The 5 Bite Diet
Not four and not six.
Apparently five is the perfect number of bites to take at your next meal. Dr Alwin Lewis's book Why Weight Around recommends the five bite approach to weight loss.
- Drink as much of anything as you want as long as it doesn't contain calories.
- Take 5 bites of any food at lunch.
- Take 5 bites of anything at dinner.
- Take one multi-vitamin every day.
- Get a bit of protein a day "on average".
Dr Lewis says that after three days on this diet you will no longer be hungry: "that then resets what you body sees as full". Once you have reached your weight you can go back to "eating normally" (and therefore gain all the weight back and then some).
The truly sad thing is (in this ad/news bite) that Mr Lewis appears to be serious. Do not be fooled. This is not a good way to manage weight and get healthy.
I have no doubt whatsoever that anyone would lose substantial amounts of weight eating just five bites at a meal (Lewis sets an expectation of 13 pounds per week in his book).
How about we check back a year or 5 later before calling it successful?
The site for the diet has the audacity to say "no more fad diets" and lists so many clichés that maybe this is satire after all and I have been fooled.
I though we were over these weird gimmicks?
762 Comments
Add Your Comment
ADVERTISING
New
- FROM DIET BLOG
- On-Off Fasting: Does It Work?
- 400 Calorie Fix
- 5 Factor World Diet
- Quick Giveaway: Powerhouse Weight Loss Game
- FORUM
- Low Carb Atkins Diet- Tips to Cut the Carbs.
- How Can I Gain a Healthy Weight and Keep it?
- How Do I Eat Healthy at University?
- Starving Myself and Exercising, But Not Losing an Ounce?
Categories
| Body Image Celebrities Diet Pills Diets Exercise |
Fast Food Funny Stuff Success Stories Teens and Kids Tips and Tools |
RSS Feed
Follow @DietBlog on Twitter
Alisa... You are wonderful inspiration. Are you doing a strict "10 bites a day"? Or a variation of the plan?
Whatever you are doing it seems to be working, and you are a great motivator!
Ceryn
ReplyThanks, ceryn! I am doing a strict 10 bites a day. It works great! I do, however, have a vanilla latte with cream and Splenda every morning. This doesn't seem to hinder my progress at all.
Replythanks so much for the support diet74!
i do know what it feels like and today is my (again) first day and i found it very hard not to binge on my new cereal =]] haha anyway good luck.
Replythat story was very inspirational btw!
Hi Everybody,
I was having great success using the 5BD, losing about 15 pounds. I was also training for marathons so I stopped for awhile.
I completed the Portlsand Marathon on Sunday, now that I'm back home, I'm ready to finish losing weight.
I've got about 15 more pounds to lose, maybe 20. I'll post on a regular basis, to stay accountable and track my progress.
We can do this!
ReplyLori
Alisa, even with your vanilla latte every morning, how much weight have you lost and how long did it take you? also, did you ever go over your 10 bites daily on the weekends?
Reply10/11/09
I started on August 10 at 176b lbs. Today I'm at 147. I cheated on my birthday, and a couple days I had fifteen bites. But no, I do 10 bites a day 7 days a week.
ReplyAlisa, that is fantastic! did you eat 5 bites of anything for lunch and dinner or were there specific foods that you stayed with eating ie. sushi etc...
I am giving it a go tomorrow and planning on having a coffee with cream and sugar every morning and 5 bites for lunch and 5 bites for dinner. I know in Dr Lewis' book he says to try to keep the bites really small, were your bites just normal bites or very small bites?
Amazing that you were able to stick with it through your birthday!!! you must feel great about yourself. I am starting out about the same size as you were and my goal is 130 lbs.
You have inspired me! do you plan on losing more?
Keep up the great work and inspirational messages to all of us on this blog.
ReplyI ate 5 bites of random stuff...just whatever I wanted. I took normal size bites. My goal is 130 lbs, too! I'm 5'4", if I haven't said that already.Last week I was at 147--I weigh myself every Monday--and this week I seemed to have plateaued at 146...this happened to me once before, but the next week I lost 3 more pounds. Thank you so much for the encouragement.
ReplyWow Alisa, That's great. You really stuck with it. Very inspiring!! I wish I could be that consistent. I seem to be stuck at 215. I so wanted to be under 200 by this time. I wish I could get back the motivation I had when I started. At that time I felt I could go on 5 bites twice a day forever but it gets harder and harder to stick to it. At least I haven't gained any of the 30 pounds back. And I don't do the after dinner snacking like I used to. Well tomorrow is another go at it. Maybe this time will be the charm.
ReplyThank you, Lillian!
Replybump in the road. but im back.
