Dr. Bernstein Diet

I notice that there's an ad for the Bernstein Diet Clinic on this site. I have to say, DO NOT GO THERE. I followed that program for five weeks and when, for another reason, I went to a Dr. outside the clinic for a blood test, it showed that my potassium levels were so high that they took me out of the safe zone and put me into a risk category. I had been taking over 1300 mg of potassium a day on the clinic's recommendation.

When I pointed out my potassium level to the clinic members and questioned their electrolyte monitoring protocol, noting that I would from that point on have another Dr. monitor my potassium as well as following the clinic protocol, Dr. Bernstein kicked me out of the program.

I had been consuming on their recommendation 500-600 calories a day (starvation level diet) and when I complained that they would prescribe such an extreme diet and then cut me off with no advice on how to safely transition to more normal eating, the nurse just said, "Stop taking the potassium and go back to eating the way you did before."

Fortuneately, I had the resources to consult a dietition who is helping me with the transition.

I wonder why Dr. Bernstein is so opposed to a second opinion from an outside doctor. Sure I lost pounds, but I also lost a healthy relationship to food. I'm back on track now with 1200 calories a day that will allow me to lose pounds without losing my health.

I repeat, STAY AWAY FROM BERNSTEIN CLINICS.