The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
No Wheat, No Sugar
Posted by Katie (Marietta, GA) on 03/28/2009
★★★★★
A whole grain bread company had opened up in our town which my husband and I discovered in January. So delicious, it became an addiction. Each week I'd go and buy a loaf of multi-grain bread and some whole grain muffins and fruit bars. I'd only have one slice of bread per day, but before I knew it I gained 4 pounds which I found impossible to take off. I cut back on calories, but I still had to have my one delicious slice of bread every day. At the same time that I gained the pounds, I also started looking older and unhealthy all of a sudden, which I couldn't understand since I eat very healthy food with lots of vegetables every day and exercise 5x a week. Anyway, a week ago I decided enough was enough and went on an anti-candida diet. I cut out all wheat and sugar from my diet. No more delicious bread! In the 7 days that I started my no wheat, no sugar diet, I have lost 4 pounds and look/feel much more healthy. My skin is glowing too. Now it wasn't like I ate a lot of sugar before starting on my diet, but I did have a teaspoon of brown sugar in tea about 4x a day. And then I was only eating 1 slice of bread a day. Not a lot, but even these small quantities were reaking havoc on my body.
I hope everyone who is having trouble losing weight will consider eliminating those 2 things from your diet. The results are fast and remarkable!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by CheeMiss (Toronto, ON) on 05/19/2009
Hello Laure from Belleville, Ontario
I know that this suggestion may seem to be to easy to help, but it certainly is worth a shot. It is an old European remedy, but for some reason it was no longer working for me, UNTIL I DISCOVERED THE REASON WHY. Buttermilk, yep, buttermilk. BUT IT MUST BE ORGANIC OR IT WILL NOT HELP YOU AT ALL.
The health food stores only recently started to carry it.
I bought 3 quarts of it. Drank 1 quart per day. The 1st day it was a miracle for my acid reflux, burping, bloating, gas, cramps and IBS diarrhea . By the last quart, (only 3 days) even my Tinnitus settled down.
The ORGANIC Buttermilk contains B-12 as well as other vital nutrients for our body. (read the ingredients label). The industrial farming dairy business's have destroyed the natural healing properties in dairy by the way they confine and feed the cows. No wonder more & more people are having problems with dairy.
Organic cows are allowed to graze on clovers and grass. The entire planet was raised on health dairy before the brutal industrial farming techniques took over, and people were healthier back then than now. Including me.
I could not believe that something so simple would work so quickly.......And my weight has been coming off quickly without my dieting.
I guess my body is getting what it needs thru the Organic buttermilk AND AS A BONUS, I AM SLIMMING DOWN!!!
Believe me, I have been trying everything, incl. Omega 3's via cod liver oil, vitamins incl D, A etc, ACV (which made things worse for me) the list is endless to what I have tried. You name it, I've tried it.
I repeat, I only got these results because of the ORGANIC Buttermilk.......NOT THE ADULTERATED CONVENTIONAL BUTTERMILK.
I know that it sounds to simple.....but it really is working for me. I literally crave the stuff now, in lieu of food. Imagine that.
Btw: I now have been eating Organic dairy products only.....and they are working for me. Yeah! I missed my dairy products. If I eat conventional dairy products my problems come back.
