Tim Ferriss

How to Lose 20 lbs. of Fat in 30 Days… Without Doing Any Exercise

Fat Loss via Better Science and Simplicity

It is possible to lose 20 lbs. of bodyfat in 30 days by optimizing any of three factors: exercise, diet, or drug/supplement regimen. I’ve seen the elite implementation of all three in working with professional athletes. In this post, we’ll explore what I refer to as the “slow-carb diet”.

In the last six weeks, I have cut from about 180 lbs. to 165 lbs., while adding about 10 lbs. of muscle, which means I’ve lost about 25 lbs. of fat. This is the only diet besides the rather extreme Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD) that has produced veins across my abdomen, which is the last place I lose fat (damn you, Scandinavian genetics). Here are the four simple rules I followed…

Rule #1: Avoid “white” carbohydrates

Avoid any carbohydrate that is — or can be — white. The following foods are thus prohibited, except for within 1.5 hours of finishing a resistance-training workout of at least 20 minutes in length: bread, rice, cereal, potatoes, pasta, and fried food with breading. If you avoid eating anything white, you’ll be safe.

Rule #2: Eat the same few meals over and over again

The most successful dieters, regardless of whether their goal is muscle gain or fat loss, eat the same few meals over and over again. Mix and match, constructing each meal with one from each of the three following groups:

Proteins:

Egg whites with one whole egg for flavor

Chicken breast or thigh

Grass-fed organic beef

Pork

Legumes:

Lentils

Black beans

Pinto beans

Vegetables:

Spinach

Asparagus

Peas

Mixed vegetables

Eat as much as you like of the above food items. Just remember: keep it simple. Pick three or four meals and repeat them. Almost all restaurants can give you a salad or vegetables in place of french fries or potatoes. Surprisingly, I have found Mexican food, swapping out rice for vegetables, to be one of the cuisines most conducive to the “slow carb” diet.

Most people who go on “low” carbohydrate diets complain of low energy and quit, not because such diets can’t work, but because they consume insufficient calories. A 1/2 cup of rice is 300 calories, whereas a 1/2 cup of spinach is 15 calories! Vegetables are not calorically dense, so it is critical that you add legumes for caloric load.

Some athletes eat 6-8x per day to break up caloric load and avoid fat gain. I think this is ridiculously inconvenient. I eat 4x per day:

10am – breakfast

1pm – lunch

5pm – smaller second lunch

7:30-9pm – sports training

10pm – dinner

12am – glass of wine and Discovery Channel before bed

Here are some of my meals that recur again and again:

Scrambled Eggology pourable egg whites with one whole egg, black beans, and microwaved mixed vegetables

Grass-fed organic beef, pinto beans, mixed vegetables, and extra guacamole (Mexican restaurant)

Grass-fed organic beef (from Trader Joe’s), lentils, and mixed vegetables

Rule #3: Don’t drink calories

Drink massive quantities of water and as much unsweetened iced tea, tea, diet sodas, coffee (without white cream), or other no-calorie/low-calorie beverages as you like. Do not drink milk, normal soft drinks, or fruit juice. I’m a wine fanatic and have at least one glass of wine each evening, which I believe actually aids sports recovery and fat-loss. Recent research into resveratrol supports this.

Rule #4: Take one day off per week

I recommend Saturdays as your “Dieters Gone Wild” day. I am allowed to eat whatever I want on Saturdays, and I go out of my way to eat ice cream, Snickers, Take 5, and all of my other vices in excess. I make myself a little sick and don’t want to look at any of it for the rest of the week. Paradoxically, dramatically spiking caloric intake in this way once per week increases fat loss by ensuring that your metabolic rate (thyroid function, etc.) doesn’t downregulate from extended caloric restriction. That’s right: eating pure crap can help you lose fat. Welcome to Utopia.

###

If you enjoyed this post, check out my latest book, The 4-Hour Body, #1 New York Times and #1 Amazon bestseller. You will learn: the finer details of the Slow Carb Diet (outlined in the above post), how I gained 34 pounds of muscle in 28 days, how to produce 15-minute female orgasms, and more.

You can also get the Expanded and Updated 4-Hour Workweek, which includes more than 50 new case studies of luxury lifestyle design, business building, reducing hours 80%+, and world travel.

Related and Recommended Posts:

Tim Ferriss interviewed by Derek Sivers

Tim Ferriss articles on Huffington Post

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Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That's how we're gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration.)

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john patrick valencia
john patrick valencia
13 years ago

i tried this program..with no rice in 1 week …with some cardio…and brisk walking in the morning…geez!!! ive loss 15 pounds!!! this is so effective….ive

183 lbs and now 183 lbs…im so happy with the results…

wayne
wayne
13 years ago

i have eaten rice and veg for 2 weeks and dropped 14 lbs.

Go figure

http://www.hypothermics.com

lilyy
lilyy
13 years ago

hey I`m 16 years old and i wight 56kg this is 123lbs and once a week instead of eating anything I want I don`t eat anything, and I was wandering is this very wrong for my body or will it helps me to lose more weight? help pls

emma
emma
13 years ago

I may sound like an idiot, but fruit was not mentioned at all. Would i be allowed fruit? (i apologize if somebody has already mentioned this, as i don’t have much time to browse at the moment)

Thanks!

Angie
Angie
13 years ago

Hey all!

