THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU… 865 Comments

Written by Topics: The 4-Hour Body


(Photo: Garland Cannon)

It was just past 5pm EST in Manhattan, and I’d been on pins and needles all day.

The report was coming in any minute. All attempts to nap earlier, despite two hours of sleep, had failed. There would be no rest on this Wednesday.

Now, in the lobby of the ACE Hotel, a few friends — including my agent, Steve Hanselman, my assistant, Charlie Hoehn, and my brother from another mother, Chris — had gathered with me to drink champagne. No matter the outcome, it had been a hard-fought battle over three years. THREE YEARS. Hospitalizations, surgeries, you name it.

I stared at the floor, reciting the reasons why things could go right. Most of them were silly and superstitious. Then my internal devil’s advocate chimed in with the reasons other books would beat me: better retail placement, celebrity authors, dedicated TV shows, etc.

“It’s here.”

I looked up. Steve smiled and handed me his Blackberry:

#1: The 4-Hour Body…

The 4-Hour Body had hit #1 on The New York Times bestseller list, on the hardest list (Advice, How-To) during the hardest week of the year.

I was in shock for the rest of the evening.

THANK YOU

For the rest of the night, as my friends fed me shots, I thought back to 2007, when The 4-Hour Workweek was turned down by 26 out of 27 publishers.

Everything that I’ve experienced in the last three years is thanks to you. I learn more from you than I could ever teach.

Much more to come soon (including a detailed post-game analysis of the launch), but — for the time being — I’ll keep it simple: THANK YOU.

I love you all.

May you and yours have the most joyous of holidays. Now, I need to get to wine and chocolate with the family… :)

Merry Christmas! 2011 is going to be the best year yet for all of us!

Un abrazo grande,

Tim

Clip to Evernote

Posted on December 24th, 2010

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865 Responses to “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU…”

  • Kim
    January 4th, 2011
    9:14 am

    Tim

    My autographed book was shipped around 15 December. I used priority mail. Still haven’t received my book, I live in Europe. Is this normal? :-)

    Kim

    Reply
  • Nathan Robertson
    January 4th, 2011
    9:18 am

    Tim,

    I’m going to Argentina this summer and I would like to study Spanish in the most efficient manner possible. I have some experience with the language, and at one point I was able to converse with old-men cabdrivers in Mexico after a week in the envronment, so I’m not a total noob. What are your thought on a combination of:

    1 hour of work on LiveMocha each day
    1/2 hour of Flash-card study on the top 100 most commonly spoken words each day

    Do you think this will set me on the right path? What other ways do you feel will be more efficient? The biggest issue I have is understanding rather than speaking. I have interests in soccer, wine, and culture if you can suggest any spanigh language reading to translate (I can’t remember the blog post, I’ll have to check when I have more time).

    Thanks in advance!

    Nathan

    Reply
    • Holly
      January 21st, 2011
      6:26 am

      Once you’re in Argentina, try to stay away from English-speaking people. That was my goal when I first did a study abroad program, and it worked. Also go to language schools and try to meet local students studying English. You can often set up free intercambios with them where you can exchange an hour of English for an hour of Spanish…for free. That way, you get to meet real local people and get some free help.

      Reply
  • art
    January 4th, 2011
    10:54 am

    Any concise methods for reversing diabetes using your strategies? incorporating exercise, diet, supplements

    Reply
  • Kay
    January 4th, 2011
    10:59 am

    I received my two complimentary books. I kept one for myself and gave one as a gift. I really like the posterior exercises for women, and healing permanent injuries. Planning a trip to Chicago to combine a weekend vacation with an Egoscue treatment.

    Also updated my blog with some of my favorite cheat days treats with Type 1 diabetes. My cheating can’t be as exotic as everyone else’s, but I take what I can get. I was pretty excited to know that Tim tested his blood sugars just like a diabetic.

    This past year I started buying my monitor testing strips from Mexico. They’re cheaper than buying them in the states even with really good insurance. People thought I was crazy but they are the exact same brand and product. Given the reality of healthcare in the states I think medical tourism is going to be more prevalent.

    Reply
  • Allen Loomis
    January 4th, 2011
    11:54 am

    Congrats on your success Tim! I loved the book and have even purchased it for some of my close friends. I have been struggling to gain muscle mass for some time now and have plateaued. I would spend even more hours at the gym per week with no new results. By using your approach I already see change and I appreciate all your hard work.

    Reply
  • Kevin
    January 4th, 2011
    1:03 pm

    Congratz on the number 1!

    Tim, it seems your insistence on having us document things has paid off for me. I was looking at my spreadsheet of measurements for the past two weeks, and it became clear that my last (also first) cheat day had hit me hard.

    How many of your fat curbing tips (citrus juice, squats, high protein breakfast, etc) did I follow on my cheat day? Zero. I figured that it was just one day, and it wasn’t so terribly different from the way I used to eat every day.

    If it wasn’t for me documenting my measurements, I may not have ever caught on the importance of these activities until I eventually gave up.

    So, thanks for the emphasis on recording data. It’s the kind of thing that can really make or break a diet.

    Reply
  • Derek Loudermilk
    January 4th, 2011
    1:29 pm

    Tim,

    I bought both books at the same time-great stuff! Its hard to figure out what to think about first.

