All About Food Combining
January 29, 2010
Ever heard you’re not supposed to mix proteins and carbohydrates in one meal? How about you shouldn’t eat fruit with anything else?
You may have heard these theories before if you’ve ever heard any information on “food combining.”
What do I think about these rules and strategies?
Watch the video below where I not only explain the theory behind food combining but I give you my honest opinion on the whole idea. Enjoy and let me know if you agree or disagree.
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It is a tough one, i have heard about \"The Hay Diet\"
I think under severe circumstances it could be used for a period of time.. Protein foods are also said to be allowed to be eaten with vegetables (not potatoes) and some fruits.
Personally i know i need to balance my blood sugar and therefore the thought of eating carbs alone, well they would have to be low Glycemic load carbs.
All my best
Domenique
Hi Isabel
I just recently purchased your program and look forward to each of your e-mails, videos, and your continueing contact. I have previously purchased another program and still have not had any communication with them.
I am still going through all of the program have not started as of yet. I was interested in the last e-mail concerning jump sstarting your motabulism ex. drink only water nothing with wheat or anything white. Like your uncle I feel I need my coffee in the AM. Idrink it black with stieva. Have tried coffee black but it doesn’t agree with me that way.
Yeh you’re going away will be very interested in how you make good choices in such a tempting situation as my husband and I will be going to Costa Rica the first of April.
Have a wonderful vacation, looking forward to more helpful information.
Colleen
Hi Isabel,
Interesting take on food combining. I must say it makes a lot of sense, and as a Type 2 diabetic the issue of blood sugar swings is important. I was intending to try fitting the \\\’correct\\\’ food combinations into my dieting, but I like the sound of your theories better.
Enjoy the Bahamas.
Regards,
Rob
Hello Isabel – have a great holiay! I love the Bahamas! I am really glad that you did this short video o food combining because I tried it once as I thought the theory behind it made sense. I guess that evolutionarily speaking our acestors would have had meat one day an maybe only berries the next day – they certainly would not have sat down to a \"well balanced\" meal as we understand it today. However, I appreciate what you are saying about the insulin spikes and that also makes sense – it\’s difficult to know what is exactly the \"truth\". If it makes you feel better than clearly it works for you. I am enjoying your program so far and will stick with it because it makes sense to me and I do feel better.
I am having a little difficulty with the prgram though as I am an American living in England and finding it impossibe to find stevia – I do not think I will even be able to order it as it is still being banned by the EU. Any suggestions? Also, NO-ONE sells Ezekiel bread only the mix and it is incredibly expensive – again what to do? And finaly – is there any brand of cookie that I can eat that will not destroy this eating plan? I am a singer and chocolate is terrible for my voice but I still want something sweet that is not fruit. Thank you for your help and best wishes. Marianna
Hello Isabel,
You share the same name as my daughter, Isabelle. Lovely name, of course!
I think there is some merit to food combining. Proper food combining and only fruit in the morning and on empty stomachs were the central tenets to Harvey and Marilyn Diamond\’s 1985 pocketbook, Fit For Life (ISBN 0-446-30015-2). Thought you\’d might be interested in that reference.
Best wishes and may the new year of the tiger bring you the very best of good health and happiness.
Richard from Asia’s Emerald Isle (Taiwan)
Isabel,
Thank You for your view on food combining. I have heard of all sorts of theories about this topic. You are absolutely right, I have had so many problems with trying to follow such a plan because 1) not enough hours in day to fit it all in 2) Felt hungry many times and had low energy which makes me a bit cranky 3)never really lost weight or felt healthy to tell you the truth.
I agree with you that people will have their own way of getting along in a happy healthy way. So far, I have found your plan to have helped with cravings, hunger, and low energy moments AND headaches! I am still working on clearing my cabinets of bad food, although, really I do not eat a lot of processed food, but things like the canola oil, salt, etc. that need to be changed out. What is your thought on Tamari sauce instead of soy sauce? What about spicy/hot sauce? I like spicy foods.
Well, I should stop now, I could talk all day about this stuff. BTW, you really do have a very cool job!!!
