The plan targets prevention and solutions for Syndrome X, also called the "metabolic syndrome." The Ideal Protein Plan is nothing like the typical diet that offers packaged foods. Ideal's instant packets are NOT the common meal replacements that contain a so-called "balance" of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Consuming carbohydrates promotes insulin production thereby promoting fat storage. For a balanced diet, consuming fats is very important, but for FAT LOSS, one must eliminate most fat from the diet for the initial stage of the program. Eating a "balanced diet" prevents the proper set up of the fat loss process in the body. One of the goals of the Ideal Protein treatment is to cause the body to delve into its energy reserves- into stored fat- for its energy, thereby facilitating FAT LOSS.
Additionally, by virtually eliminating all highly-refined sugars and starches from your diet, the pancreas is afforded a rest since there is no need for it to produce much insulin, which happens to be its main function.
How it works
The typical American diet consisting of processed foods- refined sugars and starches such as bread, pasta, potatoes, snacks and sweets, etc.- overworks the pancreas. The pancreas must constantly pump out insulin to take care of all the sugar (or glucose) that makes up these foods. (Realize that a slice of bread is nothing but simple sugar; the same is true for potatoes, pasta, white rice and all other processed "white" foods, including breakfast cereals.)
Example: One slice of bread has 21g of carbs, which equals 5 teaspoons of sugar.
It is important to understand that the minute carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose in the bloodstream, and then whatever is not needed immediately for energy is swooped up by insulin, converted into fat and stored. Since it is the job of the pancreas to produce the insulin necessary to remove glucose from the bloodstream (and convert it to fat), eating a high-carbohydrate diet causes the pancreas to work overtime, to eventually become worn out or dysfunctional.
A dysfunctional pancreas produces excess insulin, resulting in a drastic drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), thereby leading to cravings of more sugar. Then, when more sugar is consumed, the cycle starts over. Remember, insulin is the fat converter hormone- the hormone that converts the foods you've consumed into fat to be stored. Consequently, an overproduction of insulin leads to excess fat storage.
The body gets its fuel or energy from the three macronutrient sources: 1) carbohydrates, 2) protein, and 3) fat. The carbohydrate or glycogen energy reserves are used up first, followed by our protein and fat reserves. (Glycogen is the form in which glucose (from carbs) is stored in the muscles and the liver.)
After approximately 3 days on the Ideal Protein treatment, your glycogen reserves are depleted and your body begins to burn your stored fat cells for energy naturally. This results in your body producing ketonic bodies (ketones) that are a natural appetite suppressant thus preventing cravings after the first few days and providing you with energy. You will start losing weight as soon as fat becomes your first source of energy. You will then burn fat while nourishing muscle with the high-quality, highly-absorbable Ideal foods containing the 9 essential amino acids that you consume throughout the day. Remember, muscle is the engine that burns calories every minute of every day, and by supplying your diet with this essential protein, you ensure that your muscle is not used significanly for energy.
During this time you will also reset your pancreas by giving it a much-needed rest. A properly functioning pancreas is the key to avoid filling up your fat reserves once you have completed the "treatment" period and return to more normal eating.
It is well-known that there are certain foods as well as bad eating habits that will cause weight gain; and there are other foods and eating habits that prevent weight loss. The Ideal Protein treatment will guide you and support you in your quest to lose fat safely by helping you understand the difference between "eating a balanced diet" and "eating for weight loss". And most importantly, upon reaching the final stage, you will also have learned to use the right combinations of foods within each meal to maintain your weight loss permanently.
For more information on the program, contact the office during hours and speak to a member of the staff.