Suzanne Somers, best known for her roles in "Three's Company" and "Step by Step," has also made a name for herself as an author of self-help books, including several diet books. Her weight-loss program, often referred to as "Somersizing," has garnered attention for its unique approach to eating and weight management. This article delves into the core concepts of the Somers diet, examining its principles, recipes, and overall effectiveness, while also addressing some criticisms and concerns.
The Somersizing Philosophy: Eat Great, Lose Weight
The foundation of the Somers diet lies in the principle of food combining. Somers argues that combining certain foods can disrupt the digestive process, leading to bloating, fatigue, and weight gain. The diet encourages followers to eat their favorite foods until they are full, without skipping meals. Unlike many weight-loss programs, Somersizing does not require the elimination of entire food groups or strict portion control. Instead, it focuses on combining foods in a way that optimizes metabolism and promotes weight loss.
Core Principles of Somersizing
- Food Combining: The central idea is to combine foods that work harmoniously in the body, thereby increasing metabolism. The diet emphasizes avoiding specific combinations that are believed to hinder digestion.
- Avoiding "Funky Foods": The diet recommends avoiding sugars, white rice, white bread, and other refined or processed foods.
- Fruit Consumption: Fruit should not be eaten with meals, as it is believed to upset the digestive process.
- Emphasis on Whole Foods: The diet promotes eating healthy, unrefined versions of favorite foods.
How It Works
The Somers diet posits that eating food in the right combinations can maximize weight loss while lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. By adhering to specific food-combining rules, the body can maintain even insulin levels, preventing fat storage.
Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away: A Closer Look
In her book, "Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away," Suzanne Somers explains the Somersizing plan in detail. The book offers guidance for both newcomers and loyal followers, presenting the latest news about Somersizing, including:
- Hormone Imbalances: How hormone imbalances affect weight gain and how to maintain weight throughout different life phases, such as puberty, childbearing years, and menopause.
- Somersizing with Children: How to incorporate Somersizing into family meals and encourage healthy eating habits in children.
- Incorporating "Cheats": How to include occasional treats without derailing weight loss efforts.
- Natural Sugars: Information about new natural sugar alternatives that allow for the consumption of sweets without hindering weight loss.
- Q&A: Answers to frequently asked questions and concerns about Somersizing.
- Success Stories: Inspiring stories from individuals who have successfully lost weight and improved their health through Somersizing.
Recipes and Meal Ideas
"Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away" includes over 100 new Somersize recipes that aim to tantalize taste buds while adhering to the principles of the diet. The recipes span a range of dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
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Sample Recipes
- Pan-Fried Petrale Sole with Lemon, Butter, and Caper Sauce
- Deep-Fried Turkey with Fried Onions and Herbs
- Roasted Sweet Red Pepper Soup with Crème Fraiche and Crispy Sage Leaves
- Portobello Mushrooms with Bubbling Pesto
- Molten Chocolate Cakes
- Raspberry Soufflé
Recipe Example: Portobello Mushrooms with Bubbling Pesto
This recipe, categorized as "PRO/FATS AND VEGGIES -- LEVEL ONE," serves four and can be used as an appetizer or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 recipe Basil Pesto
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Trim the stems off the mushrooms.
- Brush mushrooms with olive oil and season lightly.
- Cook gill side down over medium coals or in the broiler for 5 minutes.
- Turn the mushrooms over and spread a spoonful of pesto over the entire surface.
- Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the pesto is bubbling.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan on top of the pesto and return to the broiler until the cheese is melted and golden.
Recipe Example: Dawn's Deviled Eggs
This recipe, also categorized as "PRO/FATS AND VEGGIES -- LEVEL ONE," makes 10 deviled eggs.
Ingredients:
- 5 hard-boiled eggs, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon minced scallion, white and light green parts
- 1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Red chili flakes for garnish
Instructions:
- Remove the yolks from the whites. Set the whites aside.
- Mash the yolks in a bowl with a fork.
- Add the scallion, jalapeño, lime juice, mayonnaise, and salt. Add more mayonnaise to reach desired consistency.
- Mash with a fork until blended.
- Using a teaspoon, carefully stuff whites with yolk mixture, mounding the tops.
- For extra heat, garnish with red chili flakes.
- For Level Two, add 1 whole mashed avocado to the egg yolk mixture.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Many individuals have reported positive experiences with the Somers diet, citing weight loss, increased energy levels, and an overall improvement in health. Some have found the diet to be a life-changing approach to eating, allowing them to maintain weight loss for many years.
Criticisms and Concerns
Despite its popularity, the Somers diet has faced criticism from medical professionals and nutritionists. Some concerns include:
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: The food-combining principles of the diet are not supported by robust scientific evidence.
- Nutritional Completeness: Some critics argue that the diet may lead to nutritional imbalances if not carefully planned.
- Restrictive Nature: While the diet does not eliminate entire food groups, the specific food-combining rules can be restrictive and challenging to follow in the long term.
Suzanne Somers' "Fast and Easy": A Streamlined Approach
In "Suzanne Somers' Fast & Easy," the author presents a more streamlined approach to Somersizing, focusing on quick and easy recipes that cater to busy individuals and families. This book aims to address some of the criticisms of previous books by offering simpler recipes and clearer guidelines.
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Key Features of "Fast and Easy"
- Quick and Easy Recipes: The book emphasizes recipes that can be prepared in a short amount of time, making it easier for individuals with busy schedules to adhere to the diet.
- Family-Friendly Meals: The recipes are designed to appeal to families, with options that are both healthy and enjoyable for children and adults.
- Budget-Friendly Options: The book includes recipes that use affordable ingredients, making the diet more accessible to individuals on a budget.
- Refined Guidelines: The book clarifies some of the food-combining rules and provides answers to frequently asked questions, addressing some of the confusion that arose from previous books.
Sample Recipes from "Fast and Easy"
- Cheeseburger Pie
- Southwest Eggs In A Pan
- Cream Cheese Pancakes
- Tomato Soup (ready in 8 minutes)
Comparisons to Other Diets
Some reviewers have noted similarities between the Somers diet and other weight-loss programs, such as the Montignac diet. Both diets emphasize food combining and avoiding refined carbohydrates. However, Somers has developed her plan with unique modifications and refinements.
Concerns Regarding Alternative Cancer Treatments
It is important to note that Suzanne Somers has also written books on alternative cancer treatments. Some of her recommendations have been criticized by medical professionals for lacking scientific evidence and potentially putting patients at risk. It is crucial to consult with qualified healthcare providers and rely on evidence-based treatments for cancer.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP