Suzanne Somers Diet
The Suzanne Somers Diet or Somersizing is the creation of television celebrity Suzanne Somers who has outlined her approach to dieting in a series of books.
The Somersizing plan is basically a reduced carbohydrate diet with an additional emphasis on food combining.
At 66 years old and counting Suzanne still looks amazing, which she atributes to her way of eating and lifestyle.
Suzanne Somers Diet Basics
There are two phases to the diet.
In phase one, which is focused on weight loss, dieters are advised to eliminate what Somers refers to as “funky foods”.
“Funky foods” include sugar, white flour, honey, maple syrup, carrot, avocado, banana, sweet potatoes and more which are outlined in her books. Nuts, whole milk and whole yogurt are also to be avoided.
Many of the foods to be eliminated are high glycemic index and the idea is that by avoiding these foods the blood glucose levels will remain more stable which allows the body to burn fat more easily.
In addition food combining principles are incorporated into the diet plan. Foods are divided into four food groups which are proteins/fats, carbohydrates, vegetables and fruit. The rules for combining these foods are as follows:
- Always eat fruit alone and on an empty stomach.
- Combine vegetables with fats and proteins (no carbohydrates).
- Combine carbohydrates with vegetables (no fats).
- Wait 3 hours between meals of different combinations.
Dieters are also advised to consume frequent small meals and to eat at least three meals per day with no precise guidelines provided for serving sizes. Caffeine and alcohol are to be avoided in phase one.
Phase two of the diet is aimed at maintaining weight loss. Dieters are allowed to include red wine and chocolate in the diet in moderation and more leniency is allowed regarding food combining. Dieters are allowed to deviate from perfect food combining occasionally such as by adding some olive oil or cheese to a pasta dish.
Sample Diet Plan
| Phase 1 |
| Breakfast Fruit Salad Herb Tea |
| Lunch Grilled salmon Large green salad |
| Snack Piece of string cheese |
| Dinner Steak with mushroom cream sauce Steamed broccoli |
| Phase 2 |
| Breakfast Herb fried eggs Spinach and mushrooms 1 cup coffee |
| Lunch Caesar salad with grilled chicken |
| Snack Strawberries with nonfat yogurt |
| Dinner Whole-wheat pasta with pesto primavera Green salad |
| Dessert Crème brulee |
More healthy recipes can be found here.
Exercise Recommendations
Somers downplays the importance of exercise for weight loss stating the she personally never goes to the gym. However she does advocate aerobic exercises three times a week and is known for her home fitness equipment such as the thigh master.
Look here for other exercises that can be down at home.
Costs and Expenses
Suzanne Somers has written four books related to her Somersizing Diet Plan. The fourth and most updated book is called Fast and Easy and retails at $24.95.
Pros
- No calorie counting or portion control.
- Good variety of foods will reduce risk of dietary boredom.
- Emphasizes fruit and vegetables.
- Includes high quality protein for muscle maintenance and metabolism.
- Many dieters report improvement of gastrointestinal problems and better digestion.
- Online community with free access.
Cons
- Highly restrictive in terms of food selection and meal timing.
- Lack of guidance regarding meal planning.
- Lack of scientific evidence to support the idea of food combining for weight loss.
- Eliminates many highly nutritious foods such as nuts, yogurt, banana, carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato and avocado.
- Calcium intake may possibly become inadequate.
- Does not adequately address the importance of exercise as well as psychosocial factors involved in weight management.
- Dieters may experience rebound weight gain when they go back to eating higher carbohydrate foods.
A Low GI Diet
Somers’ philosophy in regard to eliminating foods with a high glycemic index does have some foundation however her approach is overly simplistic, and in failing to consider the effect of the entire meal on glycemic load, many potentially nutritious foods are eliminated from the diet.
