the theory: Eating foods high in sugar causes overproduction of insulin which inhibits weight loss.

hunger
health
ease
expense
ratings key and credits

the plan
Refined sugar found in cakes, sweets, and fizzy drinks, as well as potatoes, white flour and pasta, is toxic according to Sugar Busters. Their theory is that eating these types of foods causes the body to produce increased amounts of the hormone insulin, which in turn encourages weight to be stored as fat.

upside
Most people consume too much sugar (approximately one pound per person per week) and as a result, many health organisations are trying to encourage less of a reliance on refined foods. This diet gives clear guidelines on which foods to avoid.

downside
There is no scientific justification for the premise that healthy people who eat foods high in sugar will automatically gain weight. Lumping whole foods such as potatoes, corn, and carrots with the 'forbidden' sugars makes no nutritional sense.

duration
Indefinite.

tips
Chat about it on the You can do it message board.

checklist
Restaurants: Yes.
Alcohol: Only on a full stomach to reduce absorption; dry red wine is preferred due to its lower sugar content.
Caffeine: Limited to 2-3 caffeinated drinks each day.
Need to buy special foods: No.
Family friendly: It will probably be hard to deprive your family of pasta, potatoes and dessert.
OK for vegetarians: Discouraged, as the diet becomes too limiting.

the pros say
Sugar busters carries a good idea—reducing our intake of refined foods with a high sugar content—a bit too far by eliminating staple foods such as potatoes and pasta.