Yes! And YES! Just avoid the chips and use things like non-starchy veggies (sliced cucumbers are good). You can also use guacamole and salsa as garnishes on your meals. Bon appetit!

Hi Leslie!

Yes, even though they do contain protein and fiber, beans are pretty starchy overall, and can stall fat loss if they are eaten in quantity.

That said, we are not a ‘low-carb’ plan, we are a ‘lower-carb’ plan. So we do have plenty of beans in our veggie blends (along with a few breaded items, even). It’s just enough to keep you from feeling deprived or going into that low-carb crazy state, lol.

People who work out or have a higher activity level do well by incorporating a few more bean blends to give them a little more fuel for energy and recovery. Our Fiesta, Omaha, Mixed Veggies, or Lima Beans are a great answer for a slow-burn.

However, when I am working with people to get maximum results I limit the beans. And they do lose weight faster.

Like you said, beans are great, and a perfect addition to a maintenance diet– we love them around here!

Thanks for sharing the recipe, Can’t wait to try them 🙂

Very helpful! Thank you! I’m surprised to see all kind of beans (kidney, black, lentil, etc) on the starchy list. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with slow-carb: it focused on protein, veggie & beans; beans being low-cal, high-fiber so you feel satiated. I’ve had a lot of success with it previously- I’m just too busy to prepare meals, which is why I’m loving PTF. The base concepts between the two are very similar. But it is quite a different perspective on beans! Perhaps you can tell me more about that?

All great points, Margo!

I’ve had times where I can lose 20 in one month following the plan strictly. And other times where it was more like 12-15 pounds. One of the biggest things (that you touched on) is that your success is largely determined by your mindset. What’s that quote? “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” (:

And you got it! When you have delicious meals you can count on, it’s much easier to keep a positive focus on your goal. Ask anyone (me!) who might have tried living on some crazy yukky diet like eating just tuna fish for a few weeks to lose weight– miserable. 😛

Keep up the great work, and let us know any other tips you have!

Yes! They are awesome crunchy little gems.

Have you tried them sliced in half, and stuffed with a bit of mozzarella cheese and microwaved until the cheese melts?

Hi Leslie!

I love sweet potatoes, they are indeed a superfood for taste and beta carotene. But you are right, they are carb-heavy and will stall fat-burning for most people. They are terrific in maintenance!

Here’s a list of starch vs. non-starchy veggies that may be helpful. It’s the most comprehensive one I know.

When I read those percentages, I had the same thought. You have to do *more* and be more determined to put in more than what you’ll get back, accept the unfairness, and fight for every inch.

My first month of PTF I was so exact and careful and made sure to do everything perfectly, including the optional things like intermittent fasting and extra exercise, I had in my head the formula I’d put in 120% and achieve 100% results–the 20 pounds lost in one month advertised. I didn’t reach 20 pounds and the next month lost even less despite doing the plan perfectly. I had to remind myself I was getting results and not get discouraged and cheat, because just like your idea it’s cheat multiplied by 25. The good news was that PTF food is delicious and the videos about ‘noise’ and avoiding fads to instead long-term change your lifestyle were helpful in making me stick to it. I think the miserably exhausting exercise regimens and starvation or disgusting diets fail because people throw themselves into those 100%, and then feel betrayed when they don’t get 100% back despite all their effort, so it doesn’t seem worth not cheating for the short-term happiness of indulging.