Reply1 want to go until Nov 1st.
so tomorrow morning im getting on the scale.
Im on my cylce so i might weight more.
i just need some support and friends on here really.
because things are getting hard for me..
i got some snacks so i can ration out what i eat so i wont over eat ...
:-)) .....
Im open to suggestions and tips..
14 OCT 09 start date
wish me luck!
ReplyHi Jerrie.marie,
ReplyI'll join you.
Oct 14- Nov 1.
Here we go!
Lori
Hi Jerrie.marie,
I've got a social event tomorrow. After that, I'll join you from Oct 15- Nov 1.
We can do this!
Lori
I'll weigh in tomorrow and post everyday.
ReplyOK I'm in. Oct 14 to Nov 1. Sounds like the motivation I need. Good Luck everyone!!!
ReplyThank you Lori & Lillian! Lets start and lets do it to the finish!! Im ready and I have my mind set. A little nervous to get on the scale right now so I guess ill build up that courage as i get into my diet. Lets help one another through this diet! We all can do!... On the road to a thinner and healthier life!!! :-))
ReplyYahhhhhooooooooo!!!!!!!!
Hi Everybody
I first posted about 3 weeks ago and thought I was ready to do this. Unfortunately I have yet to be able to do it, I end up caving at night. Anyway I'm ready to try this again, so I will be joining you guys on Oct 15, actually I'm going to start today. I need the motivation and support. I know this is can be done, I just have to get through the first day.
Alisa, I think your progress is really inspirational,I am so proud of you. I want to do as well as you have done. Wish me luck.
ReplyThank you so much, ceryn! I wish you all the luck. You can do as well as I have done. All you have to do is stick to it!
ReplyAlright everyone!
I guess I'll have to join in!!!
I was doing the 5 bite diet for 3 days about a week ago but then , with my period, it was so hard... I quit.
But all you guys getting back on track is sooo motivating!!
cool!
ReplyThis is terrific, we have a group!
I weighed in today...138.6 lbs. I'm not stepping on the scale again until the end of October.
I'll be back tomorrow....
ReplyOct 14
ReplyI weighed in at 215 this morning. Ate my 5 bites at noon and again at 5:00. I was really tempted by a chocolate cake that I served to everyone else for dessert. But then I thought of you guys and I couldn't even consider going astray. Thanks everyone. It's true, "there's strength in numbers". We can do this!!!
Hi, I've been following along here for a while. Looks like a good group of people are teaming up, so I'll join in too! I've tried this out before on my own, but tend to slip up on weekends.
I don't have much to lose, but want to lose it fast! Good luck, everyone!
ReplyHi Everybody,
Day 1 of resetting my hungerstat is done!
10:30 am 5 bites of a quinoa/ nuts/ berries concoction
5:45 pm 3 bites tuna wrap and 2 bites chocolate
Although Dr Lewis says it's not neeeded for weight loss, I'm walking at least 10,000 steps a day. It's 6 pm, I need to get 3000 more in to reach my goal. I've got my sneakers on to take a walk around the neighborhood.
Hope everyone is doing great!
ReplyLori
Haven't posted in quite awhile but I desperately needed to. I'm having trouble staying strong. I was sick for two weeks so my diet went out the window I just ate whatever I could stomach. Now I'm trying to get back on it and haven't done so well. So, any tips from anyone? I hate falling off the bandwagon constantly.
ReplyHello All!!
Im feeling good today i havent even eaten yet its my day off and I just lounging trying to think what i want to have bites of because i dont want to waste them on something i really dont want lol.. So im jus waiting until im hungry to take my bites... :-))
Glad to see my 5B friends are still here :-)) were on a mission until Nov 1st... Only the strong will last!!!
17-0ct-09
whoop whoop!!
Replyim back.
just got on the scale fully clothed and on my cycle so i may be more then i actually am.. im 158... my goal by 1 Nov is 140 and i want to stay between 140-145 :-) or less that great as well... pay for lunch and 5b's of pizza for dinner.. right now im starving lol... oh where im at its night so my day is over i work tomorrow so ... im excited to be doing good.. hope all my friends who commited with me are doing well.. :-))
whoop whoop
ReplyDay 2 done!
At 9:30 am I had 5 bites of a blueberry muffin with peanut butter and banana.
At 6:30 I had 3 bites of a roasted veggie wrap and 2 bites of cake.
I also completed my 10,000 steps.
I was really busy today, not much time to think about my empty stomach. Dr Lewis says that the first time you set your hungerstat is the hardest. He's right. I did 5 bites in the spring,I almost gave up after 48 hours. I was cranky and had headaches. The amazing thing is that after you get past 3 days, hunger does go away.