    I am wondering if you have experimented with or heard about the effect of polyphasic sleep on recovery and energy levels especially if you are trying to build muscle/strength quickly? As a professional cyclist, I have found that naps during the day can supplement but not replace a full night’s sleep as it pertains to racing/hard training on back to back days

    Also many athletes here in Boulder have been using compression clothing (tights, body suits) for competition and recovery-have you looked into the effect of compression on increasing efficiency in muscle/strength building?

    http://www.irunfar.com/2008/07/dressed-to-compress-extra-skinny-on.html

    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Daniel Hicks
    January 4th, 2011
    2:22 pm

    Bought 2 copies for me and the wife and am enjoying getting started, Two big questions on My part I cant find anywhere in the book or blog. Do any Nuts fit into the diet. Like Walnuts or Cashews on Salads. Also any data or info on stevia as a sometimes substitute sweetener. I saw that Splenda can effect good bacteria in the gut even if it doesnt give a Glycemic effect.

    Reply
    • Laura Cox
      January 19th, 2011
      9:26 pm

      Hi Daniel,
      Nuts are fine, but be careful about quantity as they are one of the domino foods. Only eat about 5-10 nuts per meal.

      Reply
  • Logan Marshall
    January 4th, 2011
    4:45 pm

    After finishing your book I have worked nonstop on creating a muse and have come up with a great idea for a DVD.
    Here’s the problem: I’m 17, almost 18 years old.
    Do you have any tips on increasing credibility, or using my age to my advantage?
    I loved your book. Thanks so much.
    Logan

    Reply
    • Jeff W
      January 20th, 2011
      10:01 pm

      Don’t worry about your age for credibility. With a muse project, no one knows your age. Chuck Holton’s kids are younger than you and two of them have already created $1000/mo muses.

      Reply
  • Yuan Ma
    January 4th, 2011
    4:50 pm

    Congrats Tim!

    I just got my book after being delayed due to east coast snowstorm… boy was I surprised how big it was. It’s thicker than some of my textbooks… :-o

    Reply
  • Scott Asai
    January 4th, 2011
    5:30 pm

    Tim, I read a chapter and glanced through a couple more and you are a master of self-promotion (I mean that in the best way possible). To get the #1 best seller list after seeking that spot is awesome. Congrats, I can learn a lot from you.

    Reply
  • Sue
    January 4th, 2011
    6:35 pm

    Just got your book yesterday and really enjoying the read. Can’t wait to get started but nervous about the beans!!

    Reply
  • Pat Petrini
    January 4th, 2011
    7:44 pm

    Hi Tim,

    Quick question. I’m getting ready to take all of my blood tests, FMS test and other tests to establish my baseline before diving into a body-morphing 2011!

    Upon researching which blood test I wanted to take, I came upon a website that has a lot of points intended to discredit the Doctor’s Data heavy metal test.

    I found the site by Google-ing “Doctor’s Data urine toxic metals” and it was the 4th listing.

    Do you find the arguments on this site credible?

    LOVE the book. Can’t wait to bulk up and delve into polyphasic sleeping! :)

    Pat

    Reply
  • Tim Dow
    January 4th, 2011
    8:11 pm

    Stoked to have my copy arrive all the way to New Zealand so quickly. Looking forward to getting everything sorted. I have already done the slow carb diet once my self inspired by 4hww reaching some of the best results in my professional rugby career. Now looking to test it in combination the muscle building techniques for even better results.

    Congrats Tim on your work I have benefited hugely already and look forward to more.

    Tim Dow
    NZ

    Reply
  • Sam
    January 4th, 2011
    9:54 pm

    Hey Tim,
    Love the book. Have read it and am ready to start the Occam’s Protocol program, but I’m a little bit at a loss with the supplement program. I’ve done research on bodybuilding.com and Vitamin Shoppe, but I can’t determine which supplements you’d suggest. All the ones available are such low mg that it would require 13 pills three times a day in some instances. Could you offer more direction and specifics regarding supplement suggestions, particularly for L-Glutamine and Creatine Monohydrate?

    Thanks so much.

    Reply
  • Rob
    January 4th, 2011
    10:48 pm

    Tim,

    Just shot Charlie an email about 15 books MIA, ordered as two packages (5 and 10) on the 12th of December. Most of the bonuses have arrived, but the books haven’t.

    Got an office of post-christmas fatties wanting to get on it, and they’re chomping at the bit to find out what’s happening.

    Hoping this gets solved soon,

    R.

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      11:59 pm

      Hi Rob,

      I’ll pass this on to Charlie now. Keep an eye on your inbox and we’ll get it sorted out. So sorry for the confusion!

      Best,

      Tim

      Reply
      • Rob
        January 10th, 2011
        6:51 pm

        Thanks. Charlie and Noah were very responsive last week. Just waiting for an update/heads up where the books are (Charlie’s rec was end of last week, still no show on Tuesday and have emailed him) and Bonus Update from Noah (slash BN).

        I’m sure you aren’t making a fort out of the books and holding them back, but it’s not good the way it has all unfolded on a decent size order.

        Congratulations again on the Hitting the Number One, the praise for the book speaks volumes.

        Rob.

      • Tim Ferriss
        January 10th, 2011
        11:26 pm

        I’m so sorry. Will follow-up now.

      • Rob
        January 11th, 2011
        4:10 pm

        Just emailed Charlie. Please make sure you read it.

        Thanks Tim :)

        Rob.

  • Chris W
    January 4th, 2011
    11:19 pm

    You’re welcome mate. :)

    I’ve really enjoyed both your books and wish you all the best. You’re already doing pretty well I’d say! haha!

    Keep up the good work.

    Chris

    Reply
  • Geoff with a G
    January 5th, 2011
    1:10 am

    Mr. Ferriss -

    Congrats on the early success of 4HB!

    As a well-practiced skeptic and analytical thinker, I gotta say your book (any “self-help” book) was a tough sell. Favorable mentions as to your methodology via Wired/Lifehacker blogs, and your wide-ranging blog definitely helped, as did the 20% off at Barnes & Noble. I gave it to myself as a New Year’s present and have been jumping around from chapter to chapter pleasantly surprised so far.