I’m 18 F. and 150 Lbs. i was wondering what would be the best way to loose weight? I try to drink alot of water and usually only eat one to two meals a day. I’m busy all the time between work and college so I don’t have time to exercise. I also try to stay away from junk food and sodas and try to eat mostly fruits and veggies. Any advice??

Maggie
Maggie
13 years ago

I have just started this “diet” (I consider it to be more of a lifestyle choice), and I can visibly see results! Wheat belly be gone! I had a few questions about doing cardio. Is it necessary? I incorporate free weights on a daily basis, but I can’t seem to get out of that whole “log an hour on the treadmill” mentality. Ferriss claims that you can essentially eat any source of carb after a workout (within an hour after and within reason), but to maximize the diet’s effect, I have not. I however seem to be lacking a lot of energy. What can I do to minimize these effects? Is anyone else experiencing raging headaches?? Luckily I have not cheated once on this diet even though it’s been 4 days…roughly), I like to see things through the end. Also, to be quite frank, even though I am seeing results I am also quite skeptical of its sustainability. I don’t really know where I’m going with this, I guess I just have some doubts I would like cleared up.

Clayton
Clayton
13 years ago

In my opinion, there are a bunch of weight loss camps springing up that could be really beneficial to look into. They basically teach you everything in this article but you get real experience doing it. I found this article that talks about it

http://adultfitnessresort.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-fit-while-you-relax.html

Linda
Linda
13 years ago

I am gluten intolerant and hypo glycemic also on Thyroid medicine for very low thyroid function. 52 years old. I have been on a low/no carb diet for years but cannot seem to lose weight. I really need help I weigh about 170 lbs at 5’2. I have low blood pressure and a healthy heart but just cant shed this weight!! PLEASE some one must have answers!

Katie
Katie
13 years ago
Reply to  Linda

Hi Linda,

I’m on thyroid medication as well, not to mention anti epileptic medication and anti depressants so I know what your talking about.. Have you spoken to your doctor? Sometimes medication can pack the weight on without you even realising it! Even if you are sticking to a strict diet and exercising! I fin it quite odd that I’m on anti depressants because I’ve become deeply depressed about my weight an shape, yet the medication I’m on has put more weight ON me! Figure that one out! :/

I suggest you go and talk to your doctor and ask what he/she suggests. Explain your problem and tell him/her that you are trying to lose weight but are having no success.

I hope it all works out for you, I know how much of a struggle it is!!

Thinking of you x

Maggie Fox
Maggie Fox
13 years ago

Tim,

Following your diet to the proverbial “t”. What is your take on apple cider vinegar? Should it be chucked?

Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss
13 years ago
Reply to  Maggie Fox

Totally fine. I love the stuff.

Maggie Fox
Maggie Fox
13 years ago
Reply to  Tim Ferriss

Excellent! Can’t live without it in my morning water. Super refreshing!

Reed
Reed
13 years ago

Hey guys I am a senior in high school and I weigh 240lbs. I would like to be 190-200 for graduation in May 2013. Can you please tell me the best way to achieve this.

Maggie
Maggie
13 years ago
Reply to  Reed

Follow the diet outlined in this blog with exercise perhaps?

tc
tc
13 years ago

this was very helpful i feel like i may be overweight im 20 years old and probab;y about 300 not sure last i checked i was 250 at about 18-19yrs old and idk im just not really motivated but i feel its time for a changed especially since im raiding the fridge and cuboards like 20 times a day and drinking plenty of mountain dew coffee with a big scoop filled with sugar 2 times and milk also tea wth sugar not really much veebatles being eaten probably should be lol its not that i dont like em just dont eat em

tc
tc
13 years ago
Reply to  tc

oops so many typos i didnt see lol but yeah no i really dont eat vegetables

A.J.
A.J.
13 years ago

What about caloric intake? Tim, I understand you’re trying to steer clear from the importance of documenting calories, but it still needs addressing. Are we creating a deficit? are we maintaining and the nutrients and exercise do the rest?

Katie
Katie
13 years ago

Hey guys..

I’m 23, 5’1 and weigh 84kgs (185lbs).

I have a disability which unfortunately restricts me from a lot of exercise..

I’ve tried almost all the diets, pills, shakes and exercise as much as I can but it just won’t budge! I’m now currently unemployed and can’t afford the pills or shakes etc so I’m trying to do it on my own but I can’t seem to lose anything!

I’m drinking only water and living on avocado on rice cakes (I read somewhere that it’s a fast way to lose weight?) what should I do? I know about eating small portions of meat and eggs but I’m not really a fan of either… I’m really lost and have become quite depressed over my obesity.

Any help will truly be appreciated.

Jen
Jen
13 years ago
Reply to  Katie

Can you walk around your neighborhood? it’s free, provides fresh air, and is healthy.

Amy
Amy
13 years ago
Reply to  Katie

What is your disability? Are you able to work out your large muscles, like do squats or push ups too (in addition to walking around the block?). I ask because working out the large muscles in your body will help get back on track and help you see results faster. good luck

Amanda Tempel
Amanda Tempel
13 years ago

Thanks so much for sharing this. I just came off a 10 month diet program, and it’s hard to find adaptations when they aren’t provided for you.

Jen
Jen
13 years ago

diet soda??????? I know you should take what you can from each thing you read but I feel that allowing diet soda while promoting health is absurd.

