Why is it important to go through all four phases of Ideal Protein’s Protocol (slowly adding back in foods that have been taken away)?

I am asked this question frequently by my clients!

Michael P. Ciell, RPh. - Ideal Protein Clinic Director shares why the four phases are so important is, “Because this is what works best, based on 24 years of actual clinical experience. We introduce more real food in Phase 2 to "help bring the gut (digestive process) back on line". If we just jump into eating 4 "real meals a day" after Phase 1, many people will get bloated, cramps, etc. In Phase 3 we introduce complex carbs in the morning meal only..."to help bring the pancreas back on line". If we suddenly add carbs all through the day, the pancreas will be "shocked" and probably over-produce insulin like it was before the diet. I liken this to giving a patient prednisone. If we put a patient on these steroids for longer than about 10 days, their adrenals stop producing cortisol and other adrenal corticoids. If we suddenly take them off the drug, their system goes into a shock, as it takes a while for the adrenals to begin producing these substances again. That's why we slowly taper them off these medications rather than abruptly discontinuing them. So, with the pancreas, we want to slowly let it get used to producing the right amount of insulin in response to the carbs we eat. If you relate the prednisone analogy to a doc, he / she will usually understand the concept. But again the bottom line is this: In our 24 year history of using this program, this is the protocol that consistently gives the best results...why would you do something different if this works the best? “

As Dr. Tran Tien Chanh shares in his book "The Unbalanced Diet Approach to a Slimmer you"

"The protein diet does not end with the stabilization phase. Calories, fats and carbohydrates are gradually reintroduced to your diet during successive phases. Remember that deep-sea diver who makes decompression stops during his ascent? You're in a similar situation if you go on the Ideal Protein diet, because you can't go back to eating normally all at once. Although the IP diet results in fast, efficient weight loss, is true effects will be felt after a long, in-depth period of nutritional rehabilitation. It is important that you do not skip the stabilization phase and that you stay on it as long as possible."

I want each of you to be 100% successful in your weight loss and maintenance! Diligently follow the protocol that includes restricting carbs, fats, dairy, alcohol, fruit; taking all of the recommended supplements - you will see the inches fall off quickly and you will be able to maintain your desired weight and size! This will be the last diet you will ever have to be on!