Have fun in the Bahamas!
Martha
Hi Isabel,
I agree with you completely and your plan says it all.
Protein with every snack and meal to avoid the insulin spikes. People make dieting so complicated. Keep it simple.
Have fun in the Bahamas. Go ahead and have one “Bahama Mama”. Enjoy yourself.
can I have a link to order
Have seen parts of the videos and received lots of good information without charge and am ready to BUY!
Yes, food combining is a very great way to eat for weight loss, and for stomach issues. If you eat your low glycemic fruits and follow up later (one hour) with a protein meal or snack, there should be no problems with the insulin spikes. It is a great alternative to a high protein diet because you CAN have your fruits and carbs, just not with your protein/fats. Also, eating lots of vegetables is encouraged. I’ve had much success with food combining, but do not feel it is necessary for everyone. Finding what is right for your body’s system is the key. I haven’t gotten into the Diet Solution eating routine yet, but as one who is aware of nutritional guidelines, the glycemic index, etc., I see this as a very sound and effective way of eating for weight loss and general good health! I look forward to seeing how it works for me.
Food combining was devised by Dr William Howard Hay, when he had Bright’s disease, & was given just a few days to live. he survived until he was over 70. Sir John Mills began food combining after he was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, & it never did him any harm – 90+.
Yes, it is tricky to follow, but I found that it cured psoriasis in less than a month.
A very interesting talk today Isabel, although I could hardly hear it. Way to low volume, please put the microphone closer!
You talk about protein and starches which is far too general. Do you refer to vegetable protein or animal protein. Do you mean protein with beneficial fats or saturated fats?
I am sure that you yourself would not eat red meat (protein/saturated fat) with potatoes (high GI carbohidrate) but would most definately eat tuna (protein/good fats) with chickpeas (great starch).
Probably better to talk about saturated fats and starch.
As for fruit, it can ferment in the stomach if eaten after a meal. If it is cooked it is fine, but you kill all the vitamins. So definately better alone where the body can benefit from its nutrients without interfering with digestion. Fruit after a meal won\’t make you fat, so I suppose the people that recommend that you eat it alone are for more technical reasons.
I think food combining allows people to make choices (ok I want white rice so I\’ll eat it with lentils rather than pork!) rather than having to cut food out of their diet like you suggest – no wheat – no white etc.
I agree with food combining but rather no high GI\’s with saturated fats, but I also like what you talk about, although perhaps not so strictly. (I like my almonds salted!)
Great work anyway!
I hope you have a great trip to the Bahamas, enjoy the sunshine and the delicious fruit they grow there.
I started the program three weeks ago and have been averaging about a 3 pounds per week loss since I started.
I don’t feel hungry which is important, i can afford the natural and organic foods suggested in your meal plans and I love the bread. It is pretty expensive, $6.49 per loaf here where I’m from, but, it lasted my two weeks. I took many of your suggestions and I’m doing my best. So far I like the program that I’m on and it fits my schedule and I’m adapting to it. My wife and 11 year old daughter are a little put out because we did eat out frequently but not so much anymore. I also cook all my own meals to regulate the portions and caloric intake as well as my balance of proteins and carbs. My wife always did the cooking so I’m putting her out a little, but, I am devising a plan to integrate her into my diet plan so she can go back to cooking for the family. It won’t be easy. She’s diebetic and she doesn’t eat what I do, never has. So we are working our way through that. Wish me luck, that seems to be the only REAL challange that I face right now. I love the ”
diet” that I’m on as it fits right for me. And I’m not hungry.
Thanks
I think food combining works great for some people and not for others. It can be somewhat confusing and frustrating trying to figure out what and when you can eat certain foods. Then of course, there is the blood sugar issue and that would be very important if a person was diabetic. I prefer to eat a fairly balanced nutritional meal and keep my blood sugar on an even keel.
Makes sense to me. Are you going to the bahamas w/Scott Colby? Just got a note from him that he\’s heading that way too! Thanks for all your tips!
