Can you really lose 20 lbs in a month? My Slow Carb Diet Review

Is it really possible to lose 20 lbs in one month? The answer is yes! Follow along in the article to read an overview of what some of the experts say about how to lose 20 lbs in one month.

What is the slow-carb diet?

The slow carb diet is a way of eating that Author Tim Ferriss recommends in his book, the 4-Hour Body. The goal is to lose the maximum amount of body fat in the shortest amount of time. Here are a few guidelines:

Avoid “White “Carbohydrates

Pretty much anything white is a no-no. White flour, sugar, rice, pasta, bread, cereal, and dairy… all out the door.

Eat the same meals over and over

This can be tough as most people like variety. However, you can swap out the protein sources, veggies, spices, and other options from the list of slow-carb-approved foods. Speaking of which…

Slow Carb friendly foods list

Protein

• Egg whites with 1–2 whole eggs for flavor
• Chicken breast or thigh
• Beef (preferably grass-fed)
• Pork
• Fish

Legumes

• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Lentils
• Red beans
• Soybeans

Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Mixed vegetables (including broccoli, cauliflower, or any other cruciferous vegetables)
• Sauerkraut, kimchee
• Peas
• Broccoli

Healthy Fats (in moderation)

• Avocados
• Nuts
• Hummus

Condiments (in moderation)

• Almond Butter
• Cashew Butter
• Coconut Milk
• Fish Sauce
• Hot Pepper
• Vinegar
• Hot Sauce
• Lemon Juice
• Lime Juice
• Mayo (homemade)
• Mustard Oyster Sauce
• Peanut Butter
• Pesto
• Salsa
• Salsa Verde
• Soy Sauce
• Sriracha
• Sunflower Seed Butter
• Tamari (wheat free)
• Vinegar

No drinking calories

Stick to tea, black coffee, occasional diet soda, sparkling water, and of course regular clean drinking water. If it is no calories, you should be good to go.

Tim recommends one glass of dry red wine a night due to the health benefits associated with that.

I believe you can lose more weight without the wine, but it is nice to have since this diet is extremely restrictive with everything else.

Cheat day once per week

This is to help reset your body due to being so restricted during the week. There is also a mental benefit this has as you will be feeling very restricted during the week.

The thought process is that you cannot possibly gain back all the weight you lost during the week. However, you will still gain some weight back.

I found that I would lose 5 lbs., and then jump back up 2 lbs. Your mileage may vary.

My experience with the slow-carb diet

I have found I really enjoy this type of eating and do not feel that restricted. The main issue that I have is not eating enough. According to Tim, there is no need to count calories.

I feel like I need to eat more at each meal. Adding some avocado to your meals is a great way to get some extra calories and healthy fats to help you feel fuller.

Mexican food restaurants are probably the best slow-carb compliant places to eat being able to get protein, beans, veggies, and some guacamole/salsa for flavor.

However, make sure the restaurant is not adding any cheese or tortillas to your plate. I usually get a carne asada plate when I eat out.

Contradictions

Tim Ferriss is a nut for science. He tends to research his ideas very well for the most part and backs them up with actual studies.

First, I believe to maximize weight loss, having 1-2 glasses of wine per night is not acceptable. I think you will lose more weight by cutting out all sugar, including alcohol.

However, having a little bit of red wine can be nice for those dieters who are feeling extremely restricted during the week.

He also recommends no butter in this diet, but ghee (clarified butter) is acceptable.

Can you lose 20 lbs. in a month as Tim Ferriss states?

The short answer is yes, you can. However, it all depends on how much extra weight you need to lose.

If you have over 100 lbs. of weight to lose, it is going to be easier to lose higher numbers of weight versus a much thinner individual.

Although I did lose over 10 lbs. eating this way, I also am taller and began at a starting weight of 210 lbs.

You may want to lower your expectations depending on your current size, body weight, bone structure, and activity levels.

In my opinion, I felt too restricted eating this way because it is just so many BEANS! After a while, I wanted a little more variety in my options.

However, if you are extremely obese and can lose 50-100 lbs., I think the slow-carb diet is a great choice.

I always feel full eating this way, and I think that is half of the battle right there. The glass of wine a night didn’t hurt either.

More information

If you are interested in finding out more information, there is a wealth of knowledge about slow carb dieting on the internet. From recipes, condiments, and testimonials from users of the slow-carb diet, can become a bit overwhelming.

I recommend focusing more on Tim Ferriss’ website to get the correct information, or you can get his book detailing the 4-hour body on Amazon here.

As with any new diet or exercise program, please consult your physician first before starting a new program.