The Bernstein Diet actually refers to two different diets. One diet was created by a physician by the name of Dr. Richard Bernstein. The other was the brainchild of Dr. Stanley Bernstein.
About the Program
Dr. Richard Bernstein’s Diet
Dr. Richard Bernstein’s diet focuses on a 6-12-12 concept in regards to daily carbohydrate intake in an effort to control blood sugar levels and to lose weight. The guideline is 6 carbs at breakfast, 12 carbs at lunch, and 12 carbs at dinner.
Dr. Bernstein has diabetes. He wanted to show diabetics that it is possible to effectively control your blood sugar while losing weight safely.
Dr. Stanley Bernstein’s Diet
Dr. Stanley Bernstein’s diet is geared for people who want to lose 4-5 pounds per week. His patients are required to visit his clinic 3 times per week for the duration of the program. The entire program is based on VLCD – Very Low Calorie Diet. Daily calories recommended for you could be as low as 800, as high as 1,350 or anywhere in between.
Dr. Stanley’s diet focuses on losing fat tissue and supposedly keeping lean muscle intact. There are three phases – weight loss, maintenance, and tune up. He claims patients can safely lose up to 20 pounds per month.
Foods You Can Eat
Dr. Richard Bernstein’s Diet
– Specific proteins
– Vegetables
– Fruit
– Bread substitutes
– Spices and seasonings
– Beverages – including decaf coffee, herbal tea, club soda
Dr. Stanley Bernstein’s Diet
– No carbohydrates
– Proteins – chicken breast, shrimp, and white fish
– Vitamin B injections – administered at his clinic
– Vegetables and fruits
– Bread substitutes
– Spices and seasonings
– Beverages – decaf coffee, club soda, herbal tea
Exercise
Dr. Richard’s diet – exercise is recommended to people with Type II diabetes, but is recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Stanley’s diet – no exercise required.
Costs
Dr. Richard’s diet – you would need to purchase his book The Diabetes Diet: Dr. Bernstein’s Low-Carbohydrate Solution.
Dr. Stanley’s diet – $315 for initial consult plus $160 per week. Prices always subject to change.
Pros
Pros of Dr. Richard’s Diet
– Control blood sugar
– Simple diet to follow – eat the same thing every day
– Written by a diabetic for diabetics
Pros of Dr. Stanley’s Diet
– Significant weight loss promised – 20 pounds per month
– Professional oversight of your health in the clinic
Cons
Cons of Dr. Richard’s Diet
– Lifestyle change could be difficult – very restrictive diet
– Must count carbs
– You could become bored with food and eating the same thing daily
– Limits high fiber foods – you may feel hungry
Cons of Dr. Stanley’s Diet
– Weight loss is too drastic within a short time frame
– Could cause other medical conditions
– Extremely expensive plan to lose weight
– Vitamin B shots daily could have negative side effects
– Low calorie intake – you’ll likely be hungry all the time and you’re depriving your body of important nutrients
Summary
Dr. Richard Bernstein’s Diet – many diabetics claim they finally got their blood sugar under control by following this diet and are satisfied with their weight loss results. It’s a sound program for diabetics, but could be difficult to adopt given the restrictions on food and beverages.
Dr. Stanley Bernstein’s Diet – this program could actually cause other serious medical conditions for patients due to the extremely low daily calorie intake. No research has been conducted on the side effects of Vitamin B shots on a regular basis. This diet may cause negative long-term side effects. VLCD – Very Low Calorie Diets are considered dangerous and should be avoided.