Cicely
Cicely
13 years ago

Hey this is a great article. I was impressed by the many subjects covered. I too am looking to lose weight and am trying a multitude of things. While your suggestions are great I found that a little help along the way has worked best for me. Check out this site http://www.fatloses.com for more details on A LITTLE HELP along the way.

Cat
Cat
13 years ago

Hey, I am 22 and do not make enough money for a gym membership! I have gained so much weight from being in a comfortable relationship and I just love take away indian and chinese. I have bought some cheap gym equipment as even if i was able to go to the gym I am not confident to work out in public. I really need some help. I work Monday – Friday long hours and when i get home all i want to do is sit on the couch. I have started working out at home but i feel i need someone to guide me in which excercises to do. I have gained so much weight on my stomach it hangs! my arms , thighs, back and bum have gone pretty big too. I would really appreciate someone to guide me through a good meal and excercise plan to lose weight. at the moment I am 100 kg. I would love to be back at even the 60 mark. my email is katryn.l_16@hotmail.com

Dr. Marc Tinsley
Dr. Marc Tinsley
13 years ago

Losing weight should not be the goal, especially 20 lbs. in 30 days. It’s not healthy and can even be dangerous.

Like so much misguided advice, this post promotes unhealthy practices. Eating “as much as you want” and “taking a day off” to eat whatever you want is not only silly, it’s unhealthy.

the best diet is one that you can stick with. Make small changes to what you eat, how much you eat, where you eat, and when you eat until you reach a healthy diet that you can follow for the rest of your life.

Fat Burner Mike
Fat Burner Mike
13 years ago

I have been following your plan for the last 10 months and managed to lose 18 kg! The only thing I am doing bit differently is eating more green salads and fruits. I also started experimenting with green smoothies and seeing some good results. Have you ever tried them?

Eva
Eva
13 years ago

Hey my name is Eva . I weight 195 pounds and I’m 17. Most of my legs are muscle. But the rest of my body is fat. I always been heavy. And I’ve got mocked about it and got called names and it has ruined me. I have a boyfriend and he is supporting me. But I still can’t seem to loose the weight ! Can someone help me? I have been eating salads for lunch and I have taken bread out of my diet. What else should I do? What exorcises will help me loose weight fast?

I will love to hear your responses !! Thanks guys ! <3

Christen
Christen
13 years ago

Along with being good for us and tasting great, most fruits have excellent fat burning properties. Citrus fruit, in particular, has an abundance of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, which is a proven fat burner. It also has a high water content and a low calorie count. Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes, grape fruit, kiwi fruit, mandarins, tangerines, kumquats and clementines. Other fruits high in vitamin C include apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, plums, grapes and tomatoes.

Alexis Bridges
Alexis Bridges
13 years ago

I sure hope this works cause i need some tips to lose weight

Teagan
Teagan
13 years ago

I have been looking for a good diet plan. I am considered obese for my height and age too. I weight 230 lbs and i am 5’4″ and i’m only 16. I am a busy person and i’m stuck doing work all the time/mostly desk work sometimes filing and school in between, so i decided to just watch what i eat. I was wondering if there is anything else that i could do to loose weight.

Rachel Elliott
Rachel Elliott
13 years ago

Hello. I’m 17 and weigh 200ish pounds. I am on a tight budget but really need to lose weight fast. If someone can please respond to this or email me: neonmomentum@gmail.com Please help (: Thanks.

savannah
savannah
13 years ago

hey tim! m 22 years old n my weight is 66 kg and height is 5.5″…i wanna lose atleast 6 kg weight…can i do it so by doing ths diet for a month? or need to continue it for long time..?

ths diet plan seems good n m gonna follow it by tomorrow…:))

Anna
Anna
13 years ago

Can eat sliced turkey meat or roast beef for m meat instead??

Lorynn
Lorynn
13 years ago

What is the crust made out of on the pizza?

Lorynn
Lorynn
13 years ago

This meal plan WORKS. I tried it last summer for only a week and a half and lost 7 lbs (mostly stomach bloat). I wasn’t hungry and looked so forward to my “wine treat” each night. I then went on vacation and ate like a “vacationer” never to try this again. I am ready to try this again.

Matthew
Matthew
13 years ago

Tim,

Love your work! What do you think about corn and sweet potatoes, since some might call them carbs. And what are your thoughts on eating hummus and peanut butter since they are made from legumes?

Best!

David
David
13 years ago

Hi guys.

I’m trying to live the 4 Hour Work Week and Just published my first book on Amazon: How To Lose Weight With Running: 11 Tips To Run For Weight Loss. I’m doing a free promo Nov 10-14 and could use some downloads.

I won’t post a link I’ll just link my name to my Amazon page.

Thanks,

David

Selena
Selena
13 years ago

Omgosh I’m a teenage girl who’s really petite and skinny, but my thighs are huge to me. These exursises don’t seem to work and my mother will freak out if I tell her I want to loose weight, so I won’t have the foods lying around the house for me to eat, so do you have any other idea on this? I need to know cause this is getting depressing and I might hurt myself 🙁

Kristel
Kristel
13 years ago

I didn’t have time to weed through the 5,000+ comments, so, does this diet work the same for women as it does men…or are there different changes?

rose
rose
13 years ago

so to double check, this slow carb diet can still be effective without exercise? i mean generally, because the thing i spend most days of the week working, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM so you can imagine how tired i get when i come back home…

and also, are other beans like chickpeas acceptable as one of the legumes? and what would the serving size for them be?

airmidnutrients
airmidnutrients
13 years ago

for quick weight loss you have to take low fat meal, eat vegitables, salad, Drink more water and do proper workout…………

Tina
Tina
13 years ago

I tried this for over a month and I gained weight and didn’t lose any inches. I guess it only works for certain people.

