Bernstein Diet
Dr. Stanley Bernstein is a Canadian physician who specializes in medically-supervised weight loss programs. Dr Bernstein’s weight loss practice began in 1974 – and has now grown to over 50 clinics in Canada alone.
Dr. Bernstein’s program is clinic-based only – and there are currently clinics in Canada and the USA.
What is the Bernstein Diet?
The Bernstein Diet aims to lose 4-5 pounds per week and involves 3 visits to the clinic each week during the program.
The Bernstein diet program is a combination of low calorie diet (regular grocery store foods), behavior modification, education and vitamin and mineral supplements. The daily calorie intake could be anywhere between
800 — 1350 calories per day – it is a case-by-case situation.
The diet claims that only fat tissue is lost during this rapid weight loss phase, and all other tissue (muscle, electrolytes, fluid) is retained. One of the major features of the diet is the vitamin and mineral supplementation – this is achieved by vitamin injections.
Updated: Patients receive a Vitamin B complex injection.
Dr. Bernstein has a number of phases on the diet -
- Weight Loss Phase: Dieters expect to lose at least 10 pounds a month.
- A Maintenance Phase: Reintroduces foods and helps prevent weight rebound.
- The “Tune-up” Diet: For small amounts of weight loss.
Foods on the Bernstein Diet
Here is a sample of the kind of foods found on the Doctor Bernstein Diet.
Protein
| Fruit and Vegetables
|
Beverages and Miscellaneous
| Spices and Seasonings
|
Bread Substitutes
| Supplements
|
The Bernstein diet also has a number of other foods allowed.
Exercise
The Bernstein Diet doesn’t have an established exercise routine or program. Although some clients are given supervised exercise regimins, many of their clients are too obese to exercise.
Overall, this diet believes that exercise is not necessary in order to lose weight, but instead, focuses on calorie restriction.
Cost and Expenses
The costs of the program are a bit vague, but some have reported spending over $1000.00 on the program. The costs will likely depend on how much weight loss is required and the amount of time spent at the clinics.
The Dr. Bernstein Diet also has a range of snacks and supplements that the dieter is encouraged to purchase.
Pros
- Many have been successful on the program
- Medically supervised
- Counseling and support provided
Cons
- Expensive
- Exercise isn’t encouraged
- B12 and B6 injections may not be necessary for everyone.
- Client visits are necessary.
See Also
DrBdiet – Official site.
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I spent two months on the official Dr B diet, then did it myself including the shots. I bought syringes, B6 and B12 from the pharmacist (exactly same stuff used at Dr B’s); there are no prescriptions needed in Canada. Potassium, however, must be prescribed. Please note I have blood tests done and am monitored by a regular doctor for an unrelated condition. He is aware of what I do and says he’d rather see me do the diet than carry my previous weight. It worked because I stayed motivated. This all started five years ago; I’ve gained a bit, lost it again a few times, and overall I’m holding my own.
I did the diet and lost over 50 lbs on my own as well, I purchased the Potassium at my local drug store or at Costco, I was told to use MICRO-K Extencaps 600mg, 2 – 3 per day , they are about $10 for 100 caps ( made by Paladin )
Did the diet three (3) times in the past 10 years. I lost 35 lbs this time in about 3 months. Went into clinic this morning and quit, because they are unreasonable. According to the charts I should be about 120 to 130 lbs. I weighed in at 147 today. I had been thinking to start the maintenance program for several weeks when I was 155lbs, because I was looking and feeling good and my clothes all fit. Mostly size 6, some 4 and 8 eight on top ( I am bigger on top ) My age is 55. I do not want to have a boy figure.( flat ass and nothing on top.)
I thought I might sign up and commit for the maintenance program for one (1) year, but I am actually two (2) lbs away from my goal weight at 145 lbs. that I signed up for. 145lbs was a random guess for me when I started because I know it is unrealistic for me to weigh less and to maintain a low weight. I was told it was against the protocol and I must do the strict diet until I reach “my goal. weight”
In the last few weeks I have started getting back pain. I have no history of back problems and have googled and discovered hundreds of comments with the same thing happening to people, who lose weight quickly. It is also alarming that the number of people having to have their gall badders removed also. ( attributed to fast weight loss ) It has totally been scaring me to think it could happen to me. I think it is extremely important to do the maintenance to help get my metabolism back in line. I have been calorie counting the last few weeks and discovered I am consuming less than 800 calories. I should be eating 1200 to 1400 calories per day. I have actually been fudging my actual calories ( adding) because I did not believe the low numbers.
