As you might guess from the name, the Sugar Busters! diet aims to “cut sugar to trim fat”. It also says that it will eliminate the negative effects of sugar on the biochemical system – it will boost energy levels, lower cholesterol and help treat diabetes. First published independently and very successful, Sugar Busters was taken up by a major publisher in 1998.
How does the Sugar Busters Diet work?
The Sugar Busters Diet is designed to seriously limit the intake of processed foods containing high levels of sugars (high-carbohydrate foods). As with other low-carbohydrate diets, this means that commonly-eaten foods like potatoes, rice, sweets and candy are eliminated, as well as sugary sodas and most alcoholic beverages. Extra protein is added to the diet, especially in the form of lean meats. There is no calorie counting involved but Sugar Busters dieters are expected to portion foods into reasonable amounts. Most daily menu plans, available in the book, add up to an intake of about 1,200 calories a day.
What foods can I eat on the Sugar Busters diet?
While eliminating all foods with a high natural or refined sugar content, dieters can go ahead and eat lean meats, including beef and pork, Canadian bacon, skinless poultry, fish and shellfish. Certain fibrous, leafy and non-starchy vegetables and beans are allowed, such as spinach, lentils, mushrooms, lettuce, peas and broccoli and certain fruits. (Some fruits and vegetables are off limits.) You can also eat some dairy products, whole grains and cereals provided they are sugar-free, and have the occasional glass of red wine.
How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss with the Sugar Busters diet is at a steady rate – expect to lose about 2 lbs a week, or more if you engage in regular exercise.
Pros and Cons of The Sugar Busters Diet
The Good:
Sugar Busters diet users can expect to see steady, healthy rate of weight loss. Dieters also enjoy the fact that they rarely feel hungry and are able to consume some high-fat foods often ruled out by other diets. The Sugar Busters website provides usueful tips and information as well as a forum for discussion with other Sugar Busters followers.
The Bad:
As with other carbohydrate-limiting diets (Atkins diet, The Zone and South Beach), the cravings for particular foods can be very difficult to deal with. When entire food types are all but eliminated, dieters find themselves having a hard time sticking to it. The high level of protein in the diet may cause long term health issues, and prevent a well-balanced diet. High fat consumption is also unhealthy for the long term. Dairy products, an important source of calcium, are somewhat overlooked and exercise, a key component of health and weight loss, is not promoted. Experts are also concerned about the diet’s claims that it can avert diabetes, considered a “myth”.
How much does the Sugar Busters diet cost?
The latest version of the book, “The New Sugar Busters! Cut Sugar to Trim Fat” by H. Leighton Steward, Morrison Bethea, Sam Andrews, and Luis A. Balart, has a list price of $7.99. For more recipes, the “Quick & Easy Cookbook” has a list price of $24.95. There may be some increase in your food budget due to purchasing more high-protein foods, typically more costly than carb-rich foods.
For more diet plan options, return to the List of Weight Loss Programs
This is an original Sugar Busters Review, exclusive to this site
Copyright © 2010 Caroline Mackenzie/TheIdiot-ProofDiet.com
