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Why I Initially Gained 60 lbs on a High Carb Vegan Diet

5/12/2015

66 Comments

 

Why I Initially Gained 60 lbs on a High Carb Vegan Diet

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Within one year of consuming a high carb, low fat, unlimited calorie, plant-based vegan diet I gained 60 lbs!  But Vic, I thought that you promote this diet for weight loss?  Well I do!  The high carb, low fat, plant-based vegan diet is the most optimal diet for maximizing health and achieving ideal body weight LONG TERM, and one year is certainly not long term. 

In this blog post, I explain why I initially gained weight (which is probably why you've gained weight), as well as how long it took before my health started improving and my body began releasing the extra weight.  So lets get started!

BEFORE:  My diet and lifestyle

Prior to adopting a calorie sufficient, high carb vegan diet in March 2012, I spent the previous 6 years destroying my health through chronic dieting, overexercising, and stimulant/drug abuse.  I went on my first diet in 2006, following the "eat less, exercise more" model after gaining the "freshman 15" while in college.  My first dieting attempt was a success, and I was able to drop my weight from 170 lbs to 150 lbs in 3 months, which was proof to me that dieting worked.  As time went on, I became obsessed with pushing my results further, motivated by famous supermodels and actresses who were my height (5'11") and maintained a svelte 120lb frame.  In an effort to lose more weight, I avoided foods containing carbohydrates and fat, severely limited my calories, took various weight loss pills, drank coffee and energy drinks, opted for Diet sodas and artificial sugar sweetened diet foods, exercised 2x/day, abused pain killers (appetite suppressants) and alcohol, and smoked cigarettes.  At the time I was also suffering from a digestive disorder (IBS, gastroparesis) that I "managed" through laxatives.  When I could no longer maintain my strict diet, I would find myself binging on any food available (ice cream, peanut butter, pastries, bread, meat, pretzels, etc.), and later vomiting and punishing myself at the gym out of guilt.  This behavior continued until the end of college, and despite seeing therapists and practicing yoga, I could not stop.  The problem was not my behavior though, it was my mentality towards food.  Denying myself calorie/carbohydrate-containing foods triggered obsessive compulsive behavior, all of which was wreaking havoc on my health.


When I started graduate school in 2009, I was following a 1200 calorie, high protein, low fat diet and taking enough stimulants to keep my appetite at bay to prevent binging.  Essentially, I exchanged binging for sustained restriction, and was able to drop down to 135 lbs.  While learning about plant-based nutrition in graduate school, I decided to adopt a raw vegan diet that would still be low in calories, fat, and  and carbohydrates.  My new diet centered around intermittent fasting and drinking green juices, allowing me to drop another 15 lbs, weighing in at 120 lbs- my goal weight.

When I started graduate school I was following a 1200 calorie, high protein, low fat diet and taking enough stimulants to keep my appetite at bay to prevent binging.  Essentially, I exchanged binging for chronic starvation, and was able to drop down to 135 lbs.  While learning about plant-based nutrition in graduate school, I decided to adopt a raw vegan diet that would still be low in calories and conscious of carbohydrates.  My new diet centered around intermittent fasting and drinking green juices, allowing me to drop another 15 lbs, weighing in at 120 lbs- my goal weight.
PictureNovember 2011-November 2012: 60 lb weight gain following post-dieting recovery
Post-Dieting Recovery

By the end of 2011, it started to hit me that my health wasn't doing so hot.  Since quitting birth control in 2010, I had not had a period, and became somewhat concerned about my hormonal health.  I was also
suffering from depression/anxiety, insomnia, anemia, chronic fatigue, brain fog, emotional instability, muscle wastage, dry/pale/paper thin skin, severe digestive distress, inability to handle stress, and feeling cold all the time.  When I saw myself in the mirror or photos, I thought my face looked old and aged, and despite all my dieting efforts, cellulite seemed to easily accumulate on my frail, thin frame.  The reality that I had damaged my system through years of malnourishment and restriction finally started to hit me, so I decided to look into a healthy, much more sustainable approach to 1. improving my health and 2. staying lean.  After a few nights of research, I came across Freelee the Banana Girl through Youtube.  She had a similar dieting and health history as myself, and touted a high carb, low fat, unlimited calorie, fruit-based diet as the ultimate healing therapy.  I had nothing to lose so I gave in, completely letting go of control over my food intake, and filled my body with all I could afford in terms of fruit, vegetables, and other low fat plant-based foods.  Within days, my digestive system was back on track without the use of laxatives for the first time in years.  I also started feeling and sleeping better.  After a month or two, my period came back and skin quality improved.  But despite my increasing health, my weight was endlessly on the rise.  I gained about 30lbs in the first 3 months, and 60 lbs after 1 year on my calorie/carbohydrate/nutrient sufficient diet.

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Why I Gained 60 lbs Post-Dieting, Metabolic Damage Explained

All the dieting, pill popping, overexercising, and fasting I had done caused a situation in my body known as metabolic damage.  Metabolic damage is the physiological result of neglecting to fulfill basic metabolic needs (ie. sufficient hydration, calorie/carb intake, rest, etc.) for long enough that it causes biochemical changes within the organism.  Due to the lack of nutrition, the body enters a state of chronic stress, and functions sub-optimally, creating a breeding ground for chronic health conditions.