I plan to do calorie counting now and work my calorie count back up to where it should be 1200 to 1400 cal/day. I will also be embracing exercise which definitely makes me feel fantastic afterwards.
Comments or suggestion are welcomed. one thing that I would like to add with those kind of calories everyone is guaranteed to lose weigh unless you have some kind of medical problem.
I will also say I had mostly good to great experiences with the clinics until today. Then again I followed the program to a T. ( do not post my address )
I lost 52 pounds on the Dr. Bernstein Diet almost 2 years ago…. quickly in about 2 1/2 months!! I worked out the entire time and afterward as well. I kept the weight off by working out and really watching what i ate, but over Christmas and a Caribbean Holiday have recently regained about 15 pounds. There is no where else for me to go that can give me the kind of success that Dr. Bernstein offers. Expensive? Definitely!! but I will only be there for 2, 3 weeks, maximum and i find that I really need the accountability of weighing in every two days!! It keeps me on the straight and narrow as well as the ketostix!! I agree that Weight Watchers is a wonderful diet, but the results are S L O W and I have gained back weight just as quickly after losing it there!! This time I am going to try going on maintenance while attending Weight Watchers and perhaps losing another 5 pounds! It is definitely a more realisitc diet! If you want results FAST, Dr. Bernstein is the one!!
Good Luck!!
I did a similar diet 6 years ago and lost all the weight I needed to; and kept it off till I turned 52…menopause kicked in and not realizing it I gained it back; now I am 55 and will re-do similar diet as the dr. B; and am doing well, 14 days into it; I do feel lighter on my feet and can bend down easily to zip my boots; wow; just 14 days into it; I need to lose 50 pds and I know I will do it in 3 moths on my own, I did it before, I will do it again; similar type of foods & I take my B12 & B6 in pill forms along with one-a-day women viatamin ; I save money not spend it to lose weight and look great & lean in 2013!! Good luck to all !
Could you please email me the plan, I already tried different diet plans and I didn’t see any results, hope this one works on me, pls. do help me:)) Thanks!!,
Hi Connie
Can you email the meal plan to me, I have had my overies removed and am also struggling with the weight gain. would appreciate all the help I can get.
Regards
How do you know how much B12 & B6 to take ? They come in so many strengths – how did you decide which ones are the best.
If you look through previous comments this has been listed.
Connie,
I am interested in what you have done. May I have your email address?
Please note that we do not publish email addresses on this website. – admin
this diet helped me go from 140 to 120 in less than 2 months but it is so hard you can hardly eat anything and to keep weight off is hard after you get to goal weight but maybe that was my own fault going back to old habits just follow the meal plan and take vitamins it should work for you
I’ve been on and off this diet about five times in the past 10 years. I’m not very heavy (the most was 150 lbs, I’m 5’2″), but hate it when I’m over 130 lbs. Anyway, the diet works but any diet would work when you are eating about 800 calories a day. It is impossible to maintain the weight loss because people cannot deprive themselves of delicious tasting foods forever.
It is also very expensive. I paid approximately $330 every three weeks. The needles are also very painful when you don’t have a lot of fat to cushion the blow. I read the comments on here and went out and bought the injectable vitamins and for awhile I was doing the injections myself. But like I said the injections are painful. I’m not sure if it works…. in seem there may be something else in the injections you receive from the clinic.
In Sept 2012, I started Weight Watchers. I’ve lost the 15 lbs I wanted to lose in about 16 weeks. During that 16 weeks I went on a cruise and I had alcohol and desserts… I did work out while I was on the ship. Anyway, Weigh Watchers works. You get a certain number of points per day and you can choose whatever you want to eat. You also get 49 weekly points that you can use for special occasions or spread them out over the week. I use my 49 points for the weekends, when I go clubbing or out with friends. I am not deprived of anything. I’ve learned to make healthy choices and eat in moderation. I can eat that cookie…. just can’t eat the whole bag.
I personally would never go back to Dr B. I could not maintain the weight loss and I found it too expensive and restrictive. I work for the government and have a very good benefits package and the injections are not covered. Most drug plans have de-listed vitamin injections.
If you want to lose weight quickly join Dr B. If you want to lose weight and be able to maintain the weight loss without depriving yourself of every delicious then join Weight Watchers.