It is highly possible that dieters will have success with weight loss on the Suzanne Somers diet because limiting the amounts of different foods in a meal can reduce the tendency to overeat. Although there is no scientific research to support the role of food combining for weight loss, many dieters have reported success with this method and in particular there is often an additional benefit with improvement of digestive function.
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There IS a science to food combining so don’t let the article put you off. You eat until you are satisfied and you’d be surprised how having full fat meals reduces the urge to cheat. I found eliminating caffeine and sugar made a big difference too. And as a diabetic who was about to be put on insulin because the pills were no longer working–this diet has saved my life! My sugars are fantastic. Glycemic dieting is the key!
I have a question I have just started sommersizing and I have tried it before but only from the vedio tape that came in the package now I have been listing to the tapes and Im not sure about skim milk and yogart what can I mix them with or are they a no no ? And what about the bread that you buy from the stores that say whold grain or multi grain or multi grain english muffins are they ok ? or so i have to look at the label and see either sugar or carb content? thank you in advance Pam
I lov the freedom of eating as much as ilike
I love SomerSizing! I’m 29, so menopause is not my issue. but I do find that this plan helps control my moods. I’m a manic depressant. SomerSizing & my medication helps me 2 control my moods a little bit better my mind seems 2 be clearer than usual
I am not a chronically overweight person– just an average woman with the peaks and valleys of weight (a five-seven pound swing up and down since I had my baby twenty years ago…) now facing menopausal weight gain. THIS IS THE ONLY SANE WAY TO EAT, whether you want to lose weight by being strict, or whether you want to have a nice healthy digestion and control over your weight by following the suggestions of food combinations. It truly does become a way of life rather than a drastic and unpleasant punishment. And it works if you have put on a few pounds (Christmas, a vacation, a stressful period of your life…). I can vouch for this. There is science and there is experience. This is a healthy, pleasant everyday diet. (The 1200 calories stuff is unecessary– i never counted calories… just followed guidelines and avoided white foods.)
Love vegetables,so this should be good,
.
This is my third time of going back to somerizing and I am so glad I am back. I have FMS and if I don’t eat enough protein I really suffer. I have lost 68 pounds, kinda at a stand still right now. But staying with it. And feeling so much better…..Thank You Suzanne Somer for this program. I have it on two VCR tapes and let get skinny book. I refresh myself every once and while to make sure I am doing it right!
I have had stomach issues and food sensitivities all my life until I tried somersizing. By not mixing protein and carbs I can enjoy eating food again – meat, veggies, carbs and not be in pain. When my friend lost over a hundred pounds in a couple of months (and maintained for years until her pregnancy) I decided to fully somersize and immediately started losing weight but more than that I felt better and looked better. Unlike the review states, Suzanne has always promoted a healthy lifestyle – fruits, veggies, healthy carbs and proteins while minimizing whites, sugar, processed foods and chemicals. And no she doesn’t go to the gym but she does actively exercise – walking, biking, swimming, hiking etc. everyday. She’s right – make it a part of your lifestyle. Enjoy cooking and exercising as a family!
I have done sommersizing and while it is hard to get in the rythym once you’re in it gets easy and you feel great very soon.
Bfast- huge bowls of plain cheerios with skim milk
Huge 4 egg omelettes with lots of meat, cheese and vegies. Don’t make the mistake of having toast with this or coffee.
Lunch- melted ham and swiss cheese stackers and a big salad.
Favorite dinner- Buffalo chicken (non breaded) with celery and blue cheese.
Thin long (use carrot peeler)Zuchini strips quickly stir fried in butter covered with marinara meat sauce and lots of mozzarella.
Favorite dessert- strawberries with tons of whipped cream. Sweeten whip cream without sugar.
Susan says fat is your friend and she’s right.
Man i gotta get back to sommersizing.