I hope that it works for you as it is for me.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sarah (Dallas, Tx) on 07/24/2010
Here's an update on my post from July 14. I got on the scales and weighed more than I had all year. Last summer, I tried to do the Master Cleanse, but I've done it so many years (probably with leaky gut syndrome) that I just couldn't down the lemonade any more and it turned out to be a 21 day water and carrot fast. I lost 19 pounds and only 4 of them came back when I started eating again. Well, now the weight was climbing back up a year later. I got mad and just quite eating altogether. Then a plan formed in my mind: How about a juice fast, except eat the raw fruits and veggies, so the fiber keeps the waste moving out, and I wouldn't get sick (I always get extremely sick and weak on fasts unless I can afford a really good colon cleanse which I can't, right now). I'm also drinking lots of water and taking some black strap molasses, bentonite clay, and clear Metamucil. I have lost 8 1/2 pounds in the 9 days since I started. I'm going for 21 days again, which might get me to my ideal weight. I also found and am reading a great book on undiagnosed hypothyroidism (which could cost you your life because of heart disease and cancer) called "Solved: The Riddle of Illness. Your Amazing Thyroid and How You Can Work With It To Control Arthritis, etc. Etc. " Authors: Stephen E. Langer, M. D. , and James F. Scheer.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Laura (Marathon, WI USA) on 03/21/2009
★★★★★
I signed up for a 10-day raw food cleanse and extended it to 14 days, incorporating green smoothies (yum!!!) I noticed a big difference in how I felt as well as how I looked. My tight pants were loose on me in this very short period of time. I did not break the cleanse well, and ended up in bad habits. Maybe if I had been working out I would have stuck with the healthier life style. But I ended up going back to my "old" self. I'm getting back on the bandwagon because I know it works and it's the best for my body. Wish I could convince my family to want to follow along. Makes it difficult when someone else brings home junk food. My will power has little to be desired!!!
Master Cleanses
Posted by Felicia (New Rochelle, New York, USA) on 03/09/2009
★★★★★
I've used the Master Cleanser ("MC") for the past 5 years at least 3 or 4 times each year. I personally think this is by far the BEST cleansing fast I've ever tried. I highly recommend reading the entire "MC" booklet before trying the cleanse. It contains a wealth of information that should NOT be carelessly overlooked.
During the 5 years I've done the fast (always, the recommended 10 days), along with propper diet and exercise changes, I lost approximately 75lbs. I do agree, that the "MC" should not be used as a weight-loss regimine alone, but with propper diet and exercise, I feel it is an excellent way to maintain good health. I'm 46 years old, and thanks to this fast and the changes I've made in lifestyle re diet and exercise, I've been able to maintain the majority of my weight loss.
PS: You don't need to add the Cayenne pepper if you don't want to, but it aids in the removal of mucus. That's why if you have a cold, and you do the fast for 2 or 3 days, the cold will disappear immediately.
Distilled Vinegar
Posted by MannaCandace (Phoenix, AZ) on 03/31/2009
★☆☆☆☆
DISTILLED vinegar has been processed - with heat. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with the "mother" has not been processed as much. Heat KILLS good bacteria and enzymes in all foods. Therefore, over processed foods of any kind are NOT as good as the least processed comparable you can find. That's why fresh fruit is better than canned, bottled, jar, etc. fruit. So, NO distilled vinegar will noo work the same as Natural ACV with the mother in it. Besides, ACV is not expensive at all.
Psyllium, Hot Water, Molasses
Posted by Benjamin (Pensacola, FL) on 03/08/2009
★★★★★
Got rid of my typical truck driver waistline by using psyllium husks, hot water and molasses.
Yam Noodles
Posted by Yvae (London, UK) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
Shiratake Japanese 100% konjak asian yam noodle is 97pc water and 3pc fibre. It has the uncanny property of expanding in the stomach to give the effect of being very full. It is 20cal per 100g. I find it useful for weight loss and constipation. Also for piles as the fibe is very smooth at the exit end, compared with other products such as bran does not aggravate the situation at a time one should increase fibre intake. After a lifetime of discomfort I think this may well be the ultimate gut prouct as it is a meal, noodle comes wet- in a water bag, so preparation is minimal. Please note it has no nutritional value at all so add to meals with care to ensure balance. Carried by oriental shops and health shops, Japanese and Korean in particular, though Chinese will know what you mean at the very least.
Yam Noodles
Posted by AC (West Midlands, England) on 02/10/2009
★★★★★
If you don't live near an Asian grocer and want to buy Shirataki noodles OR konnyaku jelly (that's the startchy form of shirataki, which can be added to soups, stews, and stir fried) online, here are a few resources:
If you're in the US or Canada: http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/category/shirataki-noodles
If you live in Europe or the UK: http://www.japancentre.com/
Please read the directions on the packet, many shirataki and konnyaku noodles give off a strange odor and need to be boiled before hand.
Please also consider this a yay for shirataki and konnyaku! Both are very high in fibre, contain no gluten, are very low-carbohydrate and either free or extremely low in calories.