P.S. I am not being paid by Weight Watchers
I did this diet in 2005 and lost 40lbs in 2 months. it was really hard because the food was very bland and i was eating like 600 calories a day. i paid about 600$ per month not including food. Now years and 3 children later, I’m headed back. Reason being is, I KNOW this works. Its hard, but I got the most results from this program and it was too hard to keep off until having 3 pregnancies in 3 years….
I am in the same boat – did this diet in 2004 and had great success – I have now had 2 children and am A LOT heavier and have more to lose then ever before. I hate this diet, but it works and I need to get this weight off to feel confident in myself and comfortable enough to do the exercise that will be required to keep it off. You went back did you have success? Have you kept it off so far?
I also did this diet. I am a type 1 diabetic and have been for over 30 years. Dr. B. diet is the ONLY diet that EVER WORKED for me and believe me I have tried pretty much everything. I lost 25 lb in 3 months and when you are taking insulin that is a tough thing to do. I love the accountability and vit B shots gave me energy. My cost was 165/week which is a hefty price but seriously, it works. I moved to the States and now am no longer on Bernstein but trying to follow the principles at home. I cannot stress enough that most of us need that accountability and it is WELL worth the investment if you are willing to sacrifice.
Sheri,
I just read your comment and was wondering if the $600 was just for the doctors time or did it include the cost of the vitamins and injections? Sounds pretty expensive but is worth it if it works. I have a decent drug plan so hopefully it will cover some of the expenses. Good luck with your weight loss.
Trisha
I have been on the diet for 5 weeks and am down 28 lbs, I feel amazing.. It is very expensive but well worth it.
Good Luck
Hi there, I am currently on the diet and have been extremely successful. I’m in BC in Canada and find that it costs roughly $100 a week, and this includes bi-weekly visits with their doctor, three times a week visits to the clinic and the vitamin shots.
It doesn’t include the other supplements that they need you to take, but these are cheap at about $20 for a bottle that lasts a month or more.
But I can tell you that if you’re serious and you do what they tell you to do you WILL lose the weight. The ads that you hear are absolutely right. It’s also hard, not because you’re hungry, I’m not hungry at all, but all the foods I love to eat I cannot eat. I chose to be on it over Christmas too which made it harder but that’s ok, I’m probably finished next week anyway.
I need this diet in London England asap
I know people who have formally done the diet ie: paid the cash and went into the clinic for the evaluation. Really, all they are doing is providing a diet book and giving you B6 and B12 injections. You can do the same thing yourself (I’ve done it) with B6 and B12 in pill form and following his strict diet regimen.
What does help motivate people however is knowing you’ve paid $600+ to walk in the door so you’re darn tootin’ you’re going to stick to the plan.
So how much B6 and B12 did you take?
it sounds great, please let me know the amount of vitamin b6 and b12, and how you did.
Sorry Marc
Hi Mark
Please tell me more about how you did it
Thank you so much!
i only have 25 pounds to lose is this diet right for me?
really just looking for something supervised so i can stay on track.
No, this is really for people with a lot of weight to lose, check out the Fat Loss Factor instead.
So I have been on the Dr. B diet since August 21, 2012 and I was one of those people who was very skecptical about the diet. Everyone saying yea you lose weight but it came back and all that stuff. Well its the best thing I have done! I have tried EVERY diet out and EVERY diet pill as well. Herbal Magic, Jenny Criag(use to work there), weight watchers and lots of diet pills.
I use to eat junk all the time and in 5 years I went from 169lbs to 250lbs!! Gross I know, especiailly for someone who is 5’5 and 27 years old.
Since starting Dr.B, in 2 weeks I have lost 11lbs. I love all the food you can eat, and I think their food list is huge with so many options. I dont even find myself craving the junk i use to have all time or find myself hungry.
Dr.b is not just a diet for me its a lifestyle change and thats how people should look at it. Just because your doing the diet and you lose 50, 60 or 100lbs doesnt mean when your done you can go back to eating junk!!
For me this is teaching me how to eat healthy and not eat just because Im bored, which i did alot.
The nurses are amazing and they are so kind to me and listen and help me with anything i ask them. I just went away for the long weekend on a house boat and it was so hard for me. My friends love to drink and party….Well I asked the nurses what I could drink if anything, they gave me options and told me what do.
I can back after 4 days and yes I did gain 1lb because of the alcohol I drank. The nurse DID NOT get mad or make me feel like i did something wrong. They even told me I did well for my first long weekend away with friends and got me right back on the wagon.
