by Dr. Lawrence May, M.D., FACP, Chairman of Herbalife’s Medical Advisory Board

Q: Most of my favorite foods are carbohydrates! Will I ever be able to eat them again if I’m on the Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program?

To keep your weight off for good, certain carbohydrates should continue to be restricted. This doesn’t mean you can never have a baked potato or a plate of spaghetti again, but it does suggest that products made with white sugar, white flour and certain root vegetables should be a rare culinary event. You can phase in potato skins and whole-grain pasta once you’re on maintenance.

As you increase carbohydrates, concentrate on small fruits with the highest antioxidant power such as blueberries, grapes, strawberries, plums, peaches and apricots. Leave behind the bananas, mango, papaya, pears, melon and pineapple.

Q: I tried a high-protein, low-carb diet once before and it made me weak, dizzy and nauseated. How do I know I won’t feel the same way with the Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program?

A: Before starting the Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program, make an appointment with your family doctor and have a physical to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If you are in good physical shape, the symptoms you describe may simply be caused by your body going through a carbohydrate withdrawal. Your body should adjust to the new fat-burning metabolism within a few days and the symptoms should disappear. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water because water loss accompanies the first few days of carbohydrate restriction. Many people find eating small, high-protein snacks every few hours as opposed to three larger meals a day helps as well.

Q: How long can I safely continue the program?

A: As long as you supplement your eating plan with the Thermojetics® High-Protein, Low-Carb products and vitamin supplements, and you ensure an adequate fiber intake, you can continue the program until you achieve your weight-loss goals.

Q: Won’t snacking between meals make me gain weight?

A: Eating small amounts frequently throughout the day actually helps speed up your metabolism so that you continue to burn calories. The recommended Thermojetics® High-Protein, Low-Carb healthy snacks, including Roasted Soy Nuts with Cardia® Salt and the Bars, have the added advantage of not upsetting your insulin balance. Unlike a candy bar, which gives you an immediate energy rush but soon leaves you feeling drained, the Thermojetics® High-Protein, Low-Carb healthy snacks help maintain steady blood sugar levels and keep you feeling energized.

Q: I’m a vegetarian. Can I still follow the Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program?

A: Certainly. Except for the Cream of Chicken Soup Mix, all Thermojetics® High-Protein, Low-Carb products are suitable for lacto-vegetarians. You’ll need to be sure to eat adequate quantities of protein in the form of tofu, soy milk and soy cheese. You should also watch out for the carbohydrate content of these items. The Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program is not, however, suitable for vegans because many of the weight-management products contain dairy.

Q: Isn’t fruit low in fat and calories? Can’t I eat fruit while on the Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program?

A: Yes, but sparingly, as most fruits are high in fructose (a natural sugar), which raises insulin levels and encourages the body to store fat. Peaches and plums are acceptable fruits because they have a low glycemic index, but keep to one of these fruits every other day.

Q: Can I use commercial salad dressings and sauces on the Thermojetics® Gold High-Protein, Low-Carb Program?

A: Be careful about using these products because many contain hidden sugars and should be avoided. Read the product labels carefully. Be aware that you can easily create many flavorful sauces and dressing by using olive oil, vinegar, spices and herbs.