Never heard of the separatism theory before your e-mail. But
having been on your method for roughly 2 weeks now I have lost the first 10 lbs by combining the foods in your menu planner. So my vote is for your method. Be interesting to
see your take on how to eat restaurant food…that is an
important subject since a lot of us cannot eat at home every night. Have a great time…J
Have a great holiday, I agree with you I always combine and so far have no problems as I am sure it keeps my PH at the right level.
Great comments!!! I totally agree with you. I do have a lot of digestion issues…and I’ve found that eating a fruit with protein is the best for me. I have also found that eating just a fruit or just a protein doesn’t work out for me. I do get hungry quicker!! Thanks for the clarity your put on this topic.
Hi, Isabel!
I do follow the combining food program. But what I do is combining starch products with high fiber content carbs and healthy fats, to slow down a little bit the insuline rise. I begun doing it because of my digestion, and that of my husband too. And it works very well for us, we’re feeling better since. And in your DSP there are a lot of compatible meals. Like eating proteins with spinach, mushrooms, and all the other vegetables, except potatoes. We don’t feel hungry neither. So I guess it’s ok.
On the other hand, we do this to avoid the toxins that remain in the colon, because of indigested protein, as its digestion in the stomach last 2 hours, meanwhile carbs, “go down” in half an hour or so, so that they must “wait” protein untill its ready to join them, and that’s why the carbs begin to ferment. Well, there are a lot of studies, and each of us must feel what works for their own organism.
Have a nice time in Bahamas!
If It tastes good why not. I often take a bit of a fruit dessert with a main meal. It refreshes the taste buds. People often do strange combinations. I knew a family in my younger years who loved mustard on their ice cream.
John
Hi Isabel,
Thanks for this video. I too have heard conflicting info about food combining and never really got the correct goods on this one way or another. However, as you point out, each one of us does know their own body and the pecularities that affect each of us – and going with that is always the safe and correct approach to good health.
I have an acid reflux problem and have had this for years. In fact my mother said I was born with this problem and she may be right because it has plagued me my whole life. I take medication for it and am careful not to eat things that make it worse for obvious reasons. But depending on how stressed out I get, even the meds don’t always help.
I work out regularly and eat fresh fruits and veggies and try to stay away from most processed foods because they don’t agree with me anyways.
I guess that’s all I can do. If you have any thoughts on this, maybe you could post them for me.
Thanks and I enjoy all your emails and videos and find them most helpful!
Enjoy the Bahamas…
Thank you!! I would have a really hard time with trying to eat only one food type at a time, so hard, I’m positive I would not even try. I love having roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic or cajun seasoning, mixed with red beans! One of my “healthy” favorites.
If it tastes good and you like it – why not. Peopl often love many strange meal combinations. I often take a taste of a fruit dessert with a meal . It refreshes the taste buds.
I knew a family many years ago who loved mustard on their ice cream.
John
Isabel,
This is a good post on an interesting topic. I feel pretty much the same way about it as you do, but I decided to give it a try several years ago. The only thing I have really noticed is that when I combine fruits and vegetables, I will sometimes experience discomfort. I almost always eat fruit by itself and haven\’t experienced a sugar high. I eat very few grains or other starches, and usually combine them with vegetables, so that isn\’t a problem either.
I seems to me that in this day and age, with all of the technology that is available, somebody should be able to test this once and for all. Put a scope or one of those pill size cameras into the stomach and watch what happens.
Health, fitness and nutrition have eveolved into this conflicting mass of theories and opinions that do nothing but confuse everybody. Having somebody like you with a middle of the road opinion helps. Thanks.
I have tried this before, and i lost weight doing it. I think its good for people who have digestive issues. (TMI) This will cause you to eliminate 2-3 times a day. I do it only for the purpose to get my digestion on track. I notice that if i eat pro-biotic rich foods with my meals that will do the trick rather than dealing with food combining. It is hard to follow, and for me, not realistic.
Thanks Isabel! I hope you have a wonderful vacations!