I have been on this strictly following the rules for 10 days, and haven’t lost a pound. Has anyone else had this problem? It’s easy and satisfying but I am anxious to drop lbs before summer and feel like switching to another diet. This diet is by far the easiest to do, therefore I would prefer to stick with it. So many people claim to lose lots of weight in the first couple of weeks! Annoyed
Jodi, start with unrefined carbs. Such as grapenuts or something that gives you that little bit of natural sugar you need. It’s not the Atkins diet – change your meals around until you find a healthy balance that works for you such as 2 carb meals then a pro/fat meal… or whatever works for you.
I have Somersized for years. The first time I did it, I lost 100+ pounds and as a result of having my metabolism work correctly for the first time in my life enjoyed many foods in phase two without gaining weight. It was when I returned to my old habits of eating refined foods, fast foods, and stopped paying attention to my health that the weight returned – but taking much longer to do so than any other time in my life. The statement the author made about restricting and eliminating healthy foods is erroneous. Any foods that are eliminated in this way of losing weight are replaced by a huge variety of other healthy foods. The only way a person eating the Somersize way could lose any nutritional value is if they are not willing to try new vegetables and fruits. In fact Somersizing created healthy eating for my entire family and brought us back into the kitchen cooking together and eating together and supports me in teaching my kids healthy eating habits. Nothing is lost on this diet and many healthy things are added. AS well – Suzanne has worked with many people in the medical field and participated in or researched many studies associated with Food Combining. Other benefits of Somersizing are no ill effects of eating, such as indigestion, gas, heartburn. For years I professed the benefits of Somersizing to my boyfriend who did not believe… He put on a few pounds and changed his outlook and started eating correctly (food combining) he is a sworn advocate of Somersizing now. All I can say is Don’t knock it til ya try it and never be closed off to new ideas. Just think in biblical times people that were epileptic were said to have demons, so where would we be if we never opened ourselves to new possibilites?
I met Suzanne in Palm Springs this March 2011 when she was introducing her new clothing line in a shop on El Paseo. I was amazed at how fabulous she looks, and how very nice she is. Although she and her husband Alan Hamel were there to promote her clothing (that is also fabulous) she took lots of time to sign my book, Eat Great, Lose Weight and talk to me about her diet.I now own a pair of her jeans and I am looking forward to looking good in them after losing 5lb in one week!!
Thankyou Suzanne, You go girl!
If you read her newer book, you will see that Suzanne began gaining weight and discovered that her hormones were out of balance, so no matter how well she used the plan, it was not working. She has since balanced her hormones with bio identical hormones, and has lost the weight again…so to Liz Dee, she did tell about it…read the new book..it is Slim and Sexy Forever.
I’m pretty sure that story was in her previous books as well.
Hello Susanne, My name is Higo I am 43 year old and I am going through mano pause off and on period then I am not on my period I feel great I actural loose weight in two months I have lost 7 bounds. Now I am on my period I have gain 5 pounds and my tummy is growing I don’t now why. I take vitamins everyday I take vidamins D/Evening prime Rose/Vitamins E. what else can I take I always tired. Please help. Thank you
Has Suzanne abandoned this diet?
I first saw her on HSN years ago and what perked my interest first was the no sugar.
I bought the books, bought the food, and watched all of her appearances on HSN.
Even before she left HSN, she was talking less and less about the diet, and having available less and less of the food.
Has she changed her diet, and if so why?
It’s never been mentioned and I don’t think that is really fair to the possible 1 million people who were on this plan. I mean did she find out over time it wasn’t healthy??? Why doesn’t she seem to support this way of living any longer, when all she used to do was say this is something you can do for the rest of your life. I really feel cheated.
Hi Ms.Somer i have tried everything i cant lose the weight iam so tried up and down i want to know is your program helps for my health i have to lose 40lbs ladies tell me does this work i dont have ajob right now if any ladies would love to help me?
Can fruit help a hypoglycemic bring the sugar level back up? Why not try fruit first thing then 20 minutes later you can have your protein/fat or carb meal. Same could go for lunch and dinner to help you keep your sugar level up all day. Clemantimes are easy to eat, sweet and delicious. I find it a bit hard to find the variety Suzanne has available to her since she lives in MovieStar country and has a MovieStar income, but I am trying my best. Have to admit it is hard as a single mom of two kids, income and busy wise, but I am going to give it a shot – only on day 2.