This time around has been easier. Maybe because I know that any uncomfortable symptoms don't last long.
The last time I did this diet, I stayed on plan for 10 days and lost 12 pounds. I've kept that weight off and am determined to lose the remainder.
A couple tricks that helped when I was on 5 bites..
-Don't try to make a 5 bite meal. Instead, make a normal amount of food, take 5 bites, then throw the rest away. This is recommended by Dr Lewis, it's easier than guessing what a small plate of food should look like. And there's a perverse pleasure in seeing how much food you don't eat! Dr Lewis says to go to an all you can eat buffet, eat 5 bites, then leave! I don't have that much willpower yet!
I have a sweet tooth, it helps me to have 2 bites of dessert every night.
I also find that sitting at my dining room table, not reading or watching tv, helps me stick to only 5 bites. When I'm through, I immediately throw the remainder of the food away and brush my teeth. And turn off the light in the kitchen!
We're doing great!
Lori
Reply17 Oct 09.
Get job LORI! Keep up the good work! Im feel ok so far its like almost 10am here havent eaten or drank anything yet. :-) ready for Nov 1st lol .. but keep up the good work.. I was so hungry last night i couldnt sleep... I have the pay the price to get this weight off!!
ReplyGood for you Jerri.marie!
It's 8:45 am where I live, I'm making some coffee to tide me over until around 10:30. Then I'll eat my 5 bite breakfast.
Even though I said I wouldn't step on the scale, I couldn't resist. I'm down to 135.1 lbs. I've lost 3.7 pounds in 2 days.
The most amazing thing about this diet is that the weight stays off. I was really skeptical the first time. I was sure that my metabolism was crashing, when I began eating more than 5 bites, the pounds would pile back on.
The first time I did this I weighed 149 pounds. When I stopped I weighed 137 lbs. I went back to my old way of eating through the summer and gained 1.8 pounds.
I've tried lots of other diets only to gain all the weight plus a couple pounds more back.
I don't know why the weight loss seems more permanent, I need to ask Dr Lewis. No matter what the reason, I'm glad it does!
Have a terrific Saturday!
ReplyGreat going wakerlori. I agree with you, this weight loss seems more permanent. Even though I fall off, I don't give up like I did on other programs. The support get here has a lot to do with it. Thanks Guys!!
ReplyHello my 5b friends.. Well i weighed myself im still 158 i think it maybe because of my cycle so i wont give up ill just stick with it.... :-)) Great Job Lori.. Where are the rest of my 5b friends at? Come back...
Whoot Whoot! 14 more days left.. I know i can get this weight off.. Grrrr.... Trying a new approach have some Nescafe 3-n-1 coffee packs and graham cracks... One for lunch and one for dinner along with the pack of coffee... This is going hurt.. Ill let you all know the out come.. :-))
KEEP UP ALL THE GOOD WORK GUYS....
ReplyI made it through Day 3! According to Dr Lewis, my hungerstat should be reset and it should get easier from now on!
Weekends are the hardest for me, I'm actually looking forward to going back to work on Monday!
11:30 am 5 bites apple pancake
6:00 pm 3 bites veggie burger 2 bites cookie
over 10,000 steps and 8 min of weights
Onward to Sunday!
ReplyHEllo!!!!!
So here is my update got on the scale this afternoon and i was 156.. :-)) so down 2 pounds and im so happy... right now im starving lol Rented Nip Tuck so it will keep me busy as this 13 more days go by!!
So hang in there everyone its almost over :-))!!
where is everyone esle Lori and I seem to be the only ones posting etc... By the way great job Lori!!!
18-0ct-09 My day is over here in Egypt 24days until im back in the states and looking better than ever!!
Replywhoot whoot!
Good job Jerrie.marie!
Wow, you're all the way in Egypt! I'm traveling for 4 days this week for work. I think it's easier when I'm not home.
9:45 am 5 bites blueberry muffin with peanut butter/ apples
5:15 4 bites veggie burger 1 bite pie
See ya tomorrow!
ReplyLori
Oct 18th
ReplyHi everyone. Im still sticking to it and as of this morning I've lost 2 pounds. I really want to make it down to 200 lbs by Nov 1. I like the idea of having a date to shoot for, a goal date so to speak.
13 more pounds to go. Just making it through the weekend and 2 parties was a challenge. I cop out by telling everyone that I'm diabetic and can't eat more than a few bites. I am diabetic but I have it under control but I don't share that. Makes a good excuse for not eating much and people don't bug you to eat more. I have friends who mean well but sabotage my efforts to lose.
Good luck all!!!
