DEAR DR. GOTT: Thank you for your wonderful book. I’m sure you hear this a “bazillion” times a days but this I the only diet I can stick to. I’ve done Atkins’, Weight Watchers, MediFast, VLCD, and more but yours is just wonderful and I don’t feel deprived.
I have quick question. With the Ezekiel 4:9 bread, how many slices are allowed per day? I know you explained not to go “hog wild” and to watch portion control but at 80 calories a slice, I’ve been eating a slice with avocado for breakfast and then a 2-slice sandwich with eggs for lunch. Is this allowed?
Also, are other Ezekiel products allowed if they are sans flour and sugar? Their cereals and pastas are also made from sprouted grains and a flourless.
And lastly, there is a company in CT called Lightlife. They made veggie protein/soy-based meatless hot dogs, sausage links, etc. They do not list sugar of any kind or flour so are they allowed? Thank you so very much.
DEAR READER: Before I answer your questions, I would like to congratulate you on your success in sticking with my diet. I am still astounded at the number of people who have found a way to a healthier lifestyle and weight loss by using it. What started a seemingly simple recommendation given to my patients has helped the lives of people all over the US, Canada, and perhaps further out into the world.
To the best of my knowledge, all Ezekiel products are flour-less and made from sprouted grains. The only issue I can see, would be making sure the desired product is also free of sugar. If you have read the labels and are sure that sugar (table sugar, maple syrup, various corn syrups, etc.) aren’t listed, then feel free to consume the food. As a point of clarification, fructose from fruits (although small amounts can be found in vegetables) is allowed when consumed from the actual fruit. It is a good idea to avoid using granulated fructose that can be found as a sugar alternative in some grocery stores.
As for how much flour-less bread you can consume, 1 slice is a typical serving and the average American should consume between six and eight servings of grains daily. Three slices are perfectly acceptable and you could make up the remainder with items such as barley or rice. My only concern is if you are eating your egg sandwich every day. I generally recommend that individuals consume two whole eggs or less per week in an attempt to keep cholesterol levels down. If you were to use only the egg whites you would be doing yourself a favor, as this portion of the egg has no cholesterol and is high in protein. I also hope that you are consuming fruits and/or vegetables with your lunch, as well.
Until your letter, I had not heard of Lightlife, but if their products don’t contain flour or sugar as you say, then they, too, are fine for consumption under my diet plan.
I have said this in the past but the easiest way to determine what is acceptable and what isn’t is to read the labels. If flour and sugar aren’t listed, dig in. If these ingredients are listed, put it back. The No Flour, No Sugar Diet can, literally, be summed up in four words: no flour, no sugar. It really is as easy as it appears.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Losing Weight: An Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet”($2 each) or my “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” book ($10 each, no number 10 envelope needed) by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print a Health Report and Book Order Form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