Wrestler4life
Wrestler4life
13 years ago

I’m 16, I am a varsity high school wrestler, I lost 30lbs in a month, I weigh 142lbs as of today, my diet is no dairy all day, two fried eggs no yolk, toast(whole wheat) for breakfast. For lunch I eat a turkey Sandwich no cheese and light mayo. And for dinner half a cup of rice half a cup of beans and 2 ounces of baked chicken breast. I work out three hours a day five days a week and run 2.5 miles a day at night. I take foric acid pills,fish oil, vitamin c,and creatine x3 elite series dietary supplementary pills every day. I have 12% body fat and I need to get to 120lb so can anyone help me because I’ve been stuck at 140lbs for two weeks

Ryan D.
Ryan D.
13 years ago

Im 16 years old and at about 220 i wanna lose weight before i get out of high school. i dont really like to eat vegetables. im more on meat and fish. will this diet work for me? and im very active.

uzay yasi
uzay yasi
13 years ago

HI I AM 12 YEARS OLD I AM FAT THEREFORE I LOOK ELDER THAT OF MY AGE PLEASE SUGGEST ME SOME SIMPLE DIET PLAN I HAD CONTROL MY SELF I LITTLE BIT WALK AND TAKE EXERCISE A DAY I HAVE LOSE WEIGHT THAN BEFORE BUT I WANT TO LOSE MORE….

Erica
Erica
13 years ago

I have a question, can I substitute baked sweet potato or other fall squashes for beans on the slow carb diet?

thanks for your imput

Nikole
Nikole
13 years ago

Hallo. Will I be able to lose last 5-6 kilos in one month on this diet? I also workout everyday for 40-60 minutes.

Gayle Earle
Gayle Earle
13 years ago

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nikhil
nikhil
13 years ago

plz help iam 14 y and i am over weight .i am 165 cm and 70 kg. i mainly eat rice lentils and vegies on dinner and lunch mon to fri and on sat and sun i eat chicken fish octopus. plz email me on npursun@yahoo.com

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

Regular usage of Psyllium husk once in a month also helps weight loss by keeping your metabolism rate since it acts on the digestive organs. Also, it is very important that when you take psyllium husk, you drink extra water to ensure that the psyllium can move through the colon with ease. Isabgol fibers absorb waste in the stomach and removes it out from the colon.

David
David
13 years ago

Hi Tim,

I just wanted to say thank you. I cant explian how much I use to hate being over weight. I didnt go out I had no confidence in myself and mostly just hated the way I looked. I have been following the 4 hour body diet plan and I have seen incredible results. I am in my mid 20’s and for the last few years I have been putting on the pounds. I am 5’7 and weighed 185lbs!!! I blamed this on my new career which is an office job. I have tried every diet scam out there and nothing worked. I finally tried the 4 hour body and within a few months I have lost 15-17 lbs. This summer I was embarassed to take of my shirt but now I can not wait to go on vacation and go to the beach. You really helped me feel more confident and lose weight. Thank you. I am going to keep this diet up. Everyone in my office wants to know my secret. I am going to recommend this diet/book to everybody.

Nikole
Nikole
13 years ago

Can someone help me?

Is it absolutely necessary to eat legumes everyday or with every meal?Can I eat just veggies and proteins everyday or every other day?

Monique
Monique
13 years ago

Hello, I was told that I had type 2 Diabetes about two years ago. So this year I have been working my butt off to get in shape and get it under control. In about 6 months I was able to reverse my Diabetes. I no longer have to take any medication. I was at the gym EVERY day and ate less and some what healthier. I cut out all soda. So here is my problem now, I am stuck in a rut. I have hit the point where I am not losing weight. I have about 18lbs until I hit my goal weight and I would like to have it all gone in about a month and a half. I am 20 and I seem to just be stuck. I have tried switching up my workouts but it’s not working. Any help would be great! thanks!

Laura
Laura
13 years ago

Hi. I just have a quick question: is dairy allowed in this diet? You say to not eat anything that is or can be white and dairy is white so I’m not sure. Thanks so much!!

Traceygrey
Traceygrey
13 years ago

I have just read Tim’s book 4hb and am amazed at his tenacity and honesty. It is refreshing to see what this man went through in the name of science. He is an inspiration!

I gave up smoking in July and gained some weight, darn that oral fixation! I have exactly 20lb to lose and am starting 4hb tomorrow. Any tips/ideas for me as I only eat fish and dont eat any other meat. And are baked beans (tinned) ok? Here in South AFrica, the interesting beans like pinto etc. aren’t readily available. Also anybody’s meal plans would be an inspiration to me, so please dont be shy, just send!

Just to practice, breakfast today was baby marrow, tomato stir fried in olive oil with garlic and herbs and a fried egg on top. Yum!

Sathish
Sathish
13 years ago

Let me see.

Today I started the no white diet and one day per week heavy diet.

I will try to follow for 30 days and see If I lose weight.