    A couple questions/issues I have noticed are:

    1) You have almond love yet keep mentioning peanut butter as a snack?? Have you not experienced the joy of well-made all-natural almond butter?!? Less than half the saturated fat of PB and boosted nutritionals with essentially the same protein makes it a no-brainer substitution. I recommend Barney Butter as the most peanut-butter-like almond butter around.
    2) Props for the Kerrygold Irish Butter mention…Greatest.Butter.Ever. Definitely superior nutrtionally, ethically and gastronomically. Grassfed in general is better, but the Irish really know their stuff.
    3) I was shocked to find no mention of hypoxic/hypobaric (aka “altitude”) training in relation to performance. Nike, the U.S. Olympic team, and some colleges have been subjecting athletes to artificially high altitudes for years to try and nail down a “minimum effective dose” for the maxim “train high,” so I’m surprised you didn’t look into it, since living at sea level, it’s one hack you should definitely see some effect from.
    4) Vitamin C. I’m surprised to not find it in the index (in any prescriptive way) nor to have encountered any mention of it yet in any of your diet/supplement recommendations. Google The Vitamin C Foundation for a wealth of assembled material on one nutrient we could all use more of. (I personally take about 8-12grams over the course of the day and haven’t been ill since I started the regimen a few years ago)
    5) Lastly, you mentioned the implications of hormone manipulation (rather entertainingly at that) on the ladies and your sex life, but I’m curious to hear if you got any more attention from the guys too. Pheromones work on both genders, so was wondering if you noticed any confrontational stares, flirtatious glances, aggressive encounters, etc. (moreso than usual) from the males in your life?

    I expect to finish 4HB in the next day or two, so I’m sure there’ll be other issues/observations, but am incorporating changes already and anxious to see how things work for me. Is there bonus material in the works or updates/addenda on the horizon?

    So far so good, and thanks for putting your body on the line so the rest of us don’t have to ;-)

    -G

    Reply
  • Stephen
    January 5th, 2011
    3:09 am

    Tim It is always an Honor to Read your Books. I am on my second Read Through of the Weight Loss Chapters and am going for Gold.

    I am using Cheese and Sour Cream still. But think I can cut these out once I plateau. Have Dropped 11 Pounds in like 5 Days.. and have not felt Hungry. Would love a copy of the Slow Carb Cook eBook. Would be very very helpful.

    Can you look at my Burger Recipe and give me your feed Back Tim. This is a great meal!
    http://www.thehealthymonk.com/january-5-2011-my-slow-carb-burgers/

    Reply
  • Adrian
    January 5th, 2011
    6:02 am

    Hey Tim,

    Just reading through your book after it finally arrived here in Oz. Loving it so far, particularly the prehab section which is right up my alley at the moment.

    I have also just read through your sleep chapters, where yourself and Dustin Curtis ponder the value of non-REM sleep. I recently read “Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar and Survival” by T.S. Wiley, and it seems that deep sleep (and long periods of no light) is pretty important for the immune system, as well as balancing hormones like melatonin, seratonin and a myriad of others, and a key to prevention of problems as varied as depression and carb cravings.

    Have you read this book or come across anything like this in your research? It’s a difficult read but seems to make good sense (it’s anything but conventional wisdom).

    Congratulations on the book!

    Reply
  • jaq
    January 5th, 2011
    6:53 am

    Hi Tim-

    I’ve noticed that your daily (or close) tweeting has not been on your blog page for some time. Sorry if I missed your explanation, but has it moved, were you too busy with book launch, or have you evolved your thought on its use for your purposes?

    Would love to know…. :)

    Congrats on the book!

    Jaq

    Reply
  • Laura
    January 5th, 2011
    9:53 am

    Tim, Again, thank you for such a great book! Your slow carb diet is a wonder, I’m not tired and I’ve been doing it very poorly for 2 weeks–holidays rather messed it up, but I ate anything I wanted and thoroughly enjoyed myself… and LOST 3″ off my waist and 1/2″ off my arms doing it, even when i didn’t follow it that close!! My energy is so consistent all day, I sleep like a rock and eat a nice big breakfast. Anyway, just saw this book by Gary Taubes http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-Borzoi/dp/0307272702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294246362&sr=8-1 that pretty much confirms your info as well and thought you might enjoy if you hadn’t already read it :) Congratulations again!!

    Reply
    • Lacey
      January 6th, 2011
      11:34 pm

      Laura,
      I recently started the diet and im a little confused with all the suppliments, recomended, since you have mentioned you have gotten results, I was curious if you have used any suppliments with that or changed anything other than your eating habits?

      Reply
  • Noel
    January 5th, 2011
    11:12 am

    Thank you, Tim, for making us better people. I already have my signed copy and on my second week of fat loss.

    I am so curious to read the lost chapter on genetics and gene tests, you mentioned on robb wolfs podcast, I believe. I would buy three books, if that is the chapter you would send as a bonus. If not, please be so kind and let us know how we can get our hands on that chapter.

    stay up,

    Noel – B-boy 4 life

    Reply
  • Rowland
    January 5th, 2011
    1:04 pm

    Tim,
    Musashi by Yoshikawa? Uebercool! It’s been a source of inspiration for me for years, and I still read it from time to time.

    Really, really cool that you’re sending out the e-book and the paleo cookbook e-book just like that. I never bought ebooks before (too much hassle), but now I got one for free because I bought your book, thank you!

    BTW: I think that part of the book-industry will go the way the music industry went: people will pay for events (concert, booklaunch) or because they’re fans (of the author, the content or both). Publishers can try to prevent illigal copying, but they won’t succeed. Events & fans is the way to go.