Olive Oil
Posted by Dott (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) on 12/13/2009
You didn't say if you lost any weight with the olive oil; I'd be curious to know.
For a change of pace, you might try using extra virgin coconut oil-- You will know that it is EVCO because it will still smell like coconut, and may have a slight coconut taste as well.
I have been using it off and on for a few months, and have lost about 18# to date. The things I like about the coconut oil are it's effects and it's versatility. It's my breakfast and bedtime treat. You can get very creative with extra virgin coconut oil. If I don't feel like taking it straight, I can always mix it in with my breakfast oatmeal-- great with banana; or add a little cinnamon and make a spread for my toast; or make a hot chocolate, add e.v.c.o. and a little bit of almond extract to that creamy hot chocolate and have myself a "hot candy bar" breakfast/bedtime treat; or warm it and mix it with a tiny bit of honey and maple syrup to top a couple whole wheat & cottage cheese pancakes. Just a few possible suggestions for you.
My dose is low; just 2 Tablespoons a day, morning and evening---I'm taking it slow. Others use more. EVCO will definitely rev up a sluggish thyroid, and by making such yummy treats with it, you hardly miss the rest of the snacks that you no longer crave thanks to the coconut oil. It has also helped me greatly with such nagging problems as heartburn, constipation, joint aches, chapped lips, and completely rid me of those darn short, flaky fingernails besides!! I love this stuff.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Iris (Sanford, Florida) on 07/11/2009
I'm just starting to use ACV to lose weight. I am a bit more than 100 lbs. over weight and that is considered morbid obease. I have been using 1 TB. per 8oz. water with 1/8 tp. of baking soda to cut the tast 3 times a day. I have read about ACV to lose weight for years and I did try it a couple of times but the tast was just to acid for me. Someone suggested I put in a bit of baking soda and see if I could handle the taste of it then. I found it very agreeable.
After only 1 week I haven't noticed much weight loss, but I don't seem to be craving food all the time now and I have found I want less to eat. I have been reading some of the ways to prepare and drink the ACV. I think I may try the large glass and sip instead chugging it down real quick. Like you I'm still in the learning process.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mel (Kobe , Japan) on 01/07/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I have also had no success using ACV for weight loss. I have tried it off and on for periods of about a month, have tried it with meals, before, in between but unfortunately i've had absolutely no change. (ToT)
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Veronica (San Antonio, Texas) on 03/07/2009
The diet you are suggesting is low-carb and low fat. The exclusion of fruit seems questionable. I find it hard to believe anyone is overweight from eating too many apples and grapefruit.
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Canada) on 05/19/2009
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 01/29/2010
I have to agree with Cat from Austin. I just finished reading a book about belly fat (Google "belly fat cure" if you want the name of a number of books/resources) and it said you should only have 15 grams of sugar a day if you are serious about improving your health and losing weight (especially around your gut). I looked at the Nutrition Facts printed on a bottle of fruit/veg juice - in one glass (250 mL), there are 27 grams of sugar. Almost twice the amount I should have in an entire day! I've really started reading labels more closely and my husband and I are going on a as-close-to-sugar-free challenge as we can for a week. I have a feeling we'll be seeing far less of our protruding bellies!
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Kathy (Bristol, TN) on 11/03/2008
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking ACV/BS/Water for several months now. Loss of 17 lbs is terrific! I've been tapering off the ACV due to the jitters. I drink only filtered or mountain spring water (at least 1 liter) and tea now, no soft drinks, no diet drinks, no aspartame. Occasionally I take BSM. Also take SuperGreens and Magnesium plus flax seed pill. I use only coconut or grape seed oils for any eating/cooking. Gave up sugar, white bread, white flour, am eating organic mostly or home cooking veggies, rice, some chicken, whole wheat breads. Cut way back on proportion size. I use sea salt. Take B compound 3 times a week. Use Turmeric and Oil of Oregano for sinuses/sore throat/cold. I keep my Ph around 7 and walk 3 or 4 times a week. Still I have insomnia, plus now I am SUFFERING WITH CONSTIPATION. Additional fiber makes it much worse. In my life I can only remember being constipated 2 or 3 times and I am over 60. To combat this, I took 2 TBL mineral oil last night, nothing happened. I took 2 more TBL late this morning, still nothing by 11 pm tonight. I am on blood pressure meds (HCTZ and atenolol) plus cymbalta anti depressant. I was taking Lipitor but gave that up recently. Anyone have any thoughts? I have read all the posts on constipation and suppose tomorrow I will try Lime and BS, or maybe tonight. HELP.