Jenna
Jenna
13 years ago

Great Advice! I lost a lot of weight! Keep up the good work!!

Alyssa
Alyssa
13 years ago

I agree with most of your advice and tips with the exception of your post work out indulgence of pizza. Working out gives me such a rush of adrenaline and motivation…so the thought of eating anything unhealthy is completely pointless. However, to each his own.

If you are looking to lose weight, I would highly recommend that you don’t partake in the pizza indulgence period….but especially after kicking “butt” at the gym…. And right before bed.

Luis
Luis
13 years ago

I’m from Argentina.

It works!, not 20 pounds as Tim says but i lose 2 or 3 kilos (4 to 6 pounds), 2% of fat, 0.5% of visceral fat and i add 1-2% of muscle per month approximately.

Typicall repetitive food i eat (Not always, I’m alone and busy and it’s complicated prepare food).

Breakfast : 3 or 4 whole eggs and 1 chicken burguer.

Lunch : Beef or Chicken breast or Pork with vegetables salad.

Dinner: Lentils with mixed vegetables and some meat if i have.

I drink only water and yerba mate (it’s good for stop hunger).

mopy451
mopy451
13 years ago

Can you have dairy on this diet?

mopy451
mopy451
13 years ago

Also confused a little about whether or not I can have rice as long as it’s not white rice? can I have brains at all? And when my face is it okay tohave carbs at all? I would really appreciate if someone can answer these questions or tim himself thank you

Alexander
Alexander
13 years ago

Good day! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs

up for the excellent info you have right here on this post.

I am coming back to your site for more soon.

Juan
Juan
13 years ago

Hello, I’m 16 and I am overweight(215 or something like that), I want to lose some pounds of fat and maybe gain some in muscle, overall i’m robust and I need some advice on dieting and excersise to lose weight.

Betty
Betty
13 years ago

Hi Everyone,

Well I’m 36 years old and the last time I weight my self I was 315lbs I have no t weight my self in few months. I really need to loose weight. My goal is to lose 120lbs. Reading your messages have inspired me and given me pointers. I really need to do a drastic change to my life because its affecting my children. I have a 10 yr old who weights 160 and a 5 year old who weights 100. Can you guys give me pointers on how to do it with my kids?

Anna
Anna
13 years ago

Hey struggling friends, I really need your help. For a while I’ve been 162 and I’m 14. I desperately need your help to lose weight fast. I wanted to have a weight lose plan for the month of December but i don’t know where to start of what to do. Please please please help me out with this. It would mean the world to me. Any of your suggestions would really help me out. Thank you a million.

daniel England
daniel England
13 years ago

the damage from all the heavy meals during the holidays? I’m talking more in terms of exercise, other meals, supplements when you know you will overeat, not avoiding all the great food with my family.

or high intensity training before/after/around large meals? I know I won’t lose any weight this week, but it’d be nice to enjoy food with my family

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window 7 key shop
13 years ago

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Mark in Austin
Mark in Austin
13 years ago

I’m not calling this diet a fraud, but it does not come anywhere close to living up to Tim’s hype. I’ve been on it for a month and a half. A year ago I did it for two weeks. My grand total? None for the first 2 week attempt and 7 pounds in 6 weeks. I follow the diet to the letter.

breakfast = egg whites boiled lentils and sugar free salsa and intek revolution protein shake (w/in 30 minutes of waking up)

lunch = 88/12 ground beef, cauliflower and boiled lentils

dinner = chicken thighs and/or beef tenderloin, scallops and cauliflower w/some Can’t believe it’s not butter on cauliflower

For snacks I’ll have 3 or 4 ostrim snacks during the day when I get hungry.

I do the pagg stack and an ice pack for 30 minutes on my neck at night. I drink 1 diet soda a day one glass of caffeine free ice tea w/ squirt of lemon juice and the rest is 6-10 glasses of water.

So where is anywhere near my 20 pounds per month? I haven’t seen anything that can’t be explained by water weight loss or calorie restriction and I can’t find anyone on this board or googling that gets more than 10 per month.

Look, I want this to work, I really do. I would LOVE to drop anywhere close to 20 pounds of fat per month. I also believe that processed foods and sugar/flour are bad. I read Gary Taubes. I did Atkins 10 years ago and lost 35 pounds in less than 2 months, so I know high protein, low carbs does work and no exercise works. However, in my experience it’s not slow carb is no carb.

I also don’t believe Tim is lying, but his recommendations simply do not work anywhere near what he says they do. What I’m seeing on these boards and googling the scd is that people who are successfully losing weight are restricting calories.

So is this a calorie restriction diet? If it is, fine, then Tim needs to make that clear, but he has serious, serious doubts on the calorie-in-calorie out hypothesis, so I doubt that he means it to be.

I can do 10-12 a month consistently by tracking calories using myplate or spark people or daily burn, etc. and it’s flexible enough that it’s way less of a pain than SCD. (i.e. I can eat whatever I want I just have to account for it through eating less another time or exercising.)

If someone can provide advice or tell me what I am doing wrong or need to add/subtract I’d LOVE to hear it. Otherwise, I’m going back to calorie restriction and stop wasting my time with the SCD.