Hi , Good comment on food combining , It is hard to follow In the north where fresh fruits are not growing for 8-10 months of the year. One of the problems is that too many people do not think of the chemical make up of the foods they eat. the correct term is not carbohydrate . You are _not_ supposed to combine the___ protein____ with ___starches_____or___ fruits___; However you are supposed to eat them with neutral foods and protein vegetables. Like a salad with leafy vegetables,or green beans. There are starchy protein vegetables like peas. It boils down to being responsible for your own health. Read the books or the science behind the theory and make an educated decision about your choices and what you are doing to yor body. I Personally cannot eat wheat that is grown in north america that is altered in any way, but can eat spelt. I cannot eat oranges or dairy products from cows, they make my body produces too much mucus and I get sick. Food combining gets you paying more attention to what you put in your mouth. Have a baked potato with a big salad with croutons and forget the steak. Have a steak and enjoy it for the flavor with the big salad no croutons. Learn from the people who wrote the theory before you try it. Isobels books and program are great, again, read before following any program. The Diet Solution is much simpler, get in touch with your own body! Don\’t eat what makes you sick, enjoy life, get a hobby and enjoy the food that you do eat. Take responsibility for yourself, I am. thank you Alpha
If you want more information on food combining google sherry Brescia
Interesting idea, I think you just have to try for yourself and see how it feels. If I eat only fruit in the morning I get a sugar rush. (It\’s not nearly as pronounced if I have a green smoothie). And most foods as they are found in nature have protien and carbs in them so how can you really seperate them?
Hi, It is hard to follow In the north where fresh fruits are not growing for 8-10 months of the year. One of the problems is that too many people do not think of the chemical make up of the foods they eat. In reality we would be much healthier to eat food in the season it grows, and only eat meat(please note I did’t say protein) in cold weather, sparingly and when there is nothing else(aka famine)because it is such a dense protein. The correct wording is important. You are _not_ supposed to combine the_protein_ with _starches_or_fruits_and also something about the fats; However you are supposed to eat them with neutral foods and protein vegetables. Like a salad with leafy vegetables,or green beans. There are starchy protein vegetables like peas. It boils down to being responsible for your own health. Read the books or the science behind the theory and make an educated decision about your choices and what you are doing to yor body. I Personally cannot eat wheat that is grown in north america that is altered in any way, but can eat spelt. I cannot eat oranges or dairy products from cows, they make my body produce too much mucus and I get sick. Food combining gets you paying more attention to what you put in your mouth. Have a baked potato with a big salad with croutons and leave the heavy protein. Have a portion of protein and enjoy it for the flavor with the big salad no croutons. Learn from the people who wrote the theory before you try it. Isobels books and program are great, again, read before following any program. The Diet Solution is much simpler, get in touch with your own body! Don’t eat what makes you sick, enjoy life, get a hobby and enjoy the food that you do eat. Take responsibility for yourself, I am. thank you Alpha
Hi, It is hard to follow In the north where fresh fruits are not growing for 8-10 months of the year. One of the problems is that too many people do not think of the chemical make up of the foods they eat. In reality we would be much healthier to eat food in the season it grows, and only eat meat(please note I didn’t say protein) in cold weather, sparingly, and when there is nothing else(aka famine)because it is such a dense protein. The correct wording is important. You are _not_ supposed to combine the_protein_ with _starches_or_fruits_and also something about the fats; However you are supposed to eat them with neutral foods and protein vegetables. Like a salad with leafy vegetables,or green beans. There are starchy protein vegetables like peas. It boils down to being responsible for your own health. Read the books or the science behind the theory and make an educated decision about your choices and what you are doing to yor body. I Personally cannot eat wheat that is grown in north america that is altered in any way, but can eat spelt. I cannot eat oranges or dairy products from cows, they make my body produce too much mucus and I get sick. Food combining gets you paying more attention to what you put in your mouth. Have a baked potato with a big salad with croutons and leave the heavy protein. Have a portion of protein and enjoy it for the flavor with the big salad no croutons. Learn from the people who wrote the theory before you try it. Isobels books and program are great, again, read before following any program. The Diet Solution is much simpler, get in touch with your own body! Don’t eat what makes you sick, enjoy life, get a hobby and enjoy the food that you do eat. Take responsibility for yourself, I am. thank you Alpha
Interesting thoughts on food combining, Isabel. I, personally, have done some food combining for about 20 years now. I have tried to keep it fairly simple: fresh fruit for breakfast; carbs and veggies for lunch; protein and veggies for dinner. This works great for me. I have found that by eating only fresh fruit for breakfast, that this stabilizes my blood sugars for the rest of the day. Before I began this way of eating, I had severe hypoglycemia and now it is totally gone. However, if I \\"cheat\\" and have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, my blood sugars sky-rocket in the afternoon. Now, I have found that I can add eggs and/or veggies right after my fruit and I\\\’m still OK.