THIS IS THE VERY BEST SITE EVER, EVER, EVER! Thank everyone who contributes.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Joanna (Westport, CT) on 11/04/2008
Kathy, the baking soda might be causing your problem. You might want to cut that out first and see what happens.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Lisa (Hartford, Sd) on 12/15/2016
Oh, try the natural approach to your backed up problem and drink prune juice. Things will flow thru soon
Jackie's Miracle Bread Recipe
Posted by Jackie (Grand Rapids, Minnesota) on 10/09/2008
★★★★★
This bread really does fill you up and keep you from snacking. this is the best tasting recipe for it that i've found. 2 cups nonbromated unbleached white flour--1 cup spelt flour--bought both at the healthfoodstore. 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ grocerystore brand in cereal ailse--1 pkg. rapid rise yeast--1-1/2 cups of warm water--1/4 cup brown sugar--1 tsp honey--1 tsp salt--1/4tsp ground ginger-- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon--2 tbsp canola oil--3/4 cup dried fruits, dark or golden raisins, apricots, or pineapple, or a mixture. also 2 handfuls of raw millet from health food store. i measure out all the different flours wheat germ and millet and dried fruits in separate bowls. i measure the brown sugar,honey, salt, cinnamon, ginger and oil together in another bowl. heat 1-1/2 cups water to 110 degrees, i use a thermometer.in a large bowl empty 1 pkg yeast and add the warm water, next the sugar, salt and oil mixture, add 2 cups of the white flour and beat to make a batter then gradually work the rest of the ingredients in, the dried fruits last. knead on lightly floured board 10 min, then let rise in greased bowl in warm place til double. i warm my oven slightly only few minutes and use a greased 4qt covered kettle, it conducts the heat. takes about 1 hr. punch down , divide in half and roll into loaves and place in greased loaf pans.let rise until double ( i use the oven method) remove from oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees. bake about 40 minutes. makes 2 small loaves. i doubled the recipe today, and made 2 large loaves, just realized i used 2 cups of water instead of 3, so that's why it didn't take so much flour, lol when cool, i slice it up and put it in freezer bags and freeze it. since i found this my desire to eat between meals has dropped to zero. my abdominal/ hip girth is going down. i feel so much better. i have more energy and better mental clarity. my mood is better too. i have a slice with each meal and i'm able to reduce portions without pangs and 1 slice around 8 or 9pm with a cup of green tea and then i don't snack at midnight when i get home from work. you must try for yourself, it's a miracle.
Cabbage
Posted by Mujahid (Tobyhanna, Pennsylanvia) on 08/31/2008
★★★★★
Cabbage for Weight Loss and Detox
I stopped eating meat, and started eating cabbage everyday, yes gas is part of what is expected, but my bowel movement is now regulated, my system is cleansed, stool is no longer dark and there is no unbearable smell. my weight is going down. And most of all I feel better physically. I juice 8 oz twice a day. And eat 1/4 pound per day. Basil and Fennel and black pepper for flavor.
Hot Water
Posted by Hariom (Sampla[rohtak], Haryana INDIA) on 08/30/2008
★★★★★
HOT WATER FOR OBESITY: Boil one glass[200ml.]water. Sip it just like you drink tea after each eating. Rember you should drink it boiled not hot. It control obesitty colostrol and b.p.without any diet control and exercise.
Fennel
Posted by Tea (New Zealand) on 07/06/2018
Indians, after giving birth, drink loads of fennel seed tea to drop the water and baby weight.... don't know if it works but my boss was made to drink it!
Master Cleanses
Posted by Peter (Sao Paulo, Brazil) on 08/05/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have been doing the Master Cleanse for a couple a years, once or twice a year. The longest I have been on it was 21 days.
The MC should NEVER be used as a weight loss program. That is the quickest way to getting an eating disorder.
