Dr Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet

Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet instructs followers to stop eating all types of flour and all forms of sugar. This includes whole-wheat flour, molasses, honey and any condiments like ketchup or salad dressing that contain sweeteners such as corn syrup. By following these requirements, and by adhering to the food guidelines outlined in the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," proponents claim that you can lose up to 2 pounds per week. While the program may be a good fit for some dieters, others may find it too restrictive. If so, talk to your doctor about finding a weight-management program that can help you achieve long-term, sustainable weight loss.

Background

The No Flour, No Sugar Diet was developed in the mid-2000s by Dr. Peter Gott, a general physician who worked at a private practice in Connecticut until his retirement in 2006. From 1984 to 2011, Gott was also responsible for writing "Ask Dr. Gott," a nationally syndicated health and medicine newspaper column. During his time as a doctor, Gott became convinced that most diets are unhealthy because they restrict or eliminate nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruit and potatoes. According to Gott, Americans consume too many refined, low-nutrient foods containing flour and sugar, and that weight loss can be easily achieved by taking them out of the diet.

Aspects

What to Eat on the Jorge Cruise Diet

Learn More

Dieters following Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet are instructed to eat three meals a day that each consist of 50 percent non-starchy vegetables, 25 percent lean meat, poultry or seafood and 25 percent whole grains like brown rice, quinoa or barley. If you prefer, the non-starchy vegetable portion can be divided into 25 percent fresh fruit and 25 percent non-starchy vegetables. Morning and afternoon snacks are also recommended, and might consist of fruit, sugar-free yogurt or fresh vegetables. Any product containing flour or sugar -- pizza, cake, cookies, bread, pasta, peanut butter, certain types of breakfast cereal -- is not allowed.

Advantages

If you adhere to Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar guidelines, it is likely you will lose weight, particularly if your regular eating habits include refined flour and sugar-filled snacks or treats. The plan emphasizes a wide variety of whole grains, plenty of fresh produce and lean protein, all without requiring dieters to count calories or carefully measure food portions. Dr. Gott's book contains recipes along with a 14-day meal plan and encourages 30 minutes of exercise daily. No dietary supplements or special diet products are required or recommended.

Disadvantages

What to Eat on the Waterfall Diet

Learn More

People who enjoy eating products made from flour, or who want to have an occasional sugary dessert, may find Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet too difficult to stick with for very long. Gott stresses that any purchased products need to be scrutinized for hidden sources of flour or sugar, which can make identifying appropriate brands of some foods difficult. Individuals who travel often or who eat at restaurants frequently may have a hard time finding dishes that don't violate the plan's guidelines.