Irwin Stillman M.D. developed the Quick Weight Loss -- or QWL -- diet in 1968, which he published in his book "The Doctors Quick Weight Loss Diet." The QWL diet is regarded as the first low-carbohydrate weight loss program, according to "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies." Educating yourself about the QWL diet and its risks is essential to making an informed decision about whether or not you should attempt this diet. Consult your physician prior to embarking on the QWL diet or any other weight loss program.
QWL Diet Guide
The QWL diet requires you to eat only foods listed on the allowed foods list. Stillman warns that even a single bite of food that is not on the allowed foods list can slow or halt weight loss. Allowed foods include eggs, fat-free cottage cheese, lean steak, skinless chicken breast, white skinless turkey meat, lean fish and shrimp. No fruits, vegetables, grains or other foods not listed on the allowed foods list are allowed. During the QWL you must drink at least 80 oz. of water per day and take a daily multivitamin.
QWL Weight Loss
"The Doctors Quick Weight Loss Diet" promises QWL dieters who adhere strictly to the diet an average weight loss of 5 lb. per week. The book explains that you may not lose 5 lb. each week, but your weight loss will average to 5 lb. per week. For example, you may lose 7 lb. your first week, 3 lb. your second week, 4 lb. your third week and 6 lb. your fourth week.
Considerations
Any diet that forces you to cut out entire food groups is regarded as a fad diet and does not meet your basic nutritional needs, according to "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies." Although a 5 lb. weekly weight loss seems appealing, it is important to remember that achieving a healthy body weight is a journey that requires you to make lifelong lifestyle changes. Losing more than 2 lb. per week reduces your chances of keeping off the weight you lost and increases your risk of experiencing rebound weight gain, according to "Handbook of Obesity Treatment."
Alternatives
You don't have to starve yourself or limit your menu choices to foods from a single food group to lose weight. A balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs includes a variety of foods from all of the food groups. Gradually increasing your physical activity and reducing your caloric intake will result in slow, steady weight loss. A dietitian can assist you in designing a healthy diet you can live with for life to lose weight and keep it off.
References
- "The Doctors Quick Weight Loss Diet"; Irwin Stillman M.D., et al.; 1968
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
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