Calorie/carbohydrate restrictive diets (below 2000 calories/day for women, and 2500 calories/day for men) are the primary cause of metabolic damage because they act by slowing down the functioning of the system (aka the metabolism) as well as create nutrient deficiencies.  All of our cells run solely on glucose for fuel, with carbohydrates being the most preferred source due to their efficient breakdown and easy conversion to glucose.  When calories/carbohydrates are restricted from the diet, our carb-burning cellular machinery switches over to fat/protein burning in order to maintain the generation of glucose for energy production.  This fat/protein burning process (known as gluconeogenesis, ketosis) is extremely inefficient and energy demanding, so our basal metabolism lowers in an effort to conserve fuel (seen as lowered body temperature).  Within days of dieting, our glycogen stores empty, draining our system of both stored carbohydrate energy and water, reflecting about a 10 lb loss on the scale.  As the body enters ketosis, it further dehydrates in an effort to dilute the toxic byproducts generated from fat/protein burning, reflecting another 10 lb loss on the scale.  Meanwhile, blood levels of leptin (our appetite and metabolism control hormone) plummet, increasing the appetite and further slowing the metabolism until normal eating is resumed.  If appetite suppressants or stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, phentermine, aderrall etc.) are used to combat the rise in appetite, the adrenals and entire hormonal system become unbalanced due to chronic sympathetic nerve stimulation (seen as elevated cortisol).  The lack of carbohydrates in the diet also cause serotonin to deplete, resulting in sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and irritability.  The sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone) also become unbalanced due to calorie/carbohydrate insufficiency, causing low sex drive and amenorrhea (in women). 

Depending on how long the diet is kept up, the body will continue to release fluid (causing chronic dehydration) and burn body fat/muscle in order to stay alive.  This all occurs at the expense of our health, as the energy and nutrients required to support the normal functioning of the body is not available.  Once the diet can no longer be continued and normal eating is resumed, the body hoards calories, carbohydrates, nutrients, and water in an effort to return to homeostasis (normal functioning).  Weight gain is the result of putting food and fluid into a nutrient/calorie/carbohydrate/water deprived system.  In my case, even though I was putting in the most nutritious foods, I gained weight because I had metabolic damage from prolonged malnourishment, dehydration, and energy starvation. 

Note:  The time following a period of dieting or starvation is the ONLY time (metabolically) carbohydrates are converted into excess body fat.


How Much Weight Can I Expect to Gain Post-Dieting

The answer to this question varies.  For most people, after giving up dieting/restricting carbs/calories, the body will assume it's pre-dieting weight plus 10%.  This is exactly what I experienced.  After I reached 185 lbs, my weight plateaued whilst continuing to eat as much quality, high carb, low fat, plant-based vegan foods as I desired.  At that weight, I had a BMI (body mass index) of 25.8, which is slightly overweight for my height, but normal AND necessary for any person coming from a dieting and health background similar to my own.  The amount of weight gained will also strongly depend on the type of food you consume while recovering.  Sticking to a high carb, low fat, low sodium, plant-based vegan diet will ensure healthy weight gain, health restoration, as well as gradual, permanent, healthy weight loss over time.
  High fat, protein, and sodium foods will promote weight gain, but stall weight loss as they contribute to excess body fat and fluid storage.
PictureMarch 2013-May 2015: 30 lb weight loss following an unlimited calorie, high carb, low fat, plant-based vegan diet
How Do I Get Back To a Lean Body Weight and How Long Does it take

The answer to this question will also vary, and depends largely on how committed you are to consistently maintaining a healthy, low fat, plant-based diet and lifestyle.  I was in pretty bad shape when I first got started, but I consistently consumed enough carbs/calories/nutrients/water daily to fuel my system back to health.  On average, I've consumed 2500-4000 calories/day with a daily ratio of 80-90% carbohydrate, 5-10% protein, and 5-10% fat. I've also averaged 10 hrs of sleep/night, less than 1000 mg of sodium/day, 3 liters of water/day, and 30-90 mins of daily, easy-moderate exercise sessions (mostly cycling, jogging, walking, swimming, yoga, body weight exercises).  Following this protocol, I have been able to drop 30 lbs in 3 years, reverse all health conditions and nutrient deficiencies, and achieve a very high level of health EFFORTLESSLY.  The amount of time it takes will depend on your health and dieting history, but most importantly, the post-dieting recovery plan.  I've known some young women to bounce back within a year or two on a similar diet and lifestyle to my own, but for myself it took 2 years of maintaining my weight gain before my weight started to shift back to a lean body weight.

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Purpose of Body Fat Gain Post-Dieting

The primary reason it takes so long to drop the weight on a calorie sufficient, high carb, low fat, plant-based vegan diet and healing lifestyle following prolonged dieting/restriction, is because initially it takes a tremendous amount of energy to repair the damage done to the system.  Toxin/acid build-up, tumors, nutrient deficiencies, organ damage, anemia, hormonal imbalances (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid, leptin, serotonin, etc.), bone de-mineralization, blood sugar instability, muscle wastage, low blood volume, etc. ALL require enormous amounts of carbohydrate energy and nutrients to be eliminated and/or restored back to normal.  The body works in order of priority, meaning the most damaged/toxic areas are addressed first.  Excess body fat removal usually takes the back seat as it's not a life threatening condition, and is initially necessary in order to bring the body back into health and reset hormone levels.  By design, body fat functions to protect us from accumulated insulate for body temperature regulation, and provides signaling for hormones including sex, thyroid, and leptin.  Once health is restored (all systems functioning optimally) THEN excess body fat will be addressed and eliminated BUT only if enough nutrients and carbohydrates/calories are present for it's removal.