Yes Dr.B is expensive but so is eating out all the time……
I have the diet as I joined a few yrs back..paid $155.00 for the initial consultation was given the book but decided not to join because of the cost of $3500.00. I was afraid I would not stick with it and at thaat time I needed to lose 100lbs now I need to lose about 120lbs. I am going crazy. I am not a big eater but do to circumstances beyond my control exercise and walking is out of the question. I only gained this weight about 10 yrs ago when I moved to Ottawa. I AM 56 and I have other options like herbal magic…slim fast.. I have a tendancy to retain fluids as I joined weight watchers and I was up and down all the time,,,that was due to water retention..that discouraged me. My job is to sit 8 hours a day and I am trying to drink fluids but I do not go to the washroom much…I also have high blood pressure… am taking meds for that but I noticed lately my top number is elevated..my dr is aware of this so I am at a loss…anyone with suggestions or even an email to help me would be kindly appreciated.
HI Marie,
I hope this message finds you well. I moved in Ottawa about 10 years as well from Vancouver and have put on a lot of weight. I have finaly found a diet that actually work and remove the hunger pain i had during the day and I have lost about a pound a day and I feel so much better in my skin. What i like about it is that compare to a lot of expensive diet i have done this one is more cost friendly and the great thing is that i do not see it as a diet anymore. Its now part of my routine.
If you would be open for more information please do not hesitate of contacting me and it will be my pleasure to share it with you.
Take care and you luck,
Triska
Triska can you please post the information here….I am sure alot of people are curious
Can u tell me the name of the diet?
Concerned that I will starve to death. Also is the couselling effective? I need to lose about 40lbs, what might the cost be just for the program?
Carolyn
Triska, I would love to hear more information about whatever diet you are using to lose a pound a day–unless it’s HCG. Not really interested in doing that again. Thanks!
Hello,
I can promise you that if you do join, you will not regret it.
It will be one of the hardest thing you might ever do, but I can promise you the first week is very hardest week,after that you will want to”run” to the clinic to get weighed, thats how much energy you will have.
do not ever cheat , its not worth it. get through it and stick to maintenance
wow. people take a moment and proofread what your write. use a spellchecker.
Ha! You should talk! It’s “what YOU write” and not “what your write. So before you act all high and mighty, make sure you can’t be found at fault.
Your a jerk.
doesn’t look like you proofread what you wrote
This can be the most effective helpful such a data. Many thanks for working to maintain this specific current! We have researched everywhere in the to get a internet site this way. Thanks again, and that we I am checking again regularly for brand new revisions and also wonderful data.
I was on this diet a few times. I gained all my weight back plus more. Truthfully I eat very litte althougth usually the “wrong foods”. From eating so little for so long and yo yoing with this diet, my metabolism is SHOT…I have tried aother diets and stuck to them to the letter and lost very little weight even the week. I think this is a great diet to get you motivated or for short term results, maintaining this is very difficult. I would recommend anyone to start exercising ASAP after stopping the diet to helo increase their metabolism. I don’t not believe claims that it does not reduce lean body mass. I was seeing a trainer at the gym and had my lean body mass measured before and after the diet…..I had alot less lean body mass immediately after finished the diet. Btw even this diet doesn’t seem to work for me anymore. I can burn a plus 3 ketones and still only lose about 1-2 pounds per week. This isn’t enough weight considering how very restrictive this diet is.
Lucy hold on! 1 – 2 pounds a week is great. consider this. 2 lbs of fat contains 7000 calories. if you normally need 1800 calories a day and the diet has you eating 800 calories a day thats 1000 calories a day you are deficient. 1000 X 7 = 7000 calories = 2lbs. Right on track. you would need to eat virtually nothing to lose more, then you would get organ failure. The reason why you lose more at the beginning is due to water and cleansing. So just be patient and stick with it.
I have lost almost 30 pounds since the beginning of April on Bernsteins. You are not encouraged to buy anything but the vitamins the first trip you are there. If you want to try something you ask, otherwise I don’t find the nurses pushy or mean at all.
The diet is pretty restrictive but once you get the hang of it, you’re golden. The first two weeks will show the most rapid weight loss, after that you are expected to lose at least 2lbs per week. You meet with a doctor at the clinic every two weeks. Your measurements are taken every few weeks as well and noted (which is a nice encouragement!). Bloodwork is taken and monitored and can be sent to your doctors office as well if requested.
From my experience and many others I have spoken with on the program, the bars tend to have higher sodium levels and a lot of people find they are a trigger food for binging or causing cravings.
Really look over the list, purchase low carb items online. Prepare meals ahead and drink the suggested 10 waters per day. It really does help.
