? I hope there’s a balance with good quality whole grains at some point. Our ancestors could have eaten wild rice or a potato, don’t you think? Man, I didn’t realize how much dairy I ate, either!
Thanks for the encouragement. I sooo want this to be the answer for me!!
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Hey Vic, thanks for all the follow up emails and encouragement. The answer is yes, yes, yes!!! About 8 years ago I went on a low carb diet and lost 40 lbs. in 3 months. Then slowly I got lazy and started eating all those carbs again, several years later I was 30lbs. overwieght again. Totally because of to many carbs in my daily diet!!! I’m about 3 weeks in to your low carb diet and I’ve lost 13 lbs. and three notches on the old belt. It feels great and I’m sure I can reach my goal again!!!
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I went from 115kg to 103kg in just over a month. I started just by eating better and when i got to 110kg I took up a new sport, swimming. I did Kung Fu before and I told my Sifu (Kung Fu teacher) about what im doing and he looked u up and just helped me through this program.
Shout Outs Go To:
SIFU DAVE
VIC M.
THANKYOU GUYS SO STINKING MUCH U DONT KNOW HOW MUCH YOUVE DONE FOR ME!
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Yo vic,
Happy new year to you and coda, listen I need your help and advice!
I work a five week cycle of shifts and my body clock gets really messed up
And I dont really know how to incorporate your plan around my shifts as they include earlies, Lates and nights! It’s the eating part of when I should and shouldn’t eat as sometimes I’m up a straight 24hrs etc….
Could you enlighten me with some wisdom of how to overcome and gettin on the right track once and for all,
Cheers
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