How VLCD works sticky

1_bad_k1tty

Member
Hi I pinched this off of the sticky cos I was wondering if someone could make it a little clearer... Ta!

Because the low sugar level of the diet is critical to maintain ketosis, it is very important not to eat or drink anything else, apart from your daily serving of formula and approved drinks - even a nibble of apple, raw vegetables, milk in tea or coffee or merely a diet beverage may make you feel very hungry and you may find it very difficult to carry on.
 
With the main formula VLCDs, the calorie levels are very low to mazimise weight loss. The protein is kept higher, to avoid to loss of lean mass.

Being on so few calories, would be difficult to sustain because of the hunger, but as the carbohydrate level is set at a low level, the VLCDer enters into ketosis. With ketosis, the body goes to the fat stores first for energy.

One of the side effect of ketosis is that hunger is reduced greatly, along with cravings.

It's a fragile state though and certain things can 'knock' you out of ketosis. A few too many carbs, citric acid, for instance.

As most of the formulated diets keep to a moderate low carb intake, adding things that are 'off plan' can swing the balance. Hey presto, out of ketosis, hungry.

Most other diets ie WW, SW, Slimfast etc, have a higher calorie level. Ketosis isn't the main aim as there is more to eat so less hunger anyway. But of course, weight loss is slower, though there are other diets such as Atkins which puts you into ketosis without being a VLCD. As Akiners are in ketosis, the desire to eat too much is reduced and hence lose weight. They still have to be careful of carb levels and things such as citric acid to keep them in ketosis.

Not sure if that is the answer you were looking for, or something more scientific??
 
Perfect thank you!
 
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