Common Questions

Q. How is the Inside-Out Diet plan different from other diet plans?

If you take a look at the shelves of dieting books, you’ll come across trendy diets, short-term “fat blast” plans, and programs based on a restrictive regimen of single food groups, many of which require users to drastically reduce or even permanently remove certain foods or food types from their diets.

Detox diets, which have gotten a bad name, conjure images of extreme diets, fasting, or other hard-core methods that may have negative effects on the body’s natural balance.

The rest of the advice seems to sing the same old song: Eat less, exercise more. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough—and it’s a major reason why diets fail us again and again.

The Inside-Out Diet is unlike any other weight loss program. In fact, the whole premise of this plan may come as a surprise to some, as it centers on the key role the liver plays in helping the body eliminate excess weight:

Q. I'm trying to watch my carb intake. Can I still try the Inside-Out Diet?

Absolutely. As you probably know, not all carbohydrates are created equal. In the Inside-Out Diet, you don’t avoid them completely (vegetables are a key part of the plan), but instead learn how to select the right carbohydrates for weight loss and health.

I’ve also hand-picked some lower-glycemic foods that are especially good for the liver. These foods are also high in soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.

You’ll also find tips on enhancing the sweetness of food, without sugar, and learn about the various natural sweeteners on the market and find out which ones to avoid and why.

Q. I have food allergies. Can I still try the Inside-Out Diet?

Certain foods, such as vegetables, fruit, and flaxseeds, are recommended daily essentials, so if you’re allergic to certain vegetable or fruit groups, you’ll have to omit those foods from your plan.

If you’re allergic to flaxseeds, you’ll want to avoid them. All other foods on the diet have substitutes.

During step two of the diet, it’s important not to test foods that you know you’re allergic to. The point of step two is to uncover hidden, subtle food intolerances.

Everyone is different, however, which is why it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor first.

Q. Is there anyone who shouldn’t try the Inside-Out Diet?

Although the Inside-Out Diet is considered safe for most people, reactions can vary. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor, especially if you take medication or have a medical condition, such as kidney disease, severe liver disease, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disease, eating disorders, cancer, terminal illness, and certain genetic diseases.

Pregnant or nursing women or children should not try this diet.

Q. Will I have to count calories?

Counting calories is not an essential part of the Inside-Out Diet. Some people, however, find it helpful to have an idea of how much food is typical for their body type, so different menu plans have been included in the book to help you.

The menu plan in the main section of the book is approximately 1500 calories a day. There are also menu plans at the back of the book for 1200 and 1800 calories a day.

Q. I’d like to try the Inside-Out Diet but want to keep the cooking to a minimum. Is it okay to repeat a day’s menus several times in a row?

Yes, you can repeat your favorite days as often as you like during step one of the diet. The menu plan for each day has all the daily Inside-Out Diet requirements.

After you’ve completed the first week of step two and have figured out which foods you’ll be avoiding temporarily, you can repeat your favorite days in step two.

Q. Will I feel hungry on the Inside-Out Diet?

Excess hunger and cravings are due to metabolic imbalances and an overburdened liver. Once they’re addressed when you begin the diet, the excess hunger and cravings usually disappear within days.

Most people find that the diet is surprisingly easy, because the focus is on foods that you can eat, rather than deprivation. If you do feel hungry, you’ll be encouraged to snack on healthy foods that contain vegetables, filling foods such as shirataki noodles, and foods made with small amounts of natural sweeteners.

Q. What if I can’t find certain products, like organic beef or shirataki noodles?

Check the Resources section of the book, where you’ll find information on where to get some of the harder-to-find products.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, post it in the bulletin board on this website or try doing a search online.

Q. Can I continue on step one for longer than one week?

Yes. Many people continue on step one for two, three, four, or more weeks. If you do, it’s important to ensure that you’re not losing weight too quickly (more than two pounds a week) and that you find other ways of getting adequate calcium in your diet, such as through calcium supplements.

Q. Do I have to take supplements?

There are several supplements, such as essential fatty acids and a multivitamin, that are part of the core plan. Instead of relying on supplements, the Inside-Out Diet takes advantage of the healing properties of food. People with certain conditions, however, may require further support.

In chapter 12 of the book, you’ll also find valuable information on 27 popular supplements often used for weight loss, detox, and other health concerns and learn which ones to avoid and why.