Forcing weight loss through calorie/carbohydrate restriction is not a sustainable way to lose weight, and the weight loss is done so at the expense of our health.  In fact, forced fat/fluid loss actually releases stored toxins from body fat into the blood stream and tissues, causing them to increase in concentration due to their inability to be removed.  This creates an extremely toxic condition within the system because the buffering components (fat and fluid) have been removed without the safe processing of the toxins, creating a breeding ground for chronic poor health conditions.  Under normal conditions (a carbohydrate/calorie/nutrient sufficient diet), the body is able to efficiently process the toxins within stored body fat as the fat is broken down and eliminated.  Sufficient intake of nutrient dense, high carbohydrate foods are required for efficient fat metabolism!  Why put yourself through all the torture of food denial and carbohydrate restriction when your body is designed to EAT in order to stay lean and healthy.  It's just about putting the right kinds of food in your system; filling up on the tastiest fruits, vegetables, and low fat plant-based dishes (check out my Recipes for meal ideas)!  Weight loss is easy and sustainable on the right diet and lifestyle!

So there you have it, my weight gain EXPLAINED!  Feel free to leave me any questions/comments down below!  Next, I plan to do a post about how I LOST 30 lbs following the same diet that made me initially gain 60lbs!  Stay tuned folks and thanks for reading :)

66 Comments
Leighann
5/12/2015 10:26:18 am

GREAT post!! I too went through a very similar experience-we've spoke a little about it on Instgram (I'm Leighann_Scott). Thanks so much for putting it all out here and explaining the biology-most people just hear the experiences without the helpful science... So many people in this community will benefit from learning your experience, and I'll be sure to pass a link to your blog along. Seriously, amazing work :) thanks so much!

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Brooke Reynolds
5/12/2015 10:36:27 am

That makes so much sense! Gives me hope :) Thanks for writing this! Can't wait to hear more! <3

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Sara
5/12/2015 11:51:57 am

I love your story and that you are knowledgeable about the SCIENCE behind it! I have experienced many of the same things you did in the past and am finally learning (thanks to you!) WHY a healthy plant-based diet is the best plan for optimal health. Keep it up!

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Hummingbird link
5/15/2015 04:01:14 am

This is awesome! thanks for sharing your story! I went through the same thing. Came from a past with restricted calories (800-1200! ridiculous!), severe adrenal fatigue, etc. Gained about 20 pounds after going high carb vegan 5 years ago, and only recently 15 pounds, including cellulite, slipped right off by continuing to eat the same diet!

If other readers are in the same boat and have gained weight, don't give up! Keep it carbed. :)

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Victoria
5/26/2015 07:45:52 am

It's estimated that it takes 3-5 years to start seeing permanent body fat loss on this lifestyle, and it's pretty incredible that it happens effortlessly! So glad you stuck out this lifestyle despite the initial weight gain, now you're going to experience optimal health and a lean, fit body for LIFE! Woo hoo!

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Erica
8/7/2016 08:06:03 pm

Traviata
1/4/2016 01:46:10 pm

Omg thank you you give me hope. I am SO scared of gaining weight and never losing it. After having tried for years to have my dream body and just didn't keep it...

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Celeste
5/18/2015 09:19:34 am

Great to hear this positive experience. So you gained 60 and only lost 30 of the 60? I have been on this life style for a year and a half. My mood has improved, I have recently lost my period which is worrying me as well as gaining a bit of weight. I love eating the high fruit life and my digestion is great do you suggest sticking to it?

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Victoria
5/26/2015 07:41:18 am

Hi Celeste! I gained 60 lbs, but I started at a severely low body weight for my height (125 lbs, 5'11", BMI 17.4). After losing 30 lbs on this lifestyle, I'm now back to a healthy, lean, body weight for my height, 155 lbs (BMI 21.6) and I'm healthier than I have ever been in my life. The weight gain was completely necessary for me to regain my health after chronic dieting. I'm assuming that I will continue to slowly drop more weight as I spend more time on this lifestyle, but healthy weight loss is a slow progession.

I don't have any experience losing my period on this lifestyle. Only when I was undereating and overexercising did I ever lose my period. I believe that freelee the banana girl lost her period during the first year on the high fruit lifestyle. Make sure that you are eating enough daily, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and moving your body daily to support a regular cycle!

I definitely suggest sticking to this lifestyle, as it is the most optimal way for humans to eat and live. The high carb vegan diet supports optimal health and achieving a lean, fit body effortlessly for life BUT the principles of the lifestyle must be followed consistently for long enough. Thank you so much for reading my post and the questions!

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Sian
8/10/2015 11:09:36 pm

Hi Victoria,
I lost my period from going off the birth control pill back in October 2014, and still nothing now. I come from a past of restriction and have stopped all high intensity exercise and eating HCLF vegan (6 months now) to try and get my period back. Still no luck.