    You showed them the way, let’s hope more will follow!

    Rowland

    Reply
  • MA
    January 5th, 2011
    1:54 pm

    After having a huge disagreement with DH about this when (as usual) we decide to embark on yet another diet after the excesses over the holidays, he convinced me to give this a go. Despite the fact that I have always hated spinach and am not a huge fan of beans, I am finding that it is all a bit easier than expected. What is driving me MAD is the whole minimal info approach. And the contradictions. “Avoid anything white” but lots of the case studies include onions. So I thought well maybe scallions would be more OK, if not ideal (it’s pretty hard to make anything tasty minus onions for my family) or shallots, but as it all seems based on more science than I really want to learn (like the whole “milk is not good, but cream is” thing, and does than mean using a couple of tablespoons of cream in a dish rather than in your coffee is reasonable?) I just can’t be sure.

    And it also seems totally reasonable for 20 and 30-somethings and no-kid families. What about people who eat 98% of their meals a week at home? There is NO WAY my kids will eat beans and spinach for one meal let alone multiple meals in a week. And sure, zapping a few frozen spinach pods and some beans for breakfast is fine for people who don’t cook, but what about those of us who DO like to cook? Is there any plan for a forum or some place for recipe exchanges? And for people who are following the plan to post questions (like “are white onions ok?” :) ) and maybe get more family friendly ideas? Frankly, if anything makes me quit it will be having to cook 3 different meals for dinner.

    It sounds like I am really negative about the plan – I’m not. I’ve already made a few meals that DH has said he would eat even if he were not on a diet (! high praise indeed, and they all contained both spinach AND beans and I liked them too!) While I stop short of beans and spinach for breakfast I did manage to have some chicken and eggs and didn’t mind it too much. I miss my toast and Vegemite for breakfast, or grapefruit and cinnamon&nutrasweet toast, but I’ll live till cheat day if it means getting back to the weight I was pre-kids. I’ve switched from gallons of iced tea with nutrasweet to water with a squeeze of lemon (again – no fructose, but your video shows a plastic lemon, I think. Is that correct and is that somehow/less fructose than fresh?) We are getting there, ironing out the wrinkles, but it frustrates me to have no where to go to get MORE INFO! My time on the web pre-dates the existence of the URL – it’s been my go-to place for research for a long, long time. I can make allowances for the fact the book is fairly new, and it will all take time,but please, please tell me there will be more info for COOKS at some point.

    Blimey, that got long. Sorry – next time I’ll preface it with an executive summary :)

    MA

    Reply
  • Kevin Bridges
    January 5th, 2011
    2:21 pm

    Unintended side effect of slow-carb: I haven’t had any problems with my acid-reflux for several days. I’ve been able to go to sleep without antacid since Sunday, which is measurable and very significant. I’m very pleased.

    Reply
  • Stephan
    January 5th, 2011
    2:31 pm

    congrats timbo!
    all the best

    Reply
  • Adrian Reif
    January 5th, 2011
    2:41 pm

    you say you have no ebooks available yet?! why!?!

    as i’m reading along, i keep saying “i want to send this chapter to my aunt, these two to my parents, and this one to my friends Timmy and Bobby.”

    Tim, do you want to make crap ton more money with this book?

    1) setup a page with e-versions of each chapter individually
    2) set prices to $1-2 each (or whatever)
    3) watch them fly as people like me go and drop $10 for 10% of your content just so i can share it with friends and family (i don’t want to buy them the whole book nor would they want the whole thing)
    4) earn a ridiculous ROI (people would be paying ~1000% more per chapter, but would be totally cool with it)

    i’m just saying.

    Reply
    • Calvin
      January 5th, 2011
      3:01 pm

      I second this. Even though I’m sure Tim has plenty of money, but if some of it went to charities, that would definitely be worthwhile.

      Reply
      • Brook
        January 9th, 2011
        12:24 am

        Tim sits on the National Board for DonorsChoose dot org and educational non-profit for public education…um 30th birthday ring a bell to anybody else? You’re contributions are amazing Tim, including the Pandora list enjoying now with my glass of red.

    • Q. Jones
      January 5th, 2011
      6:44 pm

      Man, THAT idea has serious potential. Buying chapters at a time? I love it.

      Reply
  • Cody Muenster
    January 5th, 2011
    3:58 pm

    Tim,

    What is your favorite pandora station to listen to?

    Reply
  • Yanjaa
    January 5th, 2011
    6:05 pm

    Sorry if I didn’t follow comment guidelines…

    Anyways, congratulations again :)

    Reply
  • Erin
    January 5th, 2011
    6:59 pm

    I’ve been thinking about the 4-hour body and after getting some blood work done this week I’d like to try the posterior and ab chapters. However I’m curious what the best timing is on the kettlebell swings.

    On pg 161 you suggest doing a series of exercises (mostly kettlebell swings) one hour AFTER breakfast.

    On pg 164 you recommend doing a different series of exercises (mostly kettlebell swings) PRIOR to breakfast.

    My questions are:
    -Why did you recommend a different series of exercises to Fleur than you tried yourself? Is this because you had different goals in mind? Some of them weren’t effective/not good for women?

    -What accounts for the difference in timing of these exercises? Please feel free to hit me with some metabolism science.

    Can’t wait to get started!

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 10th, 2011
      5:54 am

      Hi Erin!

      I was focused on maintaining or increasing lean mass while decreasing fat, hence post-breakfast.

      Fleur’s goal was pure fat-loss, hence pre-breakfast.

      Hope that helps!

      Tim

      Reply
  • Barbara
    January 5th, 2011
    7:17 pm

    Congratulations! I already have one =)
    un abrazo!

