The Stillman diet was one of the forerunners of the low-carbohydrate diet revolution, preceding the Atkins diet in 1967. The diet founder, Irwin Stillman, M.D., published the diet in his book, "The Doctors Quick Weight Loss Diet: A World-famous Medical Plan That Lets You Take Off 5 to 15 Pounds in One Week." Stillman's diet differs from some other low-carbohydrate plans because it limits fat as well as carbohydrate and allows no carbohydrates at all.
Diet
Stillman dieters consume only a very limited selection of foods, including lean meat, poultry and seafood, eggs and cheeses made with skim milk. Stillman allowed no vegetables, fruits or other carbohydrates on his diet plan. Added fats were also eliminated, unlike the Atkins diet plan which allows the use of butter and other fats and oils. A few condiments such as salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, ketchup in small amounts and horseradish are permitted.
Benefits
The Stillman diet promised a weight loss of 5 lbs. and upward per week. Considering the extreme limitations of the diet, this weight loss is probably very attainable, at least for the first few weeks of diet. Because carbohydrates increase water retention, low-carbohydrate diets do increase water-weight loss in the first few weeks, and the calorie limitations of this diet, which allows only a few foods, would also contribute to weight loss. Following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet does depress the appetite in many cases, Margo Denke, M.D. of the University of Texas reports in the July 2001 issue of "The American Journal of Cardiology," so you may find yourself less hungry while following this diet plan.
Drawbacks
The drawbacks of the Stillman diet center around the lack of food choices. Eating nothing but protein makes for a monotonous diet over time, especially since this diet, unlike the Atkins diet, doesn't even allow fatty meats to add palatability. Because the diet contains very little fiber, you may experience constipation while following this plan.
Dangers
The Stillman diet is sorely lacking in vitamins and minerals due to the lack of fruit and vegetables. While Stillman recommends taking a daily multivitamin supplement, it's healthier to obtain nutrients from food sources. Do not follow the diet for more than one or two weeks, UK Health Centre advises, since it's nutritionally unbalanced. Although you may lose 5 to 10 percent of your body weight if you follow this diet long enough, the weight will most likely come back once you start consuming a normal diet. In people with kidney disease, high protein intake may stress the kidneys and increase kidney damage, according to Dr. Denke.
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