Also, regarding combining the carbs and proteins, the short version is that is really does help with weight loss/weight control to keep those two at separate meals, I think more because of the different amounts of time needed to digest those two categories more so than the pH levels, but those are important as well. The veggies will balance out the acidic level of protein, and the veggies will balance out the acidic level of carbs as well, but if you eat both acidic protein and acidic carbs, you need a whole lot more veggies to balance that out!
That\\\’s not to say that I don\\\’t cheat once in a while! I\\\’m having homemade, whole grain pizza tonight, but I know a little heartburn will follow that.
I have been doing food combining since March last year and have found that I am now very healthy. I had depression and also ulcerative colitis before and within weeks of starting this way of eating, now do not have either depression or colitis. Because as you may know, both of these health issues are a direct result of the food you put in your mouth.
I take issue with the comment you made that people eat carbs on their own – you shouldn’t do that on the food combining diet. You either have protein with veges or carbs with veges, and it is so easy to do. This balances out the sugar high you were talking about. It really does work.
So I hope I haven’t upset you, but since being on this way of eating I have as a byproduct lost 11kg. I only started the diet to become healthy and lost the weight coincidentally, which was a blessing.
Thank you for your program too. It is always good to see different programs and ideas, to get a balance in our lives.
Regards, Sandy
I listened to your video on food combining, and I agree with what you are saying. I personally find that combining the right number of carbs and proteins together make my hunger or cravings decrease. I do not feel I am on that rollercoaster of “need to eat NOW” and “OMG I am soooooo full”……but this is just me. i agree with you totally that people have to find what works for them. What makes one person feel good will not necessarily work for someone else. Your Diet Solution Plan I think will work for the vast majority of people who take the time to start the program and adjust the protiens and carbs that make them feel full.(koodos to your journal plan) I applaude you in keeping an open mind about other types of diet/eating programs out there. Life and eating are a personal choice. Choices and knowledge go hand and hand. Thanks for all that you do and all the great knowledge you give me so I may make an informative choice about food that makes me feel good and look good and be healthier for it!
Hope you enjoy your holiday Isabel, I am sorry I haven’t really replied to any of your videos or emailed you my success, its because I have just moved to a University accomodation, my eating patterns have changed and I have been busy with my studies.
I just want to say, you have been an inspiration to me – and really made me think about which foods to eat and buy. I always check the contents of what I eat at University – e.g. to see if it has any bad vegatable fats and Hydrogenated Oils. I am also educatating my flat mates who I think are getting a bit tired of it now
I seem to think that the shops located on campus at Uni, must be watching your videos, because non seem to have these harmful ingrediants in them.
Thank-you ever so much for all the help and all the information you have given to me, its helped me get healthier and much thinner. I had compliments when I came back from Christmas with people saying “Wow, you have lost a lot of weight”. I didn’t really notice but loved the compliments. I think my parents are worrying about me, because I am getting thinner, and I wasn’t really that fat to start off with but I feel okay with myself and I am still eating fine
Thank-You and enjoy your holiday!
I really liked the video. Enjoy your stay in the Bahamas. I look forward to your future video on proper food choices when traveling outside the United States.