    Reply
  • John
    January 5th, 2011
    8:51 pm

    Congrats Tim, you deserve all of it.

    Reply
  • Sam
    January 5th, 2011
    9:01 pm

    Tim, thanks for the great book. I bought the signed copy! I one question that I hope you have the time to quickly answer because I’m sure it would help a bunch of people.

    Question: Now that you gone through all the experiments in the book, what is your regular diet, supplement and exercise regimen?

    Thanks so much,
    Sam

    Reply
  • josh
    January 5th, 2011
    10:38 pm

    2011 is going to be the year of money for me

    for you…………….so i mean i guess all that is left now
    is the Tim Ferriss action figure with kung fu grip
    and Tim Ferriss bobble head to place in the car with a mocking look of one raised eyebrow and side grin of “is that all the automation u got” to serve as an anchor to remind people of the D-E-A-L principles
    and have jumper powers if…………….. you don’t already 0_o…..

    dude how about the next post be about how to start from 100 dollars and make 10,000, would be a great way to start off the new year by breaking peoples realities and add to your collection on ur awesome blog

    p.s. watched ur “the incredible hulk video” like the part about when u were a kid how you would run into the living room, think i am going to build a sound proof house and just do that every hour or so

    peace out

    Reply
  • Nilesh Shukla
    January 6th, 2011
    2:48 am

    Hey Tim,

    Congratulation for the success of the wonderful book. Hope to read some more marvelous books like this.

    Thanks and Regards,
    Nilesh Shukla

    Reply
  • Jurjen
    January 6th, 2011
    3:47 am

    Congrats Tim ! You deserved it.

    Cheers from Amsterdam, Netherlands.

    Reply
  • rjyoung
    January 6th, 2011
    4:28 am

    Sounds great, unfortunately I have not received mine yet.

    Barnes and Noble post to the uk seems to be cack. Going to be really pissed if they lose the signed one I think I was due.

    Ho hum

    Reply
  • Jonathan Manor
    January 6th, 2011
    5:00 am

    That’s funny, you took a picture of a blackberry.

    Reply
  • Julia Jones
    January 6th, 2011
    6:23 am

    Dude, you have to get your V.A. to update your blog…WHERE ARE YOU??

    Reply
    • Keith
      January 6th, 2011
      9:41 am

      Don’t know where he’s off to?

      I sincerely hope he’s on a two week bender somewhere with palm trees!

      Otra ves! Otra ves!

      Reply
  • Bert
    January 6th, 2011
    7:09 am

    Hey Tim

    Having a paleo background for a while, I’m having a little issue with the binging side of the diet. I really can’t stand concentrated sugar doses in food any more, one Belgian waffle is enough to get me to the point of sickness.
    Anywho, I was wondering if the important thing was to carb load, or to eat relative big amounts of calories? And if overeating on sweet potatoes for example, would be a decent ‘paleo’ version?

    Thanks for the great book!!

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:47 pm

      “Binging” on non-junk food (like sweet potatoes) is totally fine.

      Reply
  • Randal
    January 6th, 2011
    7:21 am

    Ok, so I am doing the AGG three times a day and PAGG at night before bed. And doing the eggs in the morning with black beans (ick). I have a fast question. I love the taste of Pinto Beans. Is this a viable alternative to the black beans and lentils? I know it is on the primary protein sources you mention but every time I see you or others mention the breakfast, it seems that either black beans or lentils come up. Is that a coincidence? Thanks Tim

    Reply
  • Jay
    January 6th, 2011
    9:06 am

    Tim,
    This is my first book of yours and it I great! My question is where are the bonus materials and message boards promised at the end of the book? Congrats on topping the best seller list.

    Reply
  • Michael C
    January 6th, 2011
    11:10 am

    Book is awesome. Love the way it challenges me to think about things more than i love the actual content. Bought 4 hour work week a day after starting 4HB.

    quick question for Tim or anyone with some insight. My buddy and i are doing the diet together and experiementing how it will affect our endurance. We are down 4 pounds in 4 days. We’re competitive cyclists. Rides are ok so far but we are having problems at the 1.5-2hr mark. Usually we are eating clif bars and using GU every hour. 4 hour training rides coming this weekend. What can we eat on the bike that is diet acceptable and jersey pocket friendly.

    Reply
    • Michael C
      January 6th, 2011
      11:23 am

      Edit: but have not been eating GU and Clif products since starting this week.

      Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:38 pm

      Brian MacKenzie’s the guy to ask. I suspect his answer will be Vitargo S2 for the first 4 hours of a session/race. Good luck!

      Reply
  • Eric
    January 6th, 2011
    1:21 pm

    Big Congrats!
    Really appreciated the copies you sent. Very generous. Good karma!
    And it does come around.
    Keep up the great life!
    Eric

    Reply
  • Derek
    January 6th, 2011
    3:33 pm

    Hey, Tim!

    I’ve started the “Geek to Freak” program while teaching English here in Seoul, South Korea. I’m keeping detailed notes, pictures, measurements, journals and video.

    Are you looking for people to share there success, or at least “in progress”, stories with the the rest of the 4 Hour community?

    Let me know. Thanks!