This diet can be difficult, I don’t recommend starting until you are really fed up and willing to do anything. You will want to quit, but the results are worth it. I went on vacation and maintained by exercising and being careful about portion sizes.
Any diet program can be what you make it. I had seen a lot of bad press about Bernstein but people I spoke with had great results and loved the program. Everyone maintained their weight.
In the first two weeks, if you are hungry they tell you to have an extra protein. If you exercise, they advise you add an extra protein. Some clinics will suggest cutting out fruit if your ketones aren’t burning. Some will say fruit and bread. Others won’t bother – it depends where you attend. I’ve had fruit taken away a couple of times but it worked and I had it back into my diet within a few days.
I try to make interesting salads, if I exercise I add a little extra protein and some healthy fat/via nuts/seeds to my salads. If you have a food item that you think might qualify all you do is take it in and they will tell you if it’s approved or not.
It works but you have to be willing to do the work like anything else. If you do this and then go back to eating out every day and eating the same old garbage you did before, of course you will gain it back. You must adapt a healthy lifestyle for long term results.
What is the reason for the fast weight loss in the first few weeks and why does it slow down?
Most if the time with any Diet, its “water weight” that comes off due to the lack of salt not being retained. this is pretty much standard. Once most of the “water weight” is gone then you are in fat buring which takes a bit longer to break down.
I am on the Bernstein Diet. Haven’t bought anything, my boyfriends mom was nice enough to give me tips and look at the books. I do not take the injection shots, instead I went to the grocery store and bought B6, B12, and K pills and follow the same structure. I don’t have a lot to lose, started at 142.8 now I am down to 133.6 in 8 days so something is working! I am pretty strict on myself for the foods, however, I definitely have had more protein than suggested. I will usually eat a chicken breast with my salad for lunch and one for dinner with steamed veggies. Another thing is I drink about 2.5-3L of water a day to keep me full. At first I did excercise only 2 days in the entire 8 so I don’t know if that really counts.. but so far so good. Only 1 day I maintained my weight, and only 1 day I lost 0.2 lbs.. every other day as been minimum 1 lb.
My worry is the maintenance level, I think I will have 1 cheat day a week and monitor my weight to see what I can change to live a better lifestyle
The Bernstein diet works beautifully if you stick to the plan. I lost 40 pounds on it 3 years ago and aside from gaining a few pounds here and there and taking it off again, I have kept the weight off. I joined again recently to lose 15 to 20 pounds and weighed in at less than I was when I left 3 tears ago. I never feel hungry, but you have to love fruits, salads and vegetables. I go over on the protein and it doesn’t affect the weight loss. It’s very similar to a southern Europe type diet and it’s all real healthy food, nothing gimmicky. I don’t eat their supplements and bars, just stick to the real foods. Kudos to Bernstein’s. The doctor and nurses also monitor you very closely!
I agree- this is for serious people You can’t go on this diet, if you plan to stick to your old habits after you lose the weight. This is a life plan
and it works- I am on day 36 (since June 4th 2012) and have lost 19 lbs- this is truly my second time on the program- I kept the weight loss of for more than a year and then went back to my old habits.
I am so determined that I drive from Quebec 3 times a week
to visit the clinic in OTTAWA
When you want something and want to succeed nothing can stop you
Just dont think you can eat excessively and not gain wait
I sacrifice waking up at 4:30 am and drive to the clinic, and get back fro 8:30 am so that I can work on time
I also gave up alcohol ( I have never felt better about myself(
I had never done maintenance, and now I am going to do it
I am 11 lbs from my goal weight, and I am going to stick to the maintenance program and stay on it for the time suggested.
Hi Christina,
I am trying to make a decision on whether I should start this diet or not…….Congratulations on your loss of 19 pounds, I am just wondering how much you weighed when you started.
Trying to compare my weight to yours and how much I would lose after 5 weeks on the diet. I have 5 weeks before going on vacation and then I intend on being strict on food and especially portions
Thank you
I also wanted to mention- that I have been only eating fresh vegetables and fruits and do not buy anything that is processed- therefore no canned goods, and processed anything.
I use fresh ginger, lemon, mint, parsley, garlic and sea salt- on all my salads.
my success has been from portioning out my chicken and fish every sunday night- and freezing my 100 gr of raw chiken or fish
Their is a very healthy way to do this diet
if you plan out your meals in advance-( this is new for me and I am so proud of myself)
I have held parties, bbq’s and I am still feeling great about my decision.
