Stillman diet

High protein low carbohydrate diet

The Stillman diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet devised in 1967 by physician Irwin Maxwell Stillman (1896–1975).[1] It focusses mostly on the complete avoidance of both fats and carbohydrates, and requires at least eight glasses of water to be consumed every day. The diet is very low in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and cuts out bread, fruit, sugar, and alcohol completely.[2]

It was popularized in the late 60's with the publication of Stillman and Samm Sinclair Baker's book, The Doctor's Quick Weight Loss Diet, although it was criticized by some physicians who believed that the diet was unbalanced and could negatively affect users.[3]

## Overview

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Stillman and Samm Sinclair Baker co-authored the book The Doctor's Quick Weight Loss Diet that first advertised the Stillman Diet in 1967. The animal based high-protein diet includes lean beef, veal, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and non-fat cottage cheese. Spices, tabasco sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper are also allowed. Condiments, butter, dressings and any kind of fat or oil are not permitted. Tea, coffee, and non-caloric soft drinks can be consumed, but only in addition to the 8 daily glasses of water required. It's also recommended that dieters eat 6 small meals per day instead of 3 large ones.[4]

The diet is a carbohydrate-restricted diet, similar to that of Dr. Robert Atkins', Atkins Diet (although Atkins' diet allows significant fat consumption).

## Karen Carpenter

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Karen Carpenter began using the diet in her teens. Karen was 5'4" and 145 pounds when she went on the Stillman Diet in 1967. In 1983, she died of complications related to anorexia nervosa.[5][6]

## Reception

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The Stillman diet has been criticized by medical experts and nutritionists as a fad diet.[7][8][9][10] Physician Terrence T. Kuske wrote regarding the Stillman diet:

> It induces a degree of diuresis because of the low carbohydrate, but is a relatively unpalatable diet. Adherence to the diet induces fatigue, nausea and lassitude or exhaustion. Long-term use of this diet, because of its composition, may induce vitamin deficiency. Studies of individuals following the Stillman Diet have demonstrated quite conclusively that it raises the serum cholesterol, with its attendant risks.[9]

## See also

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* List of diets
* Scarsdale diet

## References

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1. ^ "Dr. Irwin M. Stillman, 79, Dies; Wrote Four Popular Diet Books". The New York Times. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
2. ^ "Stillman Diet Stillman Dieting". www.healthcentre.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
3. ^ "Dr. Irwin M. Stillman, 79, Dies; Wrote Four Popular Diet Books". The New York Times. 1975-08-28. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
4. ^ Review of The Doctor's Quick Weight Loss Diet
5. ^ Matheson, Whitney (4 February 2013). "Today in history: Karen Carpenter died 30 years ago". USA Today. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
6. ^ "Battling Anorexia: The Story of Karen Carpenter". Archived from the original on January 10, 2012.
7. ^ Stare, Fredrick J; Witschi, Jelia. (1972). Diet Books: Facts, Fads and Frauds. Medical Opinion 1: 13-18.
8. ^ Rickman, F; Mitchell, N; Dingman, J; Dalen, J. E. (1974). Changes in serum cholesterol during the Stillman diet. Journal of the American Medical Association 228 (1): 54-58.
9. ^ a b Kuske, Terrence T. Quackery and Fad Diets. In Elaine B. Feldman. (1983). Nutrition in the Middle and Later Years. John Wright & Sons. p. 297. ISBN 0-7236-7046-3
10. ^ "Health Experts Advise Against High-Protein Diets". WebMD. Retrieved November 22, 2018.

## Further reading

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* Marian Burros (July 16, 1986). "Diet Game, Where Chances of Winning are Slim". The New York Times.

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