Questions about the 5 Day Pouch test

I have been on vacation for the past two weeks.  When I got home I weighed myself and found that I had lost 6 pounds which I was very happy with.  However, I did find myself eating a ton more carbs than I normally do, and since coming back I am having trouble getting back to a "protein-centric" diet.  I have heard that the 5 day pouch test can be good for breaking the carb-cycle and bringing you back to the basics.  I think I may try it, and have read all about the process.  My questions are about how to interpret the process.  What signs will tell me if (doubtful), I have stretched my pouch and/or if it is still working effectively? What adverse results should I be looking for to indicate that my pouch is no longer working efficiently?

Thanks in advance for the advice,

Marny

Hey Marny! :D

What about just doing a "low-carb" diet? Eliminate the carbs you have been eating. Track everything you eat.
I like the low carb diet better then the 5DPT, I still eat everything I really enjoy (cheeses, yoguarts, cukes, eggs and some fruits and of course my meats! and anything else that is low or no carbs)

If I do a low carb thing for a few days, my menu would look like this:
B- egg, slice of bacon -- 1g carb (egg)
S- 1/2c greek yoguart -- 4g carbs
L- 50g deli extra lean ham, 30g cheese, 1oz cucumber -- 1.5g carb
S- 50g strawberries or some other fruit (but low carb fruits- grapes are my "go to" fruit) -- 3g carbs (strawberries) 8.5g carbs (grapes)
D- 50g- 100g chicken breast, salad -- 1g carb (for 1c salad) (zesty italian dressing- 2g carbs)
S- protein shake --2g carbs

15.5g (20g) carbs for the whole day and you get to eat regular! :)
Not necessarily in this order for snacks but it gives you a general idea ;)

Hi Marny

I agree with Leanne re trying low carb on your own....though I know some people have had success following the 5day to rid themselves of the carb cravings

tough to just drink protein shakes for three days....I think you get the same results from just eating meats for three days and more satisfying

but thats just my opinion

when I find myself getting "carby", I revert to pretty much straight protein for a few days - gets me back on track

Good luck

Barb

I've done the pouch test a few times over the years.  I don't buy into the "shrink your pouch" line, but I have used it to effectively get myself off carbs and back on track a couple of times.  A low carb, high protein menu for a few days can effectively do the same thing to "detox" your system.

K.

To me it is just a fad diet for us wls folks. I don't believe the shrink your pouch thing - it may help you feel physically less bloated and it may give you a new appreciation after 2 days if no carbs.  But it is temporary water weight for the most part and not a "healthy" thing overall.

I have done it twice and the first few days leave me nothing but miserable and headachey -- since our brains need carbs to function it is no wonder.

But any diet that eliminates a whole food group that our body needs is a fad diet. I'm trying to avoid that as well as all the other things that lead me to disordered eating/thinking.

Like others say just focus on healthier eating and knocking off the processed bad for you carbs. You are bound to feel better mentally and physically.

Just my 2 cents,

Dawn

I am so glad to see so many people encouraging low carb, high protein instead of the 5dpt.  I have always felt that it just sets us up for failure like many other diets!  It's not that hard to low carb it as long as you have lot of your favourite protein around and you still detox from carbs!