Did you exercise whilst in "recovery"? X

L
1/3/2016 01:06:38 pm

Thanks for this, I severely restricted my calories for almost 4 months this summer becoming bulimic during the last 2 months. I then found the high carb vegan diet and put on 10kg, my BMI was still in the healthy range, and my BMI was correct before I practiced this obsessive calorie restriction, but it scared me how much weight I was putting on. I find it disheartening that we seem to know more about quantum mechanics than we do about good nutrition in this day and age. It feels like i've been living in a box until coming to this vegan lifestyle- we are indoctrinated into thinking we need animal products for health, when in fact this is just a manipulative scam to make the economy thrive. I'm almost glad I have had this eating disorder because I probably wouldn't have been so ready to embrace veganism without having been in such a state of desperation. In your experience is it common for vegans to have come from a history of an eating disorder? Thank you for spreading the science.

nadia
3/14/2016 03:55:14 pm

You probably are already at your ideal weight. I'm not sure why you still want to slowly drop more weight. No 5'11 girl should be 120 lbs, that is not healthy and this is coming from a fellow tall girl. I can't imagine wanting to be under 150 at 6feet

molly
5/11/2016 07:19:57 am

OMG im so glad I found this website...............I just transitioned to a vegan diet. I've been doing it only a week and in that week I've gained 5 lbsl, my period came back, and I'm terrified. However, I was doing severe damage to myself prior. Eating hardly anything, exercising a ton, no period, smoking. ugh. Yeah, I quit the smoking too. So like you I am also 5'11. Never anorexic but I was down to about 140. Today I'm 145. I will stick with this as hard as it is. I want to smoke and starve.

Jewels
5/26/2015 03:35:16 pm

thank you for sharing! This was so helpful.

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Zoe
5/27/2015 01:18:06 pm

THANK YOU! I've gained quite a bit of weight, at least 30 lbs. Probably more. I'm 5'8 1/2 and what is most surprising is people's judgmental behavior toward this lifestyle. So many people are "concerned" about the weight gain and I try to explain the metabolic damage but they just have this shocked look on their face. Reading this has inspired me to keep going and motivated me to keep sticking to it and not to give up because the haters will hate! Thank you again for sharing this!!!!!

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Victoria
6/4/2015 11:52:55 am

You're so welcome Zoe! It's my mission to help people understand how this lifestyle works to keep them on the path to incredible health! Weight gain on a healthy lifestyle is such a temporary and necessary state but most people aren't willing to see it that way, which I partly blame out quick fix, weight obsessed society for conditioning people to think that way. Thin does not always equal healthy and extra weight does not always equal unhealthy, and I'm really trying to help people become more objective in their analysis and understand that for most weight gain is necessary in order to gain health. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and being strong enough to stick this out! All of your hard work will pay off!

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Chantel
5/28/2015 04:23:17 am

Amazing! Thank you so much for the well written article. I've known these facts for years but have had a hard time showing people the hard facts... This definitely helps! Thanks!

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Victoria
6/4/2015 11:39:47 am

You're so welcome Chantel! I've made it my life's purpose to explain the science behind this incredible lifestyle to keep people on the path, bring others to it, and help everyone understand how true health is achieved! Thank you so much for taking the time to read the post!

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Aggie
8/26/2015 03:06:38 pm

Oh my gosh, i have been searching for answers and explanation on this subject matter.
I too was wondering why i had gained more weight than i should be on this lifestyle, everyone i encounter had this notion that vegans are supposed to be skinny and i wasnt skinny enough.

Now i can understand for myself and have hope.

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Paulina
9/9/2015 10:10:47 pm

Hi Victoria! I have been on a high carb plant based lifestyle for a few months now, and I am feeling amazing! The only thing is that my tummy constantly feels bloated throughout the day, and I get quite gassy and feel as if I'm having digestive issues. Other than that I feel quite lean, except for my lower abdomen gets quite puffy and bloated by night. I know that increasing my fiber and bean intake can cause bloating, but I am not eating many beans, and really enjoy all of my fiber! Do you have any advice or thoughts on this?

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Sofia
2/16/2016 12:43:06 am

Hey Paulina, what you're experiencing is totally normal, it happened to me and others as well! This should subside after a couple of months, since it's been a few months since your post, are you still experiencing this effect?

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Paulina
7/9/2016 10:59:11 am

Hi Sofia, I do not have the bloating any more- however I have gained quite a bit of weight since then, noticeably in my thighs and hips..I think I have finally
plateaued however. Its been really hard because I am eating healthy and exercising. I am hoping that my consistently will cause it to drop off soon, I miss feeling lean. Thanks for your post!

Celine
9/17/2015 09:11:08 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been on the are boat, putting on weight after a past of restricting calories/bulimia/over exercising and smoking a lot.. I'm on and off the raw wagon since 3 years because I put on weight and I think I don't accept this weight gain, it makes me feel ugly.
I'm now determined to embrace the process, I've come to this realisation that I have to go through that and that's okay because I want to be healthy and I like this lifestyle.. Now my only worry is I'm getting married in September next year and I frankly don't want to look like a beached whale in my white dress :(
I know it's a little but superficial considering this lifestyle will bring me joy and health for the rest of my life. Do you have some suggestions for me girls?