The biggest reality check I have had is the fact that I have been on denial and not willing to admit to myself that I had to change
my bad habits.
Don’t do this diet if you are not honest with yourself and not willing to sacrifice -it’s HARD but if you really are determined
to be healthy and get your BMI’ down and stick to a maintenance plan
dont waste your money
THANK YOU DR B!!! worth the drive the 900 km per week i am driving to see you at your ottawa clinic.
C
I am one of those people who will tell you that this diet works and you will lose the weight. However, I will NOT recommend anyone to do this diet as it is partly a scam. Here are the reasons why:
–When I started the diet, I first had to call into schedule a “consultation”. Consultation was a complete scam. They tell you nothing extra then the booklet they hand out to you, and they charge hundreds of dollars for this. It is not personalized and definitely not necessary if you can “read” the book.
–When I called to book my appointment with them, the employee I have spoken to explained their success rate was high and that it is expected to lose 16-20lb depending on the person. However, when I started the diet, I immediately saw that the nurses set your goals at 7lb/2 weeks. A bit difference, but not much. I still asked about this though and my reply was that “Mostly guys lose 5lb/week. Ladies lose approx. 3.5lb/week”. There, another scam. I later on learned that if a person is not losing as much as they want him/her to and cheats couple of times, they kick those people out of the program and do not count them in the stats. Of course their success rate is high, they only count the success, not the failures!
–Of course I lost 10lb for the first week so I was really happy. I later on realized that for the first two weeks of Dr. B everyone loses a bit more than usual. Don’t be fooled, this is not how the diet continues. Though they tell you it should.
–They are really strict on keytones. If you are only tracing keytones, they want you to “improve” your diet. If you have no keytones in your diet, they cut your fruits. Since I was always tracing, but never on the positive side, they “suggested” to me to stop eating my fruits. Which I did. Then it was any product with sweetners. I stopped drinking and eating anything with artificial sweetners in. Then it was tomatoes and red veggies as they are high in sugar. Then it was dr.b products, i was “too sensitive” to those and then anything in a package…then veggie proteins, no lentils beans and so on. Then it was veal, salmon beef, cheese. Cheese,salmon and beef were limited already, but I better had none of it!The water I drank was too little, i should have done 3 lt/day. ok to that too, and finally my starches! First of all, it took weeks of “trying” to figure out what I could or could not eat. Of course my weight loss was very slow during this time and I was discouraged. I barely could eat anything now. The pages and pages of food list became a few things I could have. For the first three months I did not cheat and lost about 30lb. I also felt like a rat on a lab who is tested. I was paying for a dietician, and they failed to give me directions. There, biggest scam!
–After three months, diet became really hard for me. I was going between chicken, tuna, spinach and lettuce as everything else stopped me from burning positive amounts of keytones. Since I kept eating the same thing over and over again, I started to get sick of it. I started slipping out of my diet, trying to eat other things. I still can’t even look at spinach though it was one of my most favorite vegetables. Variety of food advertisement, is also a scam.
–After four months and losing 42lb, my weight loss almost stopped. I lost my discipline. I did not want to eat another slice of chicken or tuna. I had absolutely no support. When I cheated, I was not encouraged to get back on diet and try, but instead blamed and pointed finger at. So much for their “Yes you can!” signs everywhere. I finally quit this diet.
–In 3 weeks, I gained over 20lb back! I wasn’t dieting, but there shouldn’t be a reason for this weight gain. I still cooked myself instead of ordering or eating out; but used a bit more oil and variety of things like carrots and eggplants. So, maintenance is not a suggestion, it’s a must and it is really HARD if not IMPOSSIBLE to keep the weight off!
–I am getting married in August, so I am back on the diet again. I feel enslaved to stay here because I know I will gain weight and will not fit into my dress in 2 months. I lost the 20lb i gained in over 2 months. I also tried a new approach, although it is not encouraged to have exercise in this diet, I tried to do 20-25 min of cardio everyday. Nurses flipped when they heard this. They gave me an extra half serving of protein/day. A week later, I was weak and constantly hungry since my body needed more proteins. So, I also quit exercising.
–I am back on the diet, and diet alone. However, this time I do not listen to nurses or doctors. What I do is to follow the diet given in the booklet. I started tracing keytones in the beginning and gradually it turned into burning positive! All I had to do was to be patient in the beginning and it would have grown into burning positive! I didn’t need to cut all those food out of my diet! But no one told me this. In fact, I do not think they even knew it. So much for paying health specialists..
