My editor did both the Atkins and South Beach books My diet differs in the amount of green foods you eat as well as severely limiting consumption of grain products.

Diet

AK from FL asking:

After being on Phase 1 of the diet for a couple of weeks, I found I was getting "down in the dumps". I was previously on a high carbohydrate diet. What is happening to me and what can I do to feel better?

You are going through sugar withdrawal, like any other addict. Carbohydrates flood your brain with serotonin and opiates! Try taking 5-HTP or Glutamine 500 mg 4 times a day for a few weeks and I am sure will start to feel much better.

Diet

Apeksha from Oakland asking:

What is the real deal with eggs?

The Omega nutrition exists only in the yolk and that is what is god for you. You may have 2-4 eggs per day.

Diet

Melissa from San Diego asking:

I have done the teardown several times. I get lots of exercise. My BP is good. I am 52 years old and 5'8". I cannot seem to break the 200 lb. number. What can I do?

Cardio is the least effective way to lose weight. Cut your protein portions in half and cut the nuts out and watxh. Also - give fruit the boot!. 200 is the worse psychologic barrier to break. Also, it becomes your set point.

Diet

Alex from Cincinnati asking:

I heard QUINOA is not a grain but rather a seed. Can you tell me if it is a good idea to add or should I avoid it?

Although Quinoa is a seed and not a grain, I am not a huge fan, only because it is high in calories with not much protein benefit. If weight loss is not an issue, go ahead!

Diet

KN from NA asking:

What are your thoughts on coconut oil?

Coconut oil is fine, but please make it extra-virgin coconut oil.

Diet

JF from Seattle asking:

My husband and I are about to embark on this lifestyle change as a family. We have a 2 and 4 year old and I am concerned about their nutritional needs. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

Your children will thrive by following the same diet. Please use only unsweetened almond milk for you and your husband. Fat is not the problem, starches and sugars are the problem, even the sugars in fruits and seeded vegetables.

Diet

KR from Bellingham asking:

What type of juicer do you recommend?

Do not use a juicer. Buy a Blendtec or a Vitamix. Juicers throw away all the good stuff!

Diet

BW from PS asking:

I want to stay on the diet, but don't want to lose any more weight. I do pilates and weight training to build muscle mass. What should I add to my diet to maintain my weight?

The best are nuts and avocados along with olive oil liberally on everything.

Diet

SG from WA asking:

I drink red wine on the weekends but I am wondering why don't you have dry white wine in the diet?

White wine contains too much sugar. Also, red grapes produce a phytochemical called resveratrol which activates anti-aging genes that stimulate the production of proteins that circulate in your body.

Diet

SL from TX asking:

I am in Phase I and having trouble with constipation. Since I cannot eat fruit, and would normally eat prunes, what do you suggest?

If you are not taking Magnesium, you should. If you are taking it, you can increase it. I love Chia Seeds, too - give them a try. You can also use Flaxseed. Grind it yourself and sprinkle 2 Tablespoons over your salad each day.

Diet

DG from CA asking:

I would really appreciate your thoughts on unsweetened organic coconut milk. You mention unsweetened organic soy and almond milk in your book and I would greatly appreciate your opinion on unsweetened organic coconut milk. DG

Coconut milk, even unsweetened, is full of sugar.

Diet

AM from SFO asking:

I am 4 days into Phase 1 and I am tired, sort of achy and have no appetite. Any idea why?

You are weaning off carbohydrates and it is normal to feel like an addict detoxing. It will go away!

Diet

M & T Jordan from N/A asking:

You mention not to use any type of artificial sweetener and mention a few, but you do not mention Stevia. Is Stevia okay to use in moderation?

As with all white sweeteners, pinch the packet and retreat from sweet!

Diet

DA from OC asking:

I have been on the Gundry Diet for 6 weeks and lost 15 pounds. I am having trouble finding some of the foods you talk about. Is there a web site you recommend?

Most of the foods can be found at the following stores:

1. Trader Joe's
2. Whole Foods
3. Clark's Nutrition
4. Mother's Market

Some of them have websites!

Diet

Fiona from N/A asking:

How does the diet work for wheat intolerant vegans already eating organic whole foods?

The diet was designed to get people off of grain products, especially those with gluten intolerance. Don't be fooled by organic gluten free products!

Diet

AM from N/A asking:

I am 42 and about 35 lbs. overweight. I have been on the diet less than a week and had just a little fruit the other day but none since. When will I start seeing a weight change? Is it like other diets and take at least a month?

You should start to see results very soon if you are truly following the diet. Remember - weight off fast won't last; weight off slow, you're good to go! Absolutely NO fruit for the first two weeks!.

Diet

GJ from PD asking:

I am fit, exercise regularly, eat well and have significantly reduced grains, et al. I have 3-5 lbs. of excess body fat. Can I start directly with Phase III?

Yes, go right in to Phase III