Ann-Marie MacKay
Ann-Marie MacKay
13 years ago
Reply to  Mark in Austin

Mark: Just a thought–what’s in the protein shakes and ostrim snacks you are eating? When I googled those items, and looked at the ingredients I’m wondering if there is wheat or corn or dairy in them. I don’t know which Ostrim snack you are eating but even the “Natural” flavour one contains milk powder.

If your protein shakes or any snack you are eating has wheat (even soy sauce contains wheat), it’s going against the diet plan as listed above.

I’ve done this diet before and can lose about 5-7 pounds a week.

I only snack on veggies or sugar free jellow (if I’m feeling really cranky).

Aurelio Pimenta
Aurelio Pimenta
13 years ago

Hi there!

I was wondering if that 30g protein breakfast can be adjusted by the person’s weight.

30g of protein = 3 scrambled eggs + 1 sausage, for example may be too much for a 135Lb woman, but ok for a 190 Lb dude.

What are your thoughts on this one?

Thanks a lot!

stevenyu
stevenyu
13 years ago

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swolekunt
swolekunt
13 years ago

yep 10 lbs of muscle in 6 weeks seems legit……(not serious)

Sharene
Sharene
13 years ago

I’ve lost 17 lbs in 90 days. May not be amazing result for you, but it is for me. I’m doing SWEET POTATOE & FISH DIET.

ashley
ashley
13 years ago

Hello, I am a 16 year old female and I am about 5’8″, I weigh about 297 lbs and I have struggled with my weight all my life. I try to exercise, but due to my weight I have a few health problems that make it hard to do anything, also I feel uncomfortable exercising because my siblings make fun of me. at the age of 14 I weighed about 200-230lbs but then my mum put me on the depo shot and I rapidly gained about 100 lbs within a year. and now no matter what I can’t lose anymore than 10lbs before, to my dismay, I gain it back again. please help me. 🙁 I have tried many different things and if I can’t lose this weight I believe I may get a band to potentially help me.

ritwi
ritwi
13 years ago

Hi everyone, i am 18 years old and my weight is 70 kgs thats the bloody headache of my life and i consulted dieticians and worked out in gym a lot to shed excess weight but i lose only 5 kgs in two months. I want to ask if this diet plan would help me to lose 20 lbs weight in 30 days.

Crystal
Crystal
13 years ago

Hi I’m 10 and I weigh 136 bam right um I need help and if can help me that will be awesome some HELP ME i look so fat and chudey and I try to suck it in and I still look FAT I need help

RANDOMOPOLY
RANDOMOPOLY
13 years ago

Hey y’all. Im almost 15 and i need some serious help. I used to swim, but i quit because I have low thyroid and I just don’t have the same energy(to be so competitive). I ate like a swimmer after I stopped swimming, and i gained like 30 pounds, and its unhealthy. Im now 130, and I wanna go back down to 100. Is there anyway I could do that in 1-2 months? could somebody reply ASAP? I just don’t know what to do.

Cat
Cat
13 years ago

Hi! I’m also 14 and weigh 130 lbs. My soccer coach says that I need to figure out how to weigh less if i want to make the high school soccer team but conidering I play goalie, I don’t run much in game and during practice. I’m done growing and my metabolism is much slower than many other kids in my grade. I heard that if you eat less than 700 calories a day you’re body burns muscle insead of fat, is that true? If anyone has any advice on how to cut back then I’m open to all suggestions :)!

thank you!

ray
ray
13 years ago

WHO supported a recent study conducted by the Faculty of Medicine at the University of East Anglia suggests that limit the intake of fatty foods keeps the agility of the body without the need to diet, where I noticed study, which included experiments on more than 70 thousand men, women and children in the United States, Europe and New Zealand that choosing low-fat foods contributed to the weight loss and get svelte strength and reduce cholesterol in the blood, and all this without the need to diet, as published by Reuters.

And confirmed the researcher responsible for the study Lee Hopper that Trdah relationship between low weight and eating people less fat foods appeared markedly. We saw this in almost every experience. Those who reduced fat more lost more weight. But she said “It was not a big influence like wrought dieting”, noting that the study dealt specifically people who said the proportion of fat in their diet was not their goal to lose weight so they continue to eat the normal amount of food.

Joanna
Joanna
13 years ago

Hi, Iam 23 y/old with a 4 months old son. Before I get pregnant I was only 67kg. and after I give birth my weight become 81kg which is frustrating. I didn’t breastfeed my child as I don’t have enough milk. Pls give me some advice on what to do I need to lose 20kg at least. Pls help! I just don’t know how to start my diet. 🙁

Ann-Marie MacKay
Ann-Marie MacKay
13 years ago
Reply to  Joanna

Did you read the blog post? The blog post tells you how to lose weight–eat the foods he recommends, nothing else. 🙂

marc
marc
13 years ago

I’m based in Asia and I find it really hard to keep with the low carb solution. Are there any decent diets which follow low carb but are specifically designed for asian markets and or restaurants? I am not overweight but the more I attempt to get on one of these diets the more unstable my weight becomes.