–When I lose 10 more lb, I am going on the maintenance until my wedding in August. After that I am quitting this diet for good. So overall, in 7 months all I lost was 40-45lb and I am hoping to do another 10 in a month, so in 8 months, I will lose max of 55lb. My goal was 70lb. Looking at it now, if I was to start with a diet that would let me lose 2lb/week, I could have done almost 80 lb in the 8 months. I could also exercise and look better, feel healthier. I would not disgust myself of eating the same foods over and over again, and maybe, I would not spend over $4k and use it towards my wedding! When I quit this diet, I am scared to death to gain all these lbs and maybe more back. Most of the people that I see in the clinics are on Dr. B on and off for years! They all say that they gained it back and I saw a portion of it when I quit it for 3-4 weeks. However, whatever the consequences is, I will start a healthy, balanced diet and exercise. I have done that before with LA Weight loss and it was much more efficient. I would go back to LA Weight loss if their offices were not to close in my area. But whatever I do, I am not going back to Dr. B. Yes you lose the PORTION of the weight, no the consequences does not worth it.
Slimmin, the problem by doing all the cutting out of foods is it slowly brought your metabolism to a crawl. What you need is to do some light cardio like a 30-40 minute walk. This type of activity stimulates your vascular and muscular system and increases your metabolism. Maintaining the same diet plan will eventually get you to reach your goals
I am totally agree with Slimmin…And do not need to explain from the begining…..every your word is TRUE…I have been lost 10 pounds in 1 month…next month i was on maintain programm and GAIN back 10 pounds…..NOT RECOMEND at all..just westing money and time.Thanks
This is not the forum for people to air their feelings about the medical profession. People are people no matter their education or background (phD; MD; RPN; LPN …)and people are notoriously imperfect – so let’s just say that mistakes happen and be done with the bickering.
I was on the Dr. B diet plan for about 6 months and lost over 60 lbs. It was great while it lasted. Unfortunately after going on maintenance for a while and introducing foods back into my diet, the weight gain came back on fast and furious. I ended up gaining the 60 lbs back with another 40 for good measure. Dr. B diet is okay for a short term, quick weight loss, but to maintain it as a lifestyle is not possible.
I’m on the Bernstein diet – just started. Given I am a researcher I modified any packaged foods or sauces to include healthier versions (e.g. PAM?! I put some olive oil on a paper towel and wipe it on my frypan since it seems logical that the PAM is designed to decrease the amount used). I still lose between 3-5 lbs a week.
– Ladies in the nursing profession…if I might make a comment…why do you care what is said by someone you don’t even know? If you believe you are good at what you do and helping others then there is nothing else to worry about.
The B6 & 12 injections don’t make me nervous but the Potassium does as the amount they suggest 600mg x4 daily is potentially harmful.
There are many issues with this diet but it can be modified to be more healthy way of eating, that is sustainable as opposed to the strict diet they recommend. Make it a lifestyle, make it yours and use those supplements as a boost to get you started eating healthy. There are lots of great recipes. You just have to do your research
Ive been on the diet since Feb 15th and have lost 47lbs. Ive done everything under the sun minus gastro, which was going to be my next option. The doctor and nurses are amazing, and its not that bad, once you get use to it. I feel amazing. its giving me the energy for exercising and doing anything i can. I still have a long way to go on the diet, but if this keeps up, i know i’ll be heppy with the results.
I have a friend on the Bernstein diet, she is doing very well, not the least bit hungry she states. I was wondering if anyone knows if this diet can cause renal problems? There were some ? that the Atkins diet did due to low carb.
I doubt the B6 has an expiry date of 30 days after opening. If so, the bottle is a waste of money being that it has 75 shots in it and a month is only 12 shots. This would increase the costs of doing this diet on your own- so what’s the point. I asked at the Pharmacy and they too disagreed.
Strive2bfit…what you said is an Appeal to Authority fallacy. “FYI I know what I’m talking about, because I have a Master’s Degree which is 4 more years of education more than you have” Bahahaha what a goof. Years of education do not necessarily mean specialization and what you said was very belittling and condescending. A Master’s degree certainly didn’t help you with your Emotional Intelligence. Nurses of any kind are the ones who put up with the worst conditions and can make a stay at a hospital bearable with awesome bedside manner. Maybe take some time to see what they do before knocking the whole profession.
@ Bobbi,
Almost everyone have a huge weight loss during the first two weeks, then it slows down. Most people lose about 10-15 lbs/mth. I’ve rarely come across someone who loses close to the 20 lbs/mth. Usually if you have more fat on your body, you lose more weight quickly. If you have a small amount of weight to lose eg. 20 lbs or less, weight loss is much slower about 1-2 lb/wk on average sometimes less.