    Reply
  • mark
    January 6th, 2011
    5:23 pm

    Hi Tim
    recieved the book (down under) a few days ago
    and haven’t put it down, great stuff!

    was thinking you might be snorkeling on the barrier reef before
    the oprah shows go to air and Australia is invaded by Tourists

    i was hoping to get some advice from you or
    other 4HB followers in regard to carbs and training for cyclists

    i believe cycling is no 1 growth sport in AUS & europe not sure re USA
    so a follow up E chapter (paid for) to help cyclist would be great

    i am thinking that the advice in the running chapter could also be
    suited for cyclists? in regard to carbs during riding or before ride
    and amount of training

    i have gone straight onto slow carb diet but concerned re enough
    carbs to maintain rides of 80km to 120km x 3 week, also i am now starting to doubt the benefit of Gels, bars, drink consumed on a ride to prevent fatigue?

    any help would be appreciated

    congrats again

    Reply
  • Bendik L
    January 6th, 2011
    5:56 pm

    Keith! I agree with you, I sincerely hope he is in Maui or some tropical paradise. Seems like this was a tough run, the human body needs to recoup itself.

    I second Josh`s suggestion to make a simple case study “How to make 100$ to 10.000$ in x time.”

    -Maybe even a contest? (Tim if you read this. You Could get some really good PR and social media attention doing a contest like this)

    It would be so fun to see all the ways
    people would bend rules and just be creative in their participation.

    Anyone else think this is a good idea or am I just crazy…?

    -Bendik

    Reply
  • RMW
    January 6th, 2011
    6:52 pm

    First off Tim, great, fantastic, awesome book. I’m an instant disciple. Second, started Monday. Also started PAGG. My wife has been complaining about bad breath. Is this from the PAGG regimen? I’ve also read that a low-carb diet can also cause this. Any thoughts or advice?

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:44 pm

      Hi RMW,

      If you’ve slipped into ketosis (you can test your urine with ketosticks), this could explain it. Otherwise, I can’t offer an explanation!

      Best,

      Tim

      Reply
      • RMW
        January 9th, 2011
        8:19 am

        Tim, ketosis is almost certainly the cause. Any suggestions regarding the slow carb diet to combat this? Or, are there perhaps things that I am not doing correctly regarding the SCD that you might recommend? Thanks again Tim! Down 8-10 pounds from week 1 alone!

  • Alberto
    January 6th, 2011
    7:10 pm

    There is a new forum to discuss 4HB at 4hbtalk.com I am considering registering as Tim does not create his own.

    Reply
  • Craig
    January 6th, 2011
    7:28 pm

    Tim, congrats on the success of The 4HB.

    I’m sure you aren’t hoping for thousands of comments asking your advice on diet and performance………but I gotta ask. Is the Slow Carb Diet suitable for endurance athletes?

    Some background: I’m a 42 y.o longtime club racing cyclist, coming back from injury and training for a significant charity ride of 100miles per day for 7 days (at pretty fast pace). I have 15 years of racing in my legs and know limitations and potential pretty well.

    I’m a week into the Slow Carb Diet as i’m trying to drop about 6kg (13 pound) for the ride. (I’m 6ft tall and currently 195 pound – ie above my racing weight). I’ve been following the Slow Carb Diet closely and have also started the PAGG supplements.

    Problem is that I have just returned from a 44 mile training ride that i normally do easily (and regularly) but this time I totally hit the wall. Bonked. Kaput. Legs empty, had to walk the last steep hill (havent done that before…ever). I also emptied my two water bottles much faster than nomal.

    I’ve bonked before (plenty of times) but usually well over 100 miles not 44miles. I can only think that its the diet. Being well versed in the glycogen window from years of endurance racing, I naturally came home and devoured simple carbs to feed the hunger flat.

    So my question is….do you suggest tweaking the diet to allow some carbs around endurance training? I know you have an upcoming report on your distance running that didnt make the book, so i’d be interested how you ate around the training and event.

    Side note: most rides I do are in morning from 6am weekdays or mid morning on weekends, if that helps with advice on food timing.

    Hope you can help to save me the embarrassment of walking bike uphill again.

    Cheers, Craig

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:12 pm

      Craig! Sorry for the delay. I’m 600 comments behind in moderation! Please read the “Ultraendurance II” chapter in 4HB, and be sure to carb-up during or after long sessions with something like Vitargo S2. That should fix the problem. Brian MacKenzie and others are strict Paleo and use such products to compete in 100+ mile races.

      Good luck!

      Tim

      Reply
      • Craig
        January 8th, 2011
        9:52 pm

        600 comments – holy cow!!!! The price of success. Appreciate you responding. Will investigate Vitargo S2, and hopefully find it here in Oz. In the meantime I am adding some easy carbs around my rides but otherwise sticking to the slow carb diet.
        Cheers.

  • Cheryl Jaworski
    January 6th, 2011
    7:40 pm

    Dear Tim,

    Congratulations and thanks for a great book!

    I have a specific question about the running protocols you mention in “Ultra-endurance II: Going from 5K to 50K…”: are the two programs included on pp. 388 and 389 for beginning runners or more seasoned, but lower-caliber ones who are, say, trying to improve their 5K or 10K times? If they’re meant for beginners, I might like to try them.

    Anyway, thanks in advance for answering, if you can. And by the way, I’m on the Slow-Carb Diet and it is coming along nicely!

    Sincerely,
    Cheryl Jaworski
    Graduate student and teaching assistant
    University of California, Santa Barbara
    Department of English

    Reply
  • Jon
    January 6th, 2011
    9:08 pm

    First I’d like to say great book, then I wanted to ask how critical is it that you take the AGG before meals. Is it greatly reduced in efficacy if taken during or immediately after meals.

    Reply
  • Justin
    January 6th, 2011
    10:10 pm

    I love the new book & I’ve already noticed some serious results from the Slow Carb Diet and Boosting Testosterone. I can’t wait to get more into it!

    By the way, I was interested in checking out the additional topics that are at the end of 4HB but I haven’t been able to find it on fourhourbody.com. Could you(or someone) point it out to me? Thanks in advance.

    All the best,

    Justin

    Reply
  • Eddie
    January 6th, 2011
    10:27 pm

    Hey Tim!