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Samantha
10/21/2015 08:15:04 pm

That's amazing! Thank you for sharing your story! I suffer from IBS and was a student athlete my last year of high school. Over this past summer, I gained 15 pounds right before college because I was so underweight and lost my period for five months. I went high carb low fat vegan and so far it's been amazing. But because of not eating enough and over exercising, I didn't realize I was malnourished and vitamin d deficient so I'm taking supplements. I am also so so bloated. Do you have any tips of bloating? It's gotten a lot better with probiotics. But I really want to achieve that flat tummy!

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Mary
9/23/2016 08:14:38 am

For those of you concerned with bloating, take notice of salt. I have found that I need a pretty low sodium diet, most of the time below 1500 mg a day. This has helped me lose the weight that felt like it wasn't coming off. I'm doing a moderate Mary's Mini, which is created by Dr. McDougall's wife. Most of the time I eat plain and occasionally I'll have salt but for me kicking the salt habit helped! I've been on this lifestyle for a year and dropped three sizes and still have abut more. Some days I can feel the salt leaving my system, and slowly the poofiness in my face is subsiding.

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Nicole
11/26/2015 01:14:26 am

I'm totally shocked that a higher carb diet could be the answer tö soooooooo many health problems I've been having.
I've.recently gone partially raw vegan (in that I have cut out all meat products except for fish and having some cooked foods including brown rice pasta).
I've cut out nicotine (8days), caffeine, all refined sugar, gluten, eggs and dairy(6days).
I'm interested in trying a 80/10/10 raw vegan diet but I'm a little afraid of tooth decay. A toothache seems to becoming exasperated from all the fruit I'm eating now (I was paleo low carb at one time with no pop whatsoever but started smoking and then started craving pop as a result).
Maybe it's from the massive detox I'm going through?
I'm considering going vegan, but am wondering...
Like how many carbs, fats and proteins in grams do we need a day?
What do people think of the 'thrive diet'?
The the first three days of detoxing from the foods were not too bad but I definitely felt lethargic, spacey and disoriented days 4 &5.
Does it get better from here in terms of the detox?
Thanks ✋

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Maya
11/30/2015 07:50:37 pm

Hi, I love your post. I'm 14 and I've already done that ridiculous Dukan Diet and then I restricted my calories to 900 to 1070 a day. I was originally 136 lbs; with the Dukan diet I went down to 126, and then I went right back to 136. After that, over a period of months, my weight dropped to 117 when I restricted calories on a vegetarian diet. But lately I've been on this food spree where I eat everything in sight, then continue eating even when I'm not hungry--to the point that I am almost in pain. I'm back to 134.2 lbs and I need help. Do you think this lifestyle would help me? I really don't want to gain weight as I'm going into highschool.
Thank you

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Sofia
2/16/2016 12:48:19 am

of course!! this is the healthiest lifestyle for everyone, whatever age, gender, race or medical problem! Watch videos on youtube of what people on this lifestyle eat to help you eat the right foods. Make sure you're getting all your nutrients and don't give up!

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Lauren
12/4/2015 09:13:10 pm

I really want to try this lifestyle but I'm afraid of the weight gain. I went from 155 at 5'1 female age 14 to now 16 at 114 through exercise and diet. At first really unhealthy but slowly over 6 months I've stayed at my own weight by eating vegan high carb by increasing my calories slowly from very little to 1800 and still exercising once to twice a day. I eat exactly like freelee does but staying within 1800 hundred sometimes a little more. Always 3 liters of water a day. I haven't gained any weigh but I'm afraid that if I try this lifestyle that I'll gain weight again and I'd hate that. You gained 60 but only lost 30. I don't want that. So do you have any advice for me? I'd like to eat all the plant based food I want and be vegan and remain my size but I just don't think I could handle the weight gain after all of achieved.

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Jessy
4/1/2016 03:13:18 pm

I feel the same way. Though I kind of think eating high caloric amounts on this diet and not exercising much is bullshit. I don't think my metabolic damage is that bad, so I'm just going to eat normal amounts (of a high carb vegan diet) and exercise without pushing myself too far. Everyone is different, and I don't think you need to gorge inorder to "heal" your body.

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Lauren
10/19/2016 02:47:21 pm

Hi this is the same person named Lauren. This diet is total fucking bull shit. I tried it and went from the 114 I reported before to 130-132. No weight lose, only weight gain. Now I'm gonna do 1200 calories per day for a couple months and get back to my 115 so I can fit in my clothes again but this diet is nothing but lies. It targets people who want to eat more or people with eating disorders who want to stay the same size unfairly. It is nothing but lies! Learn from my mistakes please! Don't do this diet! Eat within your calories limits for a healthy weight or eat less or more if you want to lose or gain weight. Science and math is everything!

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Cat
2/6/2016 09:25:08 am

Very nicely done! I enjoyed very much your focus on "doing it for you and shut out all the nonsense." Kudos to you!

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Fanta Isatou Gai
2/28/2016 10:23:32 am

This was exceptional! thank you so much hun ♥

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Rachel
3/11/2016 10:00:32 pm

Hi, I am vegetarian with many vegan meals (struggling to cut out dairy entirely bc of cravings), I don't diet or really calorie restrict, I work out regularly. I want to do high carb vegan bc I like the results everyone seems to get and have been trying to loose weight but it's not budging. Bc I don't have a history of metabolic damage from extreme dieting or exercise do you think I will have the same weight gain issue others with that history do?

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Nikki
3/25/2016 01:27:49 pm

Question: How much weight are you expected to gain if you are not currently underweight and don't diet much, but want to make the switch to a healthier lifestyle?