The MC is a wonderful way to clear up health issues while learing about your body and natural detox processes. You will lose some pounds, but they will most likely come back on. Just make sure you have the right intentions.
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by May (Milwaukee, US) on 07/21/2008
★★★★★
Hi, I used a honey and cinnamon remedy that I heard about from my friend. If you use about a table spoon of raw honey in a cup of warm water (hot will kill the enzymes) and some cinnamon (I don't know exactly how much to use, I just use a couple shakes from the shaker). It speeds up your metabolism, I've lost a little weight, I have yet to weigh myself, but I can already tell, so I suggest trying it.
Exercise and Diet
Posted by Stacey (G-boro, Nc) on 03/10/2010
You have a set number of fat cells in your body. When you lose weight, the cells get smaller; they don't exit your body. Other than the cells' normal life cycle, the only way you can remove fat cells is lipo-suction. Even then, we seem to be able to regrow fat cells. Check out this story
:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/BeautySecrets/story?id=4777493&page=1
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cranberry, Lemon
Posted by Erynn (New Haven, CT) on 01/06/2009
In response to Michelle from Houston, TX -- If the drink is bitter, try adding some grade b maple syrup to the mix. Although its adding some calories, your also adding some vital nutrients which will give you energy and good health. I highly recommend it over honey any day! (Goes well in tea too).
Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne
Posted by Dee (New York, USA) on 04/22/2008
★★★★★
I have been using ACV pills and Cayenne Pepper capsules to lose weight. I have been taking them now for three weeks. I have noticed a difference already. With a little exercise at least 5 times a day, nothing strenuous and cutting down on fatty foods and snacks have helped me loose weight so far. I have not weighed myself yet, but will do so after I see more results. Everyone is complimenting me telling me that I have been loosing weight. It feels good to hear that. My clothes are fitting looser and that makes me feel good. I don't particularly like the taste of ACV itself so I opted for the pills and the pepper not such a fan of the really hot stuff either but they work just as good. If you don't like the cayenne pepper use the capsules. You should take them with food so that you don't feel the heartburn or the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach in the beginning. After a few you will not have any symptoms. So far it has worked for me. I'll keep taking them until I finish the bottles and by then I should have shed more weight.
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by Susan (Portsmouth, Nh) on 01/05/2013
Regarding your rash to cinnamon - I believe cinnamon is a lot like ginger in that energetically it moves toxins to the skin for removal from the body, vs. the bowels, kidneys, liver etc.
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by Tammy (Memphis, TN) on 04/04/2008
★★★★☆
I HAVE BEEN USING THE HONEY AND CINNAMON EVERY MORNING WHEN I AM ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I HAVE MORE ENERY AND NOT HUNGER AND I FIND MYSELF EATING LESS AND NOT REALLY HAVE APPETITE TO EAT I WILL KEEP DRINKING THIS TEA TO SEE IF I WILL LOSS THE WEIGHT SO I HAVE BEEN USE THE TEA FOR ONLY ONE WEEK
Oolong Tea
Posted by Missy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 03/07/2008
★★★★★
I researched a tea product that was promoted on Opra as a miracle weight loss. It turns out it was Oolong Tea. I purchased Organic Oolong for myself and a few of my friends as a gift and we all started drinking a couple of cups a day. Lo & Behold, we were loosing weight without changing our sensible diet and without the laxative or diuretic effects of other weight loss teas. People have been commenting to all of us that our faces look slimmer and all of us have lost inches from our waistlines. You will notice very quick results provided you eat a sensible diet. Avoid fried, greasy foods, pastries and watch the weight easily fall off!
Green Tea
Posted by Leighne (Compton, California) on 03/04/2008
★★★★★
Green Tea (Liquid concentrate). I have been drinking green tea (tea bags) and putting 6 drops of the liquid tea for about 8 weeks. I have energy that I never had. I also dropped 8 lbs. This tea tastes great also, I do not put any other ingredients in the tea, just the natural flavors. Everyday I drink 1 1/2 cups of hot tea.
I just started taking 1T cider vinegar every day in my water for about 2 weeks. I noticed my eyes are not as dry in the mornings as they usually are.