    Congrats on all your success. I really enjoyed your “favorite things list” you posted the previous year. Will you give a list of the best products that accentuated your life in 2010?

    The World’s a better place because you’re in it. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Eddie Reece

    Reply
  • David O
    January 7th, 2011
    3:43 am

    I’ve been eating a fair number of these types of meals lately because of the abundance of vegetables and protein.

    Beef and Broccoli, no rice
    Korean BBQ, no rice
    Japanese teriyaki chicken, no rice

    But the marinades and sauces no doubt have small amounts of sugar in them (because almost everything has sugar in it!). Enough to make my insulin spike, do you think?

    Or enough to make it spike enough to significantly hinder my fat loss?

    Your thoughts on these types of meals and the potential harm of very small portions of sugar intake would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:30 pm

      Hi David,

      These sauces could very well spike insulin levels, but I’d simply track your body composition and adjust as needed.

      Tracking is key.

      Good luck!

      Tim

      Reply
      • David O
        January 9th, 2011
        4:10 pm

        Thank you so much for taking the time, Tim!

  • Ben Shore
    January 7th, 2011
    8:19 am

    Hey Tim,

    Love the new book. I’m looking forward to my new six pack.

    Also, thank you for helping me change my life. I started a dietary supplement company, am outsourcing parts of my life, and am pursuing my dream of worldwide extended travel. Your badass and I am inspired to be badass my self.

    There’s a high carb meal on me waiting in Baltimore next time you come.

    Ben
    CEO

    Reply
  • Sima
    January 7th, 2011
    10:55 am

    YAY I finally got my autographed copy :)
    I bought the book as my small way of supporting your mission to transform people’s belief systems to have a happier life, but I was still moved to read about your generosity towards schools and children, specifically how “if you purchase any supplement from a link in this book, an affiliate commission is sent directly to the nonprofit DonorsChoose.org, which helps public schools in the United States”

    and thanks for making the world a better place.

    S

    PS Oh yeah and thanks for making my world better. Because you definitely have a way with words and a giant heart, I’ve made some new friends and quickly learned so much about business.

    Reply
  • annemoss
    January 7th, 2011
    11:11 am

    That is such great news and a great achievement. Congrats to you –and to Charlie as well since I know how hard he worked on this, too.

    Reply
  • ChrisA
    January 7th, 2011
    11:15 am

    As several others have asked–when will there be a DISCUSSION FORUM for 4HB readers?? It seems like a no brainer to get a forum up and running for people to discuss their progress and results and help each other. Also a side benefit is that you won’t have to respond to so many questions in the comments section :)

    Reply
  • Jay
    January 7th, 2011
    11:58 am

    Tim,
    This is my first book of yours and it is great. My one question is where are the bonus materials and message boards promised at the end of the book? Congrats on topping the bestseller list.

    Reply
  • Dan Dybas
    January 7th, 2011
    12:06 pm

    Hey Tim!

    First off, I just have to say, congratulations on two best-selling books! I’ve read both the 4HWW and 4HB and they’ve changed my views and made my life better in more ways than I can count…

    I’m a 24 year old author/internet entrepreneur/personal trainer/world traveler/human extraordinaire ;) and I’ve decided to get up the courage to test my assumptions and see if I can contact someone who is doing exactly what I want to do.

    My question for you is: What has been the happiest time of your life, and if you had to attribute one action to getting you to your happiest moment, what would it be?

    Thanks! I look forward to hearing back from you! :)

    - Dan

    Reply
  • Jon
    January 7th, 2011
    12:54 pm

    For the life of me, I can’t seem to get any of my comments posted. For a while, it says “awaiting approval by moderator” then it just disappears forever. Pretty frustrating when you spend 20 minutes on a well-thought out comment. Can a moderator or somebody please address this?

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:24 pm

      Replied to both just now. 600 comments pending! Just takes a while sometimes… :)

      Reply
  • Chad
    January 7th, 2011
    1:02 pm

    Congrats!!

    Reply
  • Sarah
    January 7th, 2011
    1:42 pm

    My husband is a cardiologist with a small weight loss program in his office to help his patients. The number one thing most of them can do to help their health is to lose weight.

    I read nearly all your book right away, but am now having to stop to help develop broad “protocols” for the “biggest loser contest” we are inviting the hospital staff to join. For those who want it, we are offering your book, and are quick training our staff in the basic protocols so they can coach this group through the eight weeks.

    Basically, we are conducting our own little “study” to see how well your program does for the patients and other people in our care who would like to try it. (There may be reasons it’s not appropriate for certain patients.) As you stated in the book, just the act of tracking ANYTHING helps people lose weight, and there are several successful programs available. But it would be great to follow the MED approach and get the most results for the least effort. We’ll test that out as a group, if my husband approves after finishing the book.

    My husband has not read as much of the book as I have yet. He’s reading it more slowly and evaluating the science. So far, you check out nicely.

    It would be very helpful to have your slow carb cookbook to sell, even in e-book form. That will be one of the biggest challenges for us and for the group when we start in a couple of weeks — figuring out enough meals that they can start with and then go from there.

    By the way, I love all the cool “gifts” coming in the mail for the 30 book package. If I remember correctly, we were to receive some digital gifts as well? If so, I don’t know how to access them.

    Thanks, Tim. You’re a good thinker.

    Reply
  • SDB
    January 7th, 2011
    1:43 pm

    Hey, Awesome

    Bought a total of 5 copies. A hardback, the Audio CD, the Kindle, and two hardbacks as gifts.

    My girlfriend and I have been doing it since Monday, so tomorrow is the first cheat day – according to the scales we’re averaging a little under a pound a day of weight loss – remarkable.