I"m 5'1 and 127 lbs , with a BMI of 24 so I'm not quite overweight, but I'm at my highest healthy weight. I'd like to drop a couple lbs if possible, but it's not a necessity. I don't calculate my calories ever, but I imagine they fluctuate daily. I'm currently working full time and in graduate school at night so my eating system is all over the place. I try to keep healthy, but I know I would benefit from a complete diet change. The HC/LF vegan diet seems like the perfect fit for me as I have just switched to vegetarianism and am looking to give up all animal bi products. And I also LOVE fruit! SO it's a plus :)

Just wanted to give you some background to see if you have any insight on how this lifestyle will work out for me. Thank you!

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Victoria
3/31/2016 02:36:05 pm

Hi Nikki!

If you've never dieted in your past, then you can expect to lose some weight initially on a high carb, low fat vegan lifestyle! Weight loss really comes down to where your health/metabolism is at, what your fitness level is like, and what kind of dietary habits your have. I would suggest aiming for a calorie minimum of 2000 per day from fruits, vegetables, and cooked starches (like potatoes and yams), and have more calories if you desire more based on your appetite! The high carb vegan diet works great for everyone, but sometimes people need specific guidelines based on their goals in order to achieve them in a quicker time frame. If you'd like more assistance on your journey, check out my coaching page!

Victoria

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Ruth
4/3/2016 01:58:12 am

I just started adopting a high carb vegan lifestyle in an effort to rid myself of eating disorders, weight problems and change my perspective on how i view food. However, i still have a lot to learn in terms of nutrition when when you say that 'plant-based lifestyle', does this mean you only eat raw food or do you eat cooked foods such as bread, rice etc.? And how do you watch your fat intake when you mean 'high carb, low fat'? Does this mean that peanut butter and avocados are off the table? How do you recommend controlling fat intake?

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Dawn
4/3/2016 07:13:20 am

Hi thank you for this post. I too have been gaining weight on this vegan plant based diet. I have dusted my whole adult life. I'm 5'3 and currently up to 217! Before this diet I was at 184! My BMI is awful. I understand you gaining weight because you were under weight, but I started at being overweight. Will my body still pack on the pounds with this diet before I will start loosing?

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Sky
5/31/2016 01:39:08 pm

If you have been on diets before transitioning its normal to gain weight. But if you haven't, you may want to research into what you are doing wrong. It could be the case that you are eating too many calories and not exercising. It's important to exercise on this lifestyle and to keep your body moving. If you are sedentary and do little exercise (like me) then try to keep the calories around 2000-2500. Anyways, good luck!

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Wendy
4/6/2016 06:27:20 am

This makes so much sense, and yet scares me to death. At my heaviest I was 221. I am now 135, but pretty much in the same place as you were at your lowest. I already have a binge eating disorder. I have been mostly wfpb and gluten free for several months now (not low fat), trying to keep my calories at somewhere between 1400 and 1700 and have been really upset by the weight gain I keep experiencing.. If I gain all my weight back plus 10% before I can start to lose again, that would be devastating to me. I am crying right now just thinking about it. Gaining 100 lbs... in the name of health. Any suggestions?

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Lena
4/11/2016 02:19:52 am

Thank you for this post! I've gained 30lbs since eating high carb low fat vegan after a past of anorexia and bulimia and on a daily basis I think of restricting again because I feel its not working, and although I'm a healthy weight I'm still uncomfortable in my body, but I just keep telling myself that it takes time to heal and consistency to change and hearing your story has shown me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel so thank you :) I've been reading some of the comments and its such a shame how people judge based on what people look like... when I was really thin everyone complimented me but mentally I was miserable but now I'm a little heavier (a healthy weight) people question the weight gain and I can just feel myself being judged but I'm happier and healthier than ever, you can't please everyone so you gotta do what's best for you! Sorry for the ramble :)

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Danica
4/14/2016 03:42:22 am

Hi great post. I actually started dieting using the high-protein high-fat low-carb diet when I was 13, I had a waist of 26 inches then and many people called me fat when in reality I only weighted 100 pounds which is considered underweight for my 5'3 height. Sadly I took their words to heart. Now I'm 15 and I weight 94 pounds with a waist of scarily 22 inches. Yet, I don't know if it's just my mind playing tricks on me but I still see myself as fat because I still have fat on my arms and legs and my waist is small but not flat or toned. I'm very unhappy but I stumbled upon Freelee and now I want to go high-carb low-fat low-protein in my diet.

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Courtnay Power
4/19/2016 09:13:25 pm

You seem very knowledgeable
Thanks

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P
4/27/2016 06:56:07 pm

Thanks so much for explaining this in detail. It was a very educational read! There is so much more to health than the number on a scale. You are a true inspiration :)

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Tammy link
5/13/2016 06:10:48 am

I am 55 yo, became plant based after a 30 day juice fast in january 2015. I lost 30 lb with the fast, but have been unable to lose more except for the recent week fast I did about a week ago and lost another 7. I have been yoyoing back and forth in between times trying to get back on the juice wagon to lose more. In the past 40 yrs the only way I lost or maintained was thru calorie restriction and recently juicing. Which after much introspection i realize that even with the jucing I am calorie restriction. But I still believe whole heartedly that juicing is amazing for healing. I keep reading about this metabolic damage issue. I am wondering if a person could avoid this weight gain from leaving a calorie restriction history by going plant based, avoiding much of the carbs but still consuming the calories in form of fruits and veggies? then once your body heals start increasing the carbs. What are your thoughts on this? I started at 225 and I am now down to 187

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Karia
6/11/2016 08:47:16 pm

I am currently a high-carb vegetarian, and I like to choose vegan options. I've been eating like this for almost 2 years, and I'm 130 pounds at 5'4". Do you think switching a vegan diet would cause me to gain weight?