Not everyone has a Trader Joes, Whole Foods, or other healthy supermarkets. Could you please pass on information on any healthy supermarkets that you would recommend that you shop at while you are away. Thanks.
p.s.
I love the DSP.
Isabel,
Thanks for talking about this subject. I have tried food combining in the past. But it didn’t work for me because of the issues you mentioned. I would feel a sugar high or really hungry because the fruit wasn’t enough. I waited for a period of time before eating protein or carbs and found that I was past the point of no return in terms of hunger.
I like your solution. I never feel the cravings anymore. Thanks for putting together such a wonderful solution.
In my opinion, it shouldn’t matter too much…it depends on your consciousness and taste…as long as it’s wholesome foods and/or minimally processed foods with “it’s-just-fine” ingredients
Thanks for the tips, Isabel…I appreciate it =)
Hi Isabel,
Great interpretation of the pros and cons of food combining.
There is a book called “Know How” by the late Don Lemmon, that focused on the pros of food combining for digestion and weight loss. It definitely helps with digestion and makes the body more efficient at moving food through the digestive tract with less “residue” to clog things up. I tried the program and it works pretty well.
I’ve also had good luck with down regulating sugar spikes by combining proteins and veggies, as you also suggest.
In the end, I think that it’s all about eating unprocessed foods in whatever manner works for you.
Thanks for your latest video!
Brian
Isabel,
what you are saying is so true. One thing you are trying to prevent is spikes. That’s why, to me, the combining thing never made sense or even worked. Your program is nutritionally sound. Can’t see eating any other way (although I do incorporate a cheat meal on occasion)
Thanks for this program. It is awesome!
As far as i know, fruit should be eaten on it\’s own and on an empty stomach as it is digested in the intestines, not the stomach. So eating it with other foods slows the digestion and loses that quick energy boost from it.
Your off where this weekend…WOW!
Enjoy the Bahama’s I was there and it is beautiful. Caution. If they say stay away from an area, do not go there. We went to the capital. Pretty. Watch the markets, they are very aggressive to sell you something. Try parasailing, it is a blast.
My understanding is that consumption of sugars, and the entailing insulin burst causes (via a non-complex carbohydrate rapid breakdown signaling) fat cells to “open up” and absorb calories for later use. This is why I suppose it is so useful in your program, that people stay away from all the high fructose corn syrup out there! As you point out, sugar is enemy number one–both as regards diabetes and weight loss. So anyway, then it would make a little sense that people isolate their consumption of sugary fruits from fats and other high caloric foods because fruit sugar consumption (non-complex carbohydrate, rapidly metabolized, sends signals to or) “awakens” fat cells to call their “storage” metabolic subroutine.
Hi Isabel. Great video. I found your comments interesting and very valid, but I as you said we are all different and our experiences are different. Mid November 2009 after reading an ebook by a guy who went from almost 300lbs to 187lbs in 2 1/2 years, I decided to change my lifestyle. I began food combining and incorporated as many living foods into my diet as I could, I stared at 208lbs as of today I am 188lbs.
I have found food combining very easy and I feel so much better eating this way. I was someone who suffered from indigestion regularly but my diet did not consist of much processed food. Now I don\’t get indigestion at all.
That said I do occasionally eat a meal that is not combined correctly and I do not suffer any ill effects. I can understand you saying that it is too complex for some people, at first I had to keep reminding myself of how and what to eat but doing so proved to be great for me because it meant that I was forced to think about what I was eating instead of just stuffing my face indiscriminatly. LOL.
All in all I find food combining easy I just eat my carbs with veg and salad and my protein with veg and salad and my fruit alone, and I am loosing roughly 8lbs a month so I will continue.
Keep up the great work you are doing and thanks for these videos I find them very informative and motivating.
Many Blessings
I think I have tried all possibilities of food combining at some time in the past. Personally, I prefer the metabolic typing way of eating, which is, by what I gather, the method which you recommend. However, friends of mine prefer separating carbs and proteins, and do fine–for a time…
By the way, be sure to try conch salad in the Bahamas, it\’s wonderful, and I think very healthy.