Later, Lillian
Day 1. I'm more then determined to stick it out this time and stop falling off the bandwagon. I promised myself if I truly stick to it, I can eat as much green bean casserole as I want for Thanksgiving :)
I'm back up to 207, lowest I've been is 202, but I'm determined to get out of these 200's. All of you keep me motivated! Good luck this week!
ReplyHi Everybody,
I think the hardest physical part of this diet is the first 3 days.
Today is Day 5 for me. I don't have hunger pains anymore. However, I have to remind myself that when I want to eat more food, it's mental, not physical. My brain is sneaky, I caught myself thinking about ways to "tweak" the program.
I'm commited to sticking with 5 bites for the remainder of the month. After that, I'll give myself permission to "tweak", if I'm so inclined.
10:45 5 bites pumpkin muffin with peanut butter/ raspberries
6:00 4 bites veggie sandwich 1 bite cookie
over 10,000 steps
Good luck everybody!
ReplyLori
Weekend was a total wash, as expected, but today has been good! Had five bites of a candy bar for lunch, and two bites of candy bar plus three bites of mozzarella for supper.
ReplyMonday morning was my weigh-in...144! Finally at a healthy BMI!...fourteen more pounds to go
Replywell done, that must feel so good!
ReplyI have 10 pounds to go, which I am really struggling with.
They are so damn hard to lose....
I know the 5 bite diet is the way to go.....now if I can only get passed those first 3 days....
I have a lot less social events coming up, so I shall join the challenge and see how much I can lose by november 1st.
i love the fact that you guys have set a date ....
So cool to all be in this together.
I can see I'm not the only one to have tried this and "messed up", but thanks to this forum and talking about it, we can get back on track....On my own I might have just given up for good.
Good luck everyone.
ReplyWeighted in today 154 whoot whoot have 10-15 to go.. Grrrrrr... Great job everyone!! :-)
ReplyHi everyone!
I am starting this diet tmr and i have come here for some support
:)
love the way people interact with each other here!
hope you all can help me!!
muah!
Replyi LOOOOVE that name!!! nomoretwinkies!!! so funny!
come to think of it, you can still have twinkies, just no more than 5 bites at a time!
ReplyLOL ; )
Hmmmm 5 bites of Twinkies. A new approach. LOL
Replythx so much, Diet 74!
ReplyHi Everybody,
It's so great to have a support system!
I'm working out of town until Thursday. On one hand, it's easier to stick to the plan. On the other hand, it's hard not to buy lots of food when my company pays for it!
So far so good...
11:00 5 bites pumpkin muffin with peanut butter/ banana
6:00 5 bites veggie sandwich 2 bites cookie ( yikes! I can't start adding bites yet!)
over 10,000 steps
Back tomorrow,
ReplyLori
wow, you are doing so well!!!
I need to buy a pedometer as well.
I definitely don't move enough.
And not only are you walking and sticking to the 5 bite diet, you also seem to be eating "good foods"
What's in your veggie sandwich, I'm curious. I'm a vegetarian and am always looking for cool stuff to eat! Especially if they are satisfying!
ReplyWow! I've been at this for 1 week!
I continue to be amazed at how long I can go without getting hungry. Today I ate my first 5 bites at 8:30 am. I was really busy until 6pm, then I ate my second 5 bites. All day long I was fine, I even completed my 10,000 steps.
And Dr Lewis was right about how full you feel once your hungerstat is reset. I just finished my evening bites, my stomach is full! If I didn't know it, I would think I overate.
So here's the day's recap..
8:30 5 bites blueberry muffin with peanut butter/ raspberries
6:00 4 bites hummus/ veggie wrap 1 bite cookie
Keep on truckin'!
Lori
PS..Hi Diet74!
I've been working out of town all week and have been visiting delis to get my veggie sandwiches. Sometimes I have them add cheese, sometimes hummus. They've all been good!
I'm a vegetarian too. I do eat pretty healthy but I always have at least 1 bite of dessert everyday!
ReplyWell I made it through the first days. I'm not hungry anymore. You are right walkerlori the urge to eat is mental not physical. I have to keep telling myself that.
ReplyIt is getting easier though. I had half a sandwich for lunch and 5 bites of chicken for dinner. Weighed this morning and lost another pound. I can't help weighing every day.
I'm not a vegetarian but I do love veggie subs and vegetarian chili. That means my hubby and I each have our own pot of chili. LOL.
Toast to everyone, drink up!!! (Water that is) Here's to a good tomorrow.
Cool!
you guys are definitely positive motivators.
I do the same thing you do and I save 1 bite of "dessert" for dinner.
ReplyI usually will choose something really thick and chewy like a mars bar. I have a mars bar in the fridge lasting me 4 days. It usually satisfies my sweet craving....