Quote:
Originally Posted by PamC
Actually, IP is not just about calories. There definitely IS something special about the diet and products. They are designed to be low carb and low fat with just the right amount of protein. The body burns carbohydrates for energy first, and this diet restricts carbs so that the body has to turn to alternate sources for fuel. When you are in a state of ketosis, which is what this is designed to do, you will be burning your own body fat, so it's like your body gets extra calories by consuming that fat. That's why you will see more rapid weight loss and especially inches on this diet.
I'm a bit of a nervous nellie about anything medical or health wise and always read the fine print. I researched this heavily before deciding to do it.
I understand what you're saying and back in April 2009 I would have agreed with you. Since then I've done a significant amount of reading. Without boring you on the details I'll summarize some facts. Feel free to ask me to clarify any of these points.
The IP diet is a PSMF type of diet. (Google PSMF)
You only lose fat when you're in an energy deficit. Ketosis is not required for the body to burn off it's fat stores. The state of ketosis only means that your body has a lot of ketone bodies floating around. Ketosis provides some benefits of mood and energy in some people but you lose fat rapidly because you're not consuming many calories on the IP diet.
The "right amount" of protein to retain LBM is highly debateable even amoung experts but the IP diet protocol makes no differentiation between a 4'11" female and a 6'8" male for protein requirements so on that basis alone I am certain the IP protocol is not providing the body with "just the right amount"
This doesn't mean the IP diet doesn't work. It does work. It just doesn't work because of the reasons you're told when you sign up at the local clinic.