Danijela Busic
Danijela Busic
13 years ago

I’m 5’8 And 164 pounds i use to be 228 lost 64 pounds 🙂 , That’s healthy for my height but i’m still working on losing 30 more pounds 🙂 , at first i didn’t care about Carbs or Sugar .. CALORIES was my main thing ! .. Whatever i ate i checked the Calories .. and worked out until i burn all those calories Haha 🙂 Watch your Calories .. And work out 🙂 , Then once i dropped all that weight i started looking into Protein ….. Lol it gave my body more shape 🙂

AJ Green
AJ Green
13 years ago

hey guys,

im 18 in college and on that horrible college diet. junk junk junk…. my whole family has a weight problem. at the age of 13 i was about 5′ and 160 lbs. i went to a jrotc boot camp and lost 30+ lbs in 12 days i became sooo skinny exercising 4-9 hrs out of the day. eating 4 times a a day and now i just don’t have the time i’ve gone up to 200+lbs and just cant loose the weight. i need tips and help if anyone can help id be so greatfull. its hard to change my diet bc everyone in my house hold loves our Peruvian food and its hard to pull away from it. HELP!!

H. C.
H. C.
13 years ago

Hi, I just started this diet today and I was wondering:

a) Is it okay to use regular salted butter? If not are there any substitutes?

b) Is it okay to eat fruits?

Thanks in advance

H. C.
H. C.
13 years ago
Reply to  H. C.

And one more thing, are protein shakes okay (before or after excercising)?

Gloria
Gloria
13 years ago
Reply to  H. C.

Hi, H.C.! While the author does not specify, from my own experience and research I say that butter is the best fat to cook with — along with any other saturated fats (coconut oil, butter ghee, and maybe animal fat if you have any). Unsalted is best, as salt retains water and will mess with your total pounds lost. Use reasonable amounts — fat is good for you, but anything in excess is not.

Fruit is great for your health — but it does hinder and slow weight loss. If you want to lose weight at a quick rate, eat fruit very sparingly, and stick to berries only — strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. If you want to eat more fruit, you will lose weight more slowly. It is up to you.

Instead of protein shakes, eat protein from animal sources. This is protein in its pure form — protein shakes are processed and many contain fillers and sugar which slow weight loss. If you want a snack before working out, eat some almonds. Nevertheless, you can experiment and see how it affects your weight.

Kristal
Kristal
13 years ago
Reply to  Gloria

If you read the books the author Tim Ferris has written, the answers to those questions are: 1. No butter. The author recommends grapeseed oil or even olive oil. 2. No fruits. Those are sugar. The person above me who answered is incorrect as far as the rules of this diet apply. Butter and fruit, even berries, will interfere with the weight loss and the way your body processes the protein/veggies/beans on this diet. Even one orange, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, will ruin the entire day of the diet. Save those treats for your splurge day and obey the simple rules laid out by Tim at the beginning of the blog.

Allison
Allison
13 years ago

Tim, just bought 4HB and really excited by it (4HC next!). I’m a professional cyclist and have been struggling with binge eating disorder for years. I have 10lbs extra that I need to lose to be at optimal weight. I want to try the slow carb diet but am concerned about how to adapt to an extremely rigorous endurance training regimen. I cannot give up performance for weight loss. It has to work around my training. As you know, incl. simple at times, carbs fuel aerobic performance. Haven’t been able to find specific info online for slow-carb tailored to endurance athletic performance. Can you give me some recommendations? Thanks and keep up the good work!

miguel
miguel
13 years ago

Discipline and determination are very important things if you want to succeed in losing weight. Combined with effective workouts/exercise routines, you can achieve your goal much faster just like I do.

Jocie
Jocie
13 years ago

Hi, I’m 16, female, 5’0″, and 170 lbs. I hate my weight, I am over weight, I know. What are some healthy ways to lose weight? I am home schooled, so I have the time for exercises, money is tight on food, but we eat healthy. What are foods I could eat, and exercises I could do to lose at least 20 lbs?

Lisa
Lisa
13 years ago

I have just started your recommendations, fingers crossed. Wanting to lose 30 lbs. Can you elaborate rules on yogurt and cheese, I assume NO CAN HAVE!

john
john
13 years ago

please send me details on how to lose belly fat

Sangmin Lee
Sangmin Lee
13 years ago

i am 15 years old and 150 pounds at 6 feet and 2 inches. But i have a layer of belly fat covering my abs. Any suggestions on how to remove the layer, so i can see my abs?

Lana
Lana
13 years ago

I have been trying this and I notice that my stomach fat has gone down.

jade santana
jade santana
13 years ago

Can this work for a ten year old girl?

Phil
Phil
13 years ago

I was just curious if I should try to speed up my metabolism or not? I ask because my eating habits have been varied in the last few years. When I was super fit in my late teens I ate about whatever I wanted and kept slim, then i stopped working out for a variety or reasons and gained about 30-40 pounds over 3-4 years. Now I’m back at the gym and trying to lose weight. But I’ve had reduced caloric intake for probably a year or two although can’t say I’ve been a nazi about it I suppose. The last few months I have thought. I’d say I’ve stayed within 1500-1800 calories for 90% of the time. I calorie count pretty well. Anyways I’ve heard the calorie load method and how people will eat, starve, eat a lot, etc. with some success. Although the method described here sounds more reasonable. I guess my only concern is did I lower my metabolism over the last few months/years and I need to speed it up again? It’s not uncommon to have 2000-2200 calorie days. So my guess is no, but just double checking. I’m definitely trying this method and buying the book, thanks!

Abbey
Abbey
13 years ago

I need help with what to eat for breakfast with this diet!!