Hi everyone,
Just thought I would check out the website, it has been difficult finding a blog regarding Bernstein diet.
I’m just finishing my first week on the diet (day 6) and I lost a lot of weight (9lbs). I have not cheated at all and I have been drinking no less then 2 litres of water plus herbal tea daily. Other then having a headache for the first 3 days, I feel really good and do not feel hungry at all.
My question: is it normal to lose so much weight the first week? When I weigh in on Friday (start of week 2)I will already be at my 2 week goal. I needed to lose 25 – 30 pounds, but cannot believe I have dropped the amount of weight I did already. I suppose I am expecting the other shoe to drop and my weight loss to slow down. I must admit, however, I am happy with the results so far.
For the record, I intend to stay in the maintenance program for 2 – 3 months after I achieve my goal to help stabilize my weight.
Thanks for reading and good luck to everyone on there weight loss program!
Bobbi
hi.. im wondering has anyone add chia seeds into protein shakes ?
@ ANGIE
I will never be in a hospital for obese related issues. I was only 15 lbs overweight from taking some medications for 6 mths and I’ve now lost all the weight. I DONT have a problem with EATING and I can control my food intake unlike others who struggle with food. If I ever get sick it will be RNs who will look after me, not LPNs. Obviously the role of an LPN, knowledge and experience is very limited even with 2 yrs education. FYI I know what I’m talking about, because I have a Master’s Degree which is 4 more years of education more than you have.
you do realize that a lot nurses that are currently working as RNs only received 2 years education. I have worked with master trained RNs who have never given an enema and have no idea how to do so. Guess what….when you are old and crap yourself you better hope you have an rpn/lpn there to look after you, cause the new grad nurses certainly are too “educated” to want to wipe your a$$
In Ontario we are PSW(Personal support workers) and we are the girls that wipe your ass clean you up when your wet feed you position you and everything else the over educated RN’S don’t. Most of your higher educated people end up with Alzheimer’s anyway, so you with your Masters won’t know who is taking care of you, just hope she is caring enough not to take you stupid comments to heart.
strive2bfit…why dont you strive to educate yourself!how dare you come on here and say “cant expect an LPN to have a wealth of knowledge on any topic” i hope you will never be in the hospital for obese realated issues for your sake because chances are it will be a LPN looking after you and i hope it will be me with my TWO years of education.
or me with my 9 months took the RPN course in the early 70
Chris, which clinic did you go to? Did you take the Dr. Richard Bernstein Diabetes Diet (US) or the Dr. Stanley Bernstein ketogenic diet in Canada? I also found that nurses at the Dr Bernstein clinics (Canada) not very educated. I’ve found them friendly. But they’re LPNs with just 1 year of nursing education. I guess we can’t expect them to have a wealth of knowledge on any topic. I can see why they would not be educated on diabetes. All they seem to be interested in is the Ketostix reading – whether you’re in ketosis or not and whether you’re following the diet. I think the amount of calories on this diet is too low for someone on diabetes. I don’t know if anyone with Type 1 diabetes completed the diet. It would be interesting to hear people’s feedback. I did the diet so I can prevent diabetes.
btw.if you knew alot about diabetes….you would know that diabetics do really well on the Dr. B diet. Patients with diabetes and hypertension have their medication reduced on DAY 1 and are followed very carefully, the nurses who btw are RN and RPNs monitor the lab work and continue to adjust medication as needed in consultation with the clinic MD. The other thing you should know is that Dr. Berstien is a type A personality and is quite anal in how this program runs. None of the nurses there are allowed to have a brain for themselves as they HAVE to follow his protocols, no matter what the nurse knows to be true.
I did Dr Bernstein for awhile and was very happy with the program and the results. Unfortunetly I relized that the program, Dr. Bernstien and the nursing staff and un educated in regards to Type 1 Diabetes, in which they claim to specialize in. They kept wanting me to drop my basil rate and the amounts they were wanting me to change them to would have killed me in less then a day. Even my endocrenologist (Diabetic Specialist) was dumb founded by the complete lack of understanding of Type one diabetes. If you are a diabetic on an insulin pump do not do this program, they will kill you, or at worst you will end up in DKA if you listen to Dr. Bernstiens “expertise” If you ask me a jack of all trades and a master of none. You cant guess at diabetes, we are all unique.