Crohns mix food instant pain. Seperate food instant bliss.
The insulin control provided by NOT using food combining was one of the only reasons I fell off of it. The theories have to do with what it takes to digest starch, sugar and protein. I rarely eat fruit and meat together as it does putrify and take longer to digest the meat. I find eating fruit alone first thing in the morning helps clear the bowel as it digests in the large intestine. You yourself know what happens with bread in the diet. I throw eggs into oatmeal and cook them together and don’t have problems with it. I think it’s with the flesh protein that combining is a monkeywrench.
Hey Isabel,
Couple of comments here and a question:
First, love your program. Lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks. I’m a ‘anything worth doing is worth overdoing’ kinda guy so I started the program going ‘cold turkey’ cutting out wheat, dairy (except butter) and sugar AND I can still be a foodie who can enjoy his food. Who knew? Well, I guess you did so, a big THANK YOU!
Second, I agree about the food combining and unless some reputable source comes out with conclusive evidence about food combining I want to stick with something I know I will stick with.
On a different topic, I wanted to ask about coconut milk. I have found a shelf stable coconut ‘water’ that some claim to be a great substitute for electrolyte drinks – any thoughts?
AND
How about using coconut milk as a substitute for cow’s milk i.e. for baking? Some say it has too much fat others say coconut fat is not stored – the body uses for energy, like the fat from avacado I suppose – what’s your take on it?
And, for something even more off topic – if you’re going to Freeport Bahamas there’s a new organic food store on Coral Ave (Drive?) I think it is called Roberstons. Also, try East for dinner – it’s pricey (and small portions) but tasty. And you can find lobster or conch salad that is a protein/veggie mix. Enjoy!
Thanks Isabel, you are having a positive impact on peoples’ lives! Keep up the great work!
Mike
I agree with you about eating potien and carbs at the same time…I fine it is working for me and I do not feel hungry constantly.
I agree with you about eating potien and carbs at the same time…I find it is working for me and I do not feel hungry constantly. I use to have the insulin highs and lows and now my body feels more even “tempered”.
Thanks for the constant reminders and hints.
Hi Isabelle
I have purchased your program a couple of month ago. I’m please to let you know I have lased 25 pounds. I feel great.
Your program is great because I never feel hungry. This food combination theory, I was a firm believer but found that i was always hungry. It just did not work for me
Ps I do appriate your email,they keep me focused
Thank you, Isabelle!
I tried the food combining many years ago and it was a challenge to get enough protein in.
I like eating protein with my fruit also.
I agree, we all do different programs and see what works for us.
I am going to the Bahamas on a cruise out of Galveston, TX and leaving Feb 7. Our stops are Key West, FL; Freeport, Bahamas; and Nassau, Bahamas. I love the cruises and they have lots of healthy food too. It is a challenge to only eat one dessert!
I send you lots of blessings for your trip!
Hi Isabel,
I don’t know if the food combining thing works in the long run. What I know is that I took your program more than one and a half years ago, and I not only lost my 12 pounds overweight in 3 months, but I’ve been feeling full of energy ever since. Besides, ever since my youngest was born (9 years ago) I had never kept a stable weight for so long. I was always going up and down and that was most frustrating. My husband started your program on March of last year and he lost 20 pounds in 8-9 months. He’s so happy! We both feel better nourished and I’m only trying to apply some of your principles to my kids eating (they’re not overweight, but I try to avoid sugars and starches in their food). So I want to take this chance now to thank you for giving such good advice. Cariños.
I have never actually heard of that before, but it doesn’t sound reasonable to me…I’ll stick with what I’ve been doing instead.
BTW – the video was really quite for me and I had to max out my speakers so I could hear it without straining.
I have read up on many different diet ideas. Food combining was one of them. I read it more for the information than actually living by it. But over the years, I have discovered some things about my body. I definitely cannot tolerate high starch and high proteins together. I get quite ill. I am not sure for the reason except that is what happens. I do not have any problems with low starch and proteins. I do not eat a lot of fruit anyway because I don’t feel good when I eat it. Must be because I have never tried to eat it with protein. Although I do eat peanut butter with an apple or banana on occasion and have no adverse effects. I am curious to try the food ideas that you have. Your program resonates with me much more than any other plan I have read about. I feel like I finally get it. I am excited to get started!!