Donna
Donna
13 years ago

I’m a 47 year old woman and I had to cut back to about half the suggested serving on the beans. Once I did I started losing weight. I’m down about 3 pants sizes and have been following this since September 18th. The cheat days work. I think a lot of people are over thinking this simple laid out plan. If your serious about doing this please read what Tim says before asking the same question over and over. Good luck

William
William
13 years ago

How would you recommend recovering from the day off? One thing that I find the most challenging about taking a day off is the guilt factor that occurs from it. Its hard to make our brain realize that the one day of splurging wont have a bad impact on our diet and our goals. I find that its easy to think the week was wasted when I have an off day. I know technically speaking it is a good thing but just find it hard sometimes to recover from it and not allow my brain to over think things.

Susan
Susan
13 years ago

Wow, I’m willing to try this if it means I don’t have to give up my Merlot. I’m only looking to lose 10 pounds. Thanks for sharing. I let everyone know how I progress with this.

blaine
blaine
13 years ago

Great Article. Much Help!

The Salesman
The Salesman
13 years ago

I have a personal friend who majored in Personal training, diet, health and nutrition. He became a personal trainer at my gym who taught me a lot about nutrition and diet along with exercise and certain workouts. I have never heard of the slow carb diet before But my goal is to lose 60 pounds by April. So I am going to take two grand and get to grocery shopping! I hope that this diet plan works out for me, If you don’t mind I will update you monthly, biweekly or whenever! I know you must be busy with mail and comments but if you can respond I would appreciate it Very much! Thank you for this new info. If you can add anything else like recommendations for me I would really appreciate it!

Zack~

Kristal
Kristal
13 years ago
Reply to  The Salesman

You won’t need two grand for groceries if you follow this diet! All you need every week is a couple family packs of chicken breasts and maybe a pork loin, lots of veggies, a flat of eggs and a couple huge cans of beans. My husband and I spend under $50 every week for the two of us on this diet. On splurge day we spend another $50 on eating out and getting bakery treats. The nice thing about this diet is you will SAVE a fortune of money by following the rules and eating only protein/veggies/beans.

Immaridel
Immaridel
13 years ago

What would you recommend for breakfast? I find this guide really helpful and simple for every other meal, but breakfast seems to be a real pain to come up with for me. I’ve only ever eaten cereal or scrambled whole eggs for breakfast for nearly my whole life. It seems I chose a cruddy time to give up coffee.

Alec Berg
Alec Berg
13 years ago
Reply to  Immaridel

For breakfast I’ve been getting by with low carb protein shakes or Atkins bars. They’re low carb, very convenient, taste great and most important for me keeps me from being hungry. Other than that I’ll eat spinach and feta omlette

Rolyat
Rolyat
13 years ago

Hi, so my name is Rolyat and I am 15 1/4. I weigh at least 150, and I am looking for a fast/simple way to loose weight! I excercise everyday for at least 45 min, (I focus on my abdominal area the most as this is where I seem to store fat very well, but I also excersice my butt,Thighs, and arms) In addition to this every second day I have gym for 80 min. I drink as much water as possible, and I try to avoid anything white, or sugary. I eat 4x a day, but limit myself as I don’t want to gain any extra weight! What am I doing wrong, as I feel that i am unable to loose anyweight, and need to for a family vacation/wedding.

Anything helps!

Once again Thanks,

Rolyat! (:

karrie
karrie
13 years ago

Hi I’m16 years old so I wanna be on diet but I don’t want to do the wrong way…any suggestion

Terrell
Terrell
13 years ago

I’m a big fan of this article. Eating four times a day is definitely a bit more comfortable than six times a day. Many people can’t even find the time for eating six times a day, so quality of food is best. I love this blog and I also recommend a site I just found called idefitness.com if you’re looking for some easy-to-read and understand content. You can ask any fitness or health related question and they’ll write up an for you.

Louise
Louise
13 years ago

Im looking to loose a gd 3 stone and have previously followed a similar way of eating and wish to resume it. I just struggle what to have for breakfast. I like to have eggs for lunch and feel having them for breakfast as well too much. I also wondered about your thoughts on cup a soups as a mid afternoon/ mid morning snack. Any thoughts greatly received.

Many thanks louise

michael
michael
13 years ago

adding salsa can help add flavor to the beans and veggies and is also mainly low calorie 🙂

angie
angie
13 years ago

Good advice, and I agree its true cut the white carbs out eat little and ofen. I also think if exercise is made fun to do, you are more likely to keep it up and it’s most important to have someone to support you if you can, or be around positive like-minded people. The guy who is helps me, went from 59” waist to 34” waist in 9 months. His take on losing weight was unconventional, He explained to me that losing weight or fat starts from the inside first. I applied his techniques and boy, they worked! I got slimmer fitter stronger, but what I like most is that he had actually done it himself. He said what the mind believes the body achieves, then weight loss can be enjoyable. He lost a lot of weight, and it completely changed his life he now helps people lose weight for a living.

Debra edge
Debra edge
13 years ago

My name is debra edge.and I have polystic ovarian syndrome and I have a hard time losing weight all because of it what can I do.

Mary
Mary
13 years ago

Thank you so much for the info! Will definitely try next week to follow the directions and will post the results later on! Thanks a lot again!

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Coyote

A card game by Tim Ferriss and Exploding Kittens

COYOTE is an addictive card game of hilarity, high-fives, and havoc! Learn it in minutes, and each game lasts around 10 minutes.

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Keep exploring.