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Joanna
6/15/2016 02:57:48 pm

Great post! Thanks for sharing your experience. I was surprised to read this though: "Note: The time following a period of dieting or starvation is the ONLY time (metabolically) carbohydrates are converted into excess body fat." I have never heard this, and in fact I have quiet often heard the exact opposite of this. Could you please give a source of this information?

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robert link
6/21/2016 12:07:58 am

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Amberlin
7/4/2016 03:34:10 pm

I just feel like my tummy is going to burst! I finally finished college & was taking pre workout (300mg caffeine) coffee, & occasionally ephedra pills containing 150mg caffeine. I finished the caffeine withdrawal (that was awful for about a week) & my calories were restricted about 1200 per day on average. After reading Robert Cheeke's book, "Shred It!" & several websites, it appears I should be eating around 2100 calories! I lift heavy 5 xs per week & run 4-5 miles 5xs per week. The amount of food I have to eat to get an adequate amount of calories seems like a lot. My tummy is ALWAYS full & in order to get in the right amount of cals, micro/macro nutrients, I'm eating a meal every 2 hours with a total of 4 meals per day. Does this sound about right? Normal, I mean? I'll stick to it! I just need some input that what I'm doing is helpful, not harmful. I don't want to do any more damage. Thank you for sharing your story! I think there are many of us in very similar situations. I appreciate your honesty.

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Mandy
7/7/2016 01:40:50 am

I don't believe it's metabolic damage you're healing. It's detoxing the body from being so clogged up with mucus and other acids and wastes. Cooked starches stop this detoxing process COMPLETELY. So on RawTill4, you're detoxing and cleansing all day with the fruits and then clogging yourself back up at night for dinner. That's probably why it takes 3-5 years. That's too long. Freelee "cured" all her problems and lost all her fat and flab on a FULLY RAW vegan diet first! This would cut the time in half if not more as was the case for her. Check out Lissa's Raw Food Romance too on YouTube. Her transformation took around year on raw vegan. Cleanse your system first then go onto RawTill4 when healed. Or take the easier longer route by sticking with RawTill4.

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Marlieke
8/5/2016 06:16:20 am

It's weird. Your history with not feeling well/illness is almost exactly like mine, it's weird. After reading your article it made me think about my diet. I started a half vegan diet three months ago, but realize now that I have been afraid in the back of my mind to gain weight. Your explanation on how your body needs to gain weight first in order to heal, makes total sense now to me. I'm frightened of this, but healing is more important. Thank you for making me see this and I will eat a little bit more than I did now and maybe I'll see some more health results than sooner. (I did already heal my irregular heart beat, it's amazing!)

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Vegan Garden link
8/12/2016 12:55:45 am

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Alisa link
8/22/2016 12:14:16 am

this is really nice thank you for sharing

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Romana link
9/16/2016 01:51:32 am

hi Thank you for sharing your story! I think there are many of us in very similar situations. I appreciate your honesty.

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reena link
9/16/2016 04:43:42 am

thank you for this great article. I will be reading all the blogs to get information, as I am concerning competing in a powerlifting competition. I struggle with knowing if I can say lean on lift heavy..

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Zane
10/14/2016 03:20:40 am

Hi, i've been constantly searching and looking for explanations and answers as theres still not enough information out there about recovery after eating disorders and going vegan, life on high carb lifestyle. I've been dieting since i can remember, maybe starting from age 18? Not eating, trying supplements, overdosing laxatives, you name it, ive done it. Then i stopped eating and got anorexic that lead me to 7 year bulima. I lost 3st and im 5'9 and i was around 130pounds, for all 7y i was same weight +/- pound. But i knew either ill be forever bulimic or ill have to change.got in new reltionships and he always been healthy and he knew i dont eat right and always said i rather have u healthy then skinny.i watched youtube freelee and others and one day after weeks of trying to eat healthier and keep down i just gone vegan + gluten free. Its been now 4 months since i started my journey. Best and harsest thing ive ever done. Ive never felt so exhausted and swollen and uncomfortable but i have gone off my medication ( im bipolar and suffer from depression) havent had medicatiom for 3 months and yes, i habe lower days BUT im 100% better then i was. Im a person i was years and years ago. But i do struggle as im a support worker and my legs really hurt and swell up but i try to convince that one day it will change. My hair that year ago didnt even pick up hair colour as they were so corse and damaged that hairdresser didnt know how to fix it now, is fuller better and healthier. So does my nails long and lasting! I gained back my weight. I try to find time 3xweek to do squats and HIIT workout and i walk everyday a lot as my work is constantly moving. I wish, there was more outthere stories to know what to expect and not be scared as sometimes what you feel and deal with no1 can explain as no1 knows how it is.

