I've noticed many of us are interested in learning more about the science behind how this diet we're on actually works. And unfortunately, MRC provides very little documented information and the counselors lack the knowledge, so we end up finding our own sources.

So i'm starting a post to share scientific evidence that explains what we're doing. Hopefully others have interesting information or links to share. I for one do a lot better when I know the reasoning behind it.

Here's a great explanation that separates starvation from ketosis:
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/k...m-and-ketosis/

Have a read through the comments too, great stuff in there.. here's an example about the credibility behind the ketosis strips, which explains why we see such variation in the results from weigh in to weigh in or person to person.

Thanks so much for this info! Knowing the science behind this really helps keep me motivated to stay in ketosis.
Thanks again!
G

This is a great idea! This thread could include info about exercise, all the water we drink, the reasons why we eat fresh / frozen fruits and veggies rather than canned, caloric intake, info about vits/EFA - all kinds of info. I agree that the science is hard to find and I, for one, would find it very motivating and helpful. I keep wondering why they don't publish a book about it. Everyone else does.

I would like more info on the HNS if anyone has any.

I love the idea of this thread! I, for one, am very confused about MRC's insisting that all the water we must drink must be plain water. Until I got here, everything I'd ever read said that all water counts, including that in water-filled foods such as lettuce. I live in Texas, so it isn't too hard to get the 64 ounces in when the weather is hot, but I don't see why decaffeinated iced tea or water with Crystal Light wouldn't count toward the daily amount, especially since I'm mixing 24 additional ounces in with my HNS every day! Does anyone else have any scientific explanation for this? My counselors don't seem to really have any acceptable answers. I noticed one other person had posted this somewhere, but I never saw any replies.

I have been reading the "I" diet, based on our instincts, an interesting read from a professor from Tufts University, Susan Robets, PH.D, who studied weight-loss in the lab for 17 years...this book is not completely in line with MRC, but does explain the need for high fiber, craving control, variety, big flavors, raw veggies in a diet etc. This book is written from a scientific approach through research for weight loss which addresses issues to why we should have raw veggies and cooked veggies, water, limited control variety in food choices...Her view to permanent weight control doesn't have to be hard, it just requires a willingness to learn how to work with your food instincts rather than against them...
She discussed the five food instincts:
Hunger
Availability
Calorie Density
Familiarity
Variety

I can see this is a book I need to have.. Thanks for posting this info!

Cheers!

Ronnie

I really need to know how to control my sweet cravings. I am afraid they are getting the best of me.. Anybody have any ideas?

Ronnie

Ronnie, you might find the book in your local library...BTW the book is based on the neurobiology of how our brains think about food. http://www.instinctdiet.com/science.html

Regarding the clear water question, I suspect they say 64 oz of clear water as a way to make the rules simple, no exceptions. To lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle, we all need to learn to love and crave water, enjoy whole foods and eat as clean and pure of a menu as we can. Anytime you get away from that with diet sodas, artificial sweeteners, processed/fake foods, you're giving your body the man-made product instead of the natural one.

So that's my opinion, if drinking pure water is hard for you, try drinking 5 glasses of regular and 3 with your add ins. Then eventually change the ratio to 6/2 and then 7/1 or start watering down the crystal light day by day by a bit more until eventually you learn to like plain water.

As for the science, I am unable to find anything on the subject that's definitive. Many people cite that the impact of artificial sweeteners is still unclear scientifically, so why bother messing with an unknown variable like drinking a ton of artificial sweetener everyday assuming it doesn't impact your weight loss.

And a bit back there was an MRC thread on the topic that has all sorts of additional perspectives:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/meta...-vs-water.html

Yes GoalAug2010, I like your perspective on this. Anything artificial can be detrimental to your effort -- slow you down, or even cause gain. Just not worth the risk in my book. I just tell myself I can have ANYTHING I want to drink as long as it done after my daily water consumption is complete. I try to get 128 oz daily!

That's how I look at it too. After my 100 oz of water, if I want something else, I will have it. However, having said that, I usually don't want anything else. The HNS drinks give me something different to drink (I love the lemon one!) and by the time I'm done with my water, it's late and I don't really want anything. But it's there if I do want it.

Artificial sweeteners are in each and everyone of the MRC HNS products...and the type varies...I do not seek out artificial sweeteners and it was very hard for me to consciously drink the HNS and eat the meal replacement bars knowing that artificial sweeteners were added...I just prefer a very small amount of true cane sugar, honey or Agave. I think in the long run we are all better off in regards to our health by avoiding chemically changed foods as in sweeteners and genetically modified foods (GMO)...it is frustrating here in the USA that the FDA does not require food manufacturers to list genetically modified ingredients in their products like Europe does...I bet if people knew how much GMO foods they consumed they would stop consuming them...I have a list of products that do not use GMO in any of their ingredients and take it with me every time I go shopping...I guess we all have our preferences

I feel the exact same way! I figure this is short term and we have to do the HNS, so that's all the artificial stuff that's allowed in my diet. And i try not to eat meal bars, there's definitely room in the market for a company to compete with MRC and only do "whole food" programs.

As much as I agree with y'all about limiting artificial sweeteners, it's hard in our house. My husband is diabetic and despite our best efforts he can't partake much in starches or sugar. Without the fake stuff, he would over do sugar (majorly - he could down a 2L of Coke in no time flat). In our house, the fake stuff is a necessary evil.