The diet, which was created by a cardiologist, doesn't count calories, fats or carbohydrates. The diet concentrates primarily on fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and good complex carbohydrates (like whole grain bread).

Dieters follow a three phase dieting plan that helps them lose weight rapidly. The program decreases cholesterol and insulin level (which helps people who are diabetic and suffer from high cholesterol). The diet is based on the premise that by eliminating simple carbohydrates (like white sugar and processed baked goods) it will help regulate insulin levels and reduce lipids (fat).

Dieters Enjoy Easy and Convenient Food

Because of its popularity, the diet produced its own line of brand-name foods and is selling its line of prepackage foods in grocery stores. This popular selling low carbohydrate food helps people stay on track with their three phase levels while eating the proper foods that are allowed.

Some of these convenient foods that are being sold include:

• Frozen meals including pizzas and lean protein and vegetable entrees

• Wraps and sandwiches

• Cereals

• Bars and snacks

• Pudding cups

• Chicken salad kits

• Dressings

• Cookies

• Drink mixes

• Cottage cheese

Dieters Follow Three Phase Protein-Rich Plan:

People who buy this brand name diet food usually follow this popular weight loss program. The diet is broken up into three parts. The first phase doesn't allow any simple carbohydrates (like white sugar) and doesn't allow breads, alcohol or fruits. The second phase introduces some complex carbohydrates like whole grain breads, and the third phase is the weight maintenance aspect (where all foods are gradually re-introduced).

Some of the foods allowed during the first phase include:

• Lean proteins like fish, chicken and shellfish (some lean cuts of beef are allowed)

• Dry, roasted nuts

• Fiber-rich vegetables

• Fats and oils (canola and olive oil, avocadoes, olives)

• Sweets (sugar-free gelatin)

Dieters aren't allowed to eat the following foods during the first phase:

• Grains and starches (including bread, pasta, rice and baked goods)

• Fatty cuts of meat (i.e. beef - brisket, liver, rib steaks, fatty cuts, poultry - chicken, wings and legs, duck, goose, poultry products, processed, pork - honey-baked ham, veal - breast)

• Dairy products

• Vegetables (potatoes, limited tomatoes, and carrots)

• Alcohol including beer and wine

• Fruit

• Condiments such as ketchup or cocktail sauce

• Caffeinated beverages (limited to one 8 ounce serving per day)

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