Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Loss Solution

Name of the Diet/Weight Loss Program or Service: 

Dr Phil's Ultimate Weight Solution

When did you follow this diet/weight loss program?: 

Nov-May and back on plan past 2 weeks

Website/URL:: 

http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/450

My Review 

I am a Westerner living in South East Asia, so for me, a weight control programme cannot rely on special foods or a lot of low-fat, non-sugar alternatives to 'real' food. There are very few of these foods available, apart from low/zero fat milk and low fat cottage cheese (US$8 for 800g tub!). I needed a plan that used real food wisely. Also Dr Phil's plan was one of the very few diet books available. Fat and sugar are highly valued in Asia and almost everything is saturated in one or the other, or both. I also had to be able to make everything I eat and not spend much time on it as I work full time. I am also trying to manage my Hashi's, which seems like a full time job in itself. I choose more raw options than cooked, which speeds things up, and keep an eye on glycemic index. I also have to drink 3-4 litres of water per day or I don't lose weight. Some days I feel like I'm eating all the time and it can be a real effort to eat everything that I need. Before, I used to be so hungry all the time it felt like I couldn't fill myself up. I would have wild sugar cravings and was all over the place - a bit of a mess really. I don't have the mood swings of before and in fact it's an indication that I've wandered off plan if I get the urge to yell. I did veer off plan in April when I had an operation, then in May came all the farewell drinks and food before I left Vietnam, then all the resettling in Cambodia, finding supermarkets, accommodation, a job and realizing that the restaurants, wine and cheese selections are all far better here than what I have had in years. I have been back on plan for 2 weeks now and have already lost more than what I put back on in that period. My energy levels are way better, I am happier and I can buy clothes off the rack occasionally. I still have difficult days, pain, moodiness, and other stuff but I cope with it much better. It doesn't feel like the end of the world anymore. I've also been inspired to get creative in the kitchen and have even started a blog (http://losingitincambodia.blogspot.com/) to help maintain my focus and to record some of my personal insights in managing Hashi's, as I'm inclined to forget those little things that make a big difference. And on a final note, the attention to wonderful, fresh ingredients required by the plan helped me to finally realize that the kitchen is truly my happy place.

Did you successfully lose weight on this diet? 

Yes

How much weight did you lose so far? 

51-100 lbs

Pros for Thyroid Patients? 

This diet was designed for people with serious health issues including diabetes. Carbs are controlled, not eliminated and you get fast results, evening out the highs and lows. It optimizes nutrition against calories. Dairy products, essential to weight loss, are included. It is easy to follow and gives, not takes, energy. Psychological support is available.

Cons for Thyroid Patients? 

Iit requires effort in the kitchen in terms of preparation, which can be off- putting when your energy is low. The psychological part of the program could be confronting for some people.

Would you recommend this to a friend? 

Yes