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reality_check
10/19/2016 01:45:42 pm

These comments are sad. One after another of eating disorders. It's no wonder that so many who "were bulimic" are coming to this diet. Because it sanctions bulimia. It is bulimia. "Unlimited calories," "eat all you want," "cram it in," "watch me binge on..." Everyone promoting this diet uses catch phrases like those. That is directed marketing for people with eating disorders.

And comment after comment about weight gain. You all are gaining weight because you are taking in significantly more calories than you are expending. Period. These claims that you'll just "adjust" (after some indeterminate, but long wait) and weight will eventually drop off effortlessly is nonsense. Anyone who has gained weight, then lost it on this diet, is because they eventually started expending more calories than they intake. Again, period. They made some adjustment to their intake and/or expenditure (100 calories +/- per day over the lengths of time at play here is all it takes) and started losing weight.

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Lauren
10/19/2016 02:50:18 pm

I totally agree with you. This diet is bullshit. I feel into it and went from 115 to 130 and now I'm gonna diet for a couple months and get my weight back down but this diet is just lies. It's just gorging yourself on fruit and shit which will just make you gain weight. You have to count your calories and stay within your limits or under if you want to stay at a smaller weight or lose weight.

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Jayana
11/6/2016 08:03:33 pm

This makes good sense, and I am a 58yr old menopausal woman who in ignorance and good intenetions ha been on the calorie restriction/low carb/high protein cirucs. My health is shocking asa result. Since shifting to HCLF vegan, my body loves me again, my brain is working better, and I have gained 5kilos in 6months, and proably calculating your +10% have more to gain yet before the downhill part happens. I have RA in SI Joints and feet, Hashimoto's as well, and find it incredibly challenging to up my exercise, as fatigue is a biggie, but I am soldiering on, improving in small measures and just upped my water intake to a definite 3Litres minimum per day and upping my sleep to 9-10hrs, so this might help. Thank you for your words of wisdom! I was lost in the dark and really struggling. I have had to ditch the fast weight loss mentality, have a reality check, apologise to my poor battered body and exercise patience.

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Jennifer
12/22/2016 03:17:38 am

Floored & enlightened. I've been reading up on ketosis & stumbled upon this. I couldn't be happier! Followed a year or better of a poor diet due to a failing gallbladder, I lost about 50-60lbs. I gained it ALL back immediately after surgery, and I honestly felt like I had failed myself. I had lost so much & gained it all right back, ruining a golden opportunity. That wasn't the case though. My body needed to gain to repair which makes so much sense. Now I don't feel like I'm a total failure and can move on to losing weight again, slowly & healthily.

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Helen
1/30/2017 12:36:44 am

Omg! I'm so glad I found this valuable information! Thank you for sharing! I was wondering if you can give me your insight on my situation:
I was 125kg (I'm only 164cm) and lost 29kg on a 1200 calorie diet over 6mths. I then became vegan (predominantly junk food vegan) and have gained 9kg back. This week I made the decision to do this high carb low fat diet (80/10/10) where I'm getting a minimum of 2000cal from wholefoods. What can I do so I don't gain anymore weight while still being high carb low fat.?
Thank you Victoria :)

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Marco
2/27/2017 04:36:58 pm

For my experience this approach has just sense within some limits. A fair caloric excess in the form of high healthy carbs, if you come from starvation diets or, as in my case, prolonged ketogenic diet (both leading to low energy and exhaustion), can boost your energy and make your workouts better. So even if at beginning you take some weight (some...not 30!) this will make your metabolic set point go up. Mean, you eat let's say 2400 (as it would be normal) but with exercises consume 3000. Your body is not starved, so thyroid etc is ok but caloric deficit is on thanks to intense activity. I find it very easy to eat my normal caloric intake of about 2300-2500 Kcal even in days with heavy workouts. But to say that by doing nothing and eat 4000 kcal, plant based and just wait..come on! This metabolic reset can only work if you increase calories AND exercises, a lot of exercise.Then of course after you reach a set point of 4000 and you start to cut calories you lose weight. Athlets know it well. But don't make people believe this can work WITHOUT a lot of sport.

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osmajasmin link
3/14/2017 01:47:04 am

Mangoes can raise your body temperature but when mixed with milk, they make a potent combination in enhancing the weight of the body.

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Pata link
4/25/2017 02:05:01 pm

Great post! 👌🏻

I haven't damaged my body too much with calory restriction, but more with hormones..and my body is slowly healing on hclf whole foods diet..I haven't gained much weight, haven't lost any either, but I eat like 4x more now!

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Katrina
6/13/2017 08:25:31 am

Can you cite your sources for your information regarding the biological processes that you describe? Also, I really can't fathom how a 4,000 calorie diet can be effective in losing weight even with serious training offsetting it. No matter what you eat it's still energy in vs out... I'd like to see some more evidence regarding this approach. Thanks.

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Tina
7/13/2018 05:59:51 am

Or you could just go on the starch solution and lose all the weight in a few months without destroying your body with unnecessary weight gain. Metabolic damage isn't real, people gain weight on plant based diets by either eating too much fruit, too many refined grains, or too many high fat plants foods. If your body is able to adjust to that kind of diet in a few years then cool, but that makes you an oddity, most people will just stay fat and then assume that plant based diets don't work, then go around telling everyone that veganism made them fat. You're really doing a disservice to the plant based community by recommending these unhealthy high calorie diets.

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