Isobel,I enjoy your site and non commercialised information you give out.Having the x syndrome and a thyroid problem I hae suffered trying to get this right so there are no huge highs and lows.
Starting a meal with your protein then other food seems to work ,and even Patrick Holford from England says alway have a protein and a starch together,starting with your protein first does get the metabolism going (as per the experts theories)
Penny Bannerman
South Africa
ur rite,i go the gym i need carbs for energy and protein so im not hungry after.
I love to eat fresh grass fed beef, or fresh fish with brown rice or a sweet potato.Steamed broccoli with either.
My indulgence is a can of sardines every mid day with 6 saltine crackers.
On sunday I don’t work out at all and stay with the 4-6 meal program, unless I have a nap and miss one. After Sunday dinner I have a store bought BIG ‘OL blueberry muffin. I’m in my 3rd week and have lost 14 lbs.
Thanks, and have a blast in the sun. I’ll just stay here and freeze in Indiana.
Chuck
Dear Isabel
If you look at many carbohydrates, there is a certain percentage of protein in most items. So you already are mixing carbs and proteins. Most vegetarians have to eat a certain combination of foods in one meal to optain all the proteins that the body does not manufacuter itself.
I think mixing meals is the foundation of a “balanced” diet .
Hang in there..
Hi Isabel
So glad you addressed this one!
I’ve tried food combining and found it very hard to do. My main objective was to lose stomach fat so I’ve been trying all sorts of diets. Food combining (Hay diet and Fit for Life) came across my path (recommended by my twin sister). It didn’t make any difference to my weight as my sister said its designed to get you into a healthy weight range and since I was already in a healthy weight range the stomach fat didn’t budge. The good thing about it was that it was great to get me on the path of eating unprocessed foods etc. so when I came across your diet solution I was part way on the road to better eating anyway.
Your solution suits me fantastically! I love that I can now eat protein with carbs and what you’ve just said in your program today I agree with whole heartedly. I’m not as hungry any more now that I’m eating more protein (protein type).
I’ve purchased Vince DelMonte’s dvd set to burn the stomach fat and after about 6 weeks so far on his program I’m noticing the difference. Still a way to go yet but I’m really happy with both yours and Vince’s programs
Thanks heaps
Have a great holiday!
hi Isabel,
how was you trip?
i look forward to your emails and videos. the DS has worked out wonderful for me in the 4 months that i have joined you i have lost 4lbs and i am very happy about that. i think what makes this so easy for me it that i now actually cook for myself and that makes things very interesting again. Planning meals, looking up receipes etc. and because for me you are real people, down to earth kinda person and that is what we as viewers want to see. Thank you for your efforts in the help of making our lives healthier.
tjb
I agree with you totally .
The tenets for combining food are discussed in the books “Fit for Life” and “Fit for Life II” by Marilyn and Harvey Diamond, in case you would like to read it for informational purposes. They suggest eating nothing but fruit between midnight and noon, and not combining proteins with grains, breads, potatoes. They do advocate combining proteins with vegetables, and vegetables with grains, breads, potatoes. I guess that would mean talking about simple vs. complex carbs rather than just carbs in general. They are also vegetarians, so although they don’t say one cannot eat meat, their recipes do not include meats. I followed their plan a good deal in the 90′s and felt good physically, lost some weight. It is more complicated which makes it difficult to follow longterm, but the main things I (and my family) missed were mixing meats and starches: eggs, bacon and toast; meat and potatoes; spagetti and meat sauce….you get the picture. Same reason I have a hard time implementing DS with my family. Anyway, the idea of not mixing proteins and ANY carbs is an oversimplification. Nonetheless, I think you would really enjoy reading their books, at least the first one, as they really try to educate the reader about whole foods as you do. Hope you enjoy your trip!