I am starting this but am having a bit of a problem, I need some advice! I am hypoglycemic (sp) I need sugar to keep my levels up and when I ate breakfast of hard boiled egg, turkey bacon, cheese, tomatoe and cucumber… my sugar levels were dropping in about an hour! How do I keep on this diet? Please help . thx
Jodie
I was on this diet originally 5 years ago and lost 44 lbs. I have kept most of it off but needed to loose more without starving. I have just lost 24# or a wedding I am going to in Dec and feel so much better. If at all possible, I am buzzing through the holidays on this plan and hope to shed another 6 lbs. It is easy and the low-carb cheesecake is a must make for those who have a sweet tooth. Go for it!
@Sammy: hope you got your “dairy” answer….it is confusing….Keep in mind that dairy has both carbs & protein so if you are a beginner you can NOT have them both in the same meal. LOWFAT cheese is a no-no because it has both. You may have full fat cheese w/a protein/fat meal and you may also have cheerios, for example, w/fat free milk because fat free milk has carbs (like the cheerios) but no fat. To prevent confusion w/dairy, I always buy fat free organic milk, fat free cottage cheese but full fat chesses and sour creams. I never buy low-fat or 1% milk, etc. If you have Suzanne’s Get Skinny on Fabulous Food book she thoroughly explains the dairy dilemma. Good Luck!! I love this diet!!
Hey i read Suzanne book and i am eager to start this program and eating healthy. However i am just a bit confused about the dairy products. i understand you can have regular cheese for a protein meal but can i have LOWFAT cheese as well or is that a no no. Also under the Funky Foods it says you cant have low fat milk or whole milk is that lowfat just regarding milk or all dairy products. if someone can please help me with this id greatly appreciate it. And great job to those that already lost weight.
I LOVE Somersizing. I lost 27lbs. and have maintained this weight for over a year. It really does work and it is so simple. I loved that I could eat full fat dressings on my salad. It does take about 2 weeks to get used to it, but after 2 weeks the pounds start melting away. I never feel hungry, because you can eat until you are full. Just try it and see!!
I did this plan years ago and was VERY successful. I am mad at my husband who told me ‘enough’ with my weight loss and so I went back to my old eating habits and gained the weight back over the last 7 years. I do crave a baked potato or a slice of pizza from time to time – I substitute with chicken wings! I am back on the trail and have 3 “Somersize” buddies that keep me motivated. Can’t wait to see my results again.
Week 1 weigh in – Down 10.2 lbs! This program is the absolute BEST. It is so easy and it really works!
I did this diet a few years back and YES it does work…it takes about 2 weeks to get used to it…but the idea is simple and I found that I was always satisfied because you CAN have pasta..you CAN have chicken with the skin on…You have to think of this a whole lifestyle change…after coming off this diet I lost a total of 16 lbs., which took me about 4 months but I did feel great and had energy. The only reason I gained some back is because I didn’t keep control of the “rules”..but I think this is a great way to stay healthy!! Goodluck!!
The question about can we use agave and quino is something I would also like to know?can anyone answer that?
Abbie: rum & diet coke have 0 carbs……but don’t over do it because the alcohol will open up ur appetite and u may eat something u may regret the next day.
@ alex, it might not be considered “carbs” per say but 35ml of dark rum has 78 calories….
has anyone heard of agave and is it allowed to be use with this diet and can you also use quinoa instead of pasta? thanks!
Those substitutions sound fine and the quinoa would be far better to use than pasta.
this diet actually does work. if you can keep motivated and keep on track it absolutely works. i have diabetes now though and wonder if i re-start the suzanne somers diet if it will work the same, and also if i can handle eating the carbo meals…?