Most everyone thinks that “carbs are bad”. They say you shouldn’t eat potatoes, bread, pasta, and rice because starch makes you fat. They’ll tell you to just eat “protein and vegetables” and avoid carbs. I tell them you should eat “starch and vegetables” and minimize meat, and they look at me like I’m crazy. People are so afraid of carbs, they can’t believe I lose weight by eating two pounds of starch a day.
In the summer of 2013, I found myself at 105 kg, totally out of shape, and pretty miserable. Then someone told me about a plant-based diet, and I thought they were crazy, or at least needlessly extreme. Then I saw the documentary Forks Over Knives, and heard about The Starch Solution, and I started eating a traditional, starch-based diet with little meat or dairy.
I’ve lost about 100g/day without counting calories, by eating lots of starch, cereal sometimes out of the box, and often just before bed. Of course, I eat mostly whole foods, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and minimize added oils. I’m documenting my 35 kg weight loss, to show people can lose weight eating about two pounds of starch (cooked weight) a day.
(Note how my weight goes up when I don’t monitor it?)
Am I the “needlessly extreme” “someone” that told you about the plant-based diet?
Good progress…chart makes more sense in metric-based countries!
Diggler
No, it was my cousin, who told me about his plant-based diet last summer. But if you told me back then, I’d have thought you to be extreme as well. Now, plant-based is a “no-brainer”. Eating meat at every meal is needlessly extreme.
During your starch-based weight loss, did you ever limit yourself on calories or just fat? I have a small amount of weight to lose and have been calorie counting and had some success but it was hard. I’m now trying out starch solution, and just wondering if you recommend going high starch within a calorie restricted framework or not.
Derp. I just read the bit about “without counting calories” in your post.