    Quick question – SO SICK OF BEANS! Do garden peas count?

    Thanks for a great book.

    Reply
  • SunDevil
    January 7th, 2011
    6:02 pm

    Just opened my new Issue of Backpack and on page 7 the editor Jon Dorn describes his recent VO2 Max testing in which his Dr says “you’ve been training too hard, if you spent more time at low thresholds, at the heart rates you get while hiking, backpacking and moderate cycling, you could significantly improve your endurance and speed…”

    further support for Minimum Effective Dose?

    Reply
  • Kristen
    January 7th, 2011
    8:24 pm

    Congrats Tim! Thank you for your book, just finished Fundamentals and Ground Zero and I am recommending it to all my friends!

    Question – I really want to start food blogging, but I noticed eat.ly is no longer available (http://techcrunch.com/2010/12/16/foodspotting-swallows-food-sharing-community-eat-ly/) and has been aquired by Foodspotting – do you (or your assistants :) ) recommend this website? I am wary to sign up because it seems like it is more about finding good food then blogging what you eat.

    Thanks Again!

    Reply
  • Kris
    January 8th, 2011
    12:43 am

    I’ve been reading your book and find it super interesting. I have followed a similar diet over the past years, have tried weekly binging, so a lot of your ideas resonate with my experience.

    So, about your chapter on sleep hacking. Very interesting. Especially the part about how you reserve the “Uberman” sleeping (only 2 hours in 24 hrs) for “emergency deadlines only”.

    That means you would stay awake 22 out of 24 hours. That’s like 154 hours a week. Which gives you like 150 hrs of leisure time, and 4 hours of working per week.

    You haven’t abandoned the four hour work week, have you?

    Reply
  • Ann
    January 8th, 2011
    1:39 am

    Hi Tim (and others)

    I read the relevant chapters of the book to shed fat. Will be starting the Slow Carb diet on Monday.

    I’ve got a quick question: Is it okay to use whey isolate protein powder (no sweetners added) to meet protein requirements, especially for breakfast? I know dairy is not allowed except for cream (in coffee) and cottage cheese. Wanted to check to be sure.

    It is very inspiring to read of people’s success using the diet to loose fat.

    Thanks and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  • Craig
    January 8th, 2011
    2:44 am

    Tim, I’m confused. I posted a friendly, legit question about the slow carb diet for endurance training after totally hitting wall on a training ride and the question doesn’t seemed to have survived moderation. Keen for some feedback.

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:10 pm

      Not to worry, man. I’m just 600 comments behind on moderation! I’ll get to it tonight…

      Tim

      Reply
  • Anon
    January 8th, 2011
    8:00 am

    Where might one find this bonus material described in the book?

    Happy hiatus — but don’t let your blog stagnate.

    Reply
  • Allan - The Skeptic
    January 8th, 2011
    8:25 am

    Skeptical To The Extreme.

    OK so i’m a fat lad. I have always been pretty much overweight but managed to ascend to the dizzy heights of hitting almost 300pounds recently. Well done me. If I had any sense of control or responsibility or self esteem I wouldn’t have ever let this happen. Especially considering I have a beautiful wife who looks after herself. Anyway I run marathons. Well run is a lie, I struggle through them, 3 so far, and its murder the entire 26 miles because I am wobbling around killing my joints, but its exercise and it makes my wife happy. All I want to do is to finish a marathon in a respectable time and not feel everyone looking at me thinking, really?.
    I want to enjoy life so I bought the book. I dont believe it works and expect it to end up as a step on the floor within a few weeks to allow me to reach further back in the cupboard and find some more cookies. I hope it does work, but it probably wont-diets never work. In the last week I followed the book, the diet bit, not the exercise bit, to the letter. Down 10pounds, either the scale is broken or the lard seeping out of my eyes is blinding the figures, diets dont work so Mr Ferris must have got lucky with his first week!! 1-0 to Tim, but I am sure it wont work next week and the score will level out. About to binge and try and set a new record for 1 day human weight gain. Then I expect it all to go wrong, but I am going to continue to stick to this, to the letter. Even ordered a kettle bell. See how skeptical I am. Hopefully my fat fingers will be able to respond next week with good news….but I doubt it. Cheers and good luck to everyone who tries this, if nothing else I have had a good week and feel a lot better, but still skeptical. The fat fairy is lurking behind every corner.

    Reply
  • Nicki
    January 8th, 2011
    9:34 am

    Hey, Tim, I think WE need to be thanking YOU! I just finished the first week of the Slow-Carb diet, and I have RESULTS! I didn’t manage to follow it to the letter, but I did a decent job after having a completely crap diet for so long. I’m psyched to be able to do better next week, now that I know where my weaknesses are.

    So – THANK YOU – for putting this together for all of us to enjoy. I can’t wait for week two!

    Reply
  • Thomas
    January 8th, 2011
    10:42 am

    Hey Tim,

    I love your book. You speak out what bodybuilders know since a long time.
    You bring it to a point and I totally agree with you.

    Thanks very much for your book.

    Regards form a bodybuilder from Germany

    Alles mit Maß und Ziel :-)

    Thomas

    Reply
  • N N
    January 8th, 2011
    11:13 am

    Tim,

    Any advice on face/skin care for men/women getting older and looking to avoid wrinkles and smooth skin for later in life? Multi-Billion dollar industry there.

    Thanks ninja.

    Reply
  • Slappy!
    January 8th, 2011
    2:19 pm

    My comment about your blog inactivity being “stagnant” was filtered? Do you pay the VAs overtime?

    Great book, I’ve read them both twice-over. From an MD with little time, that’s a compliment.

    Awaiting your return with bated breath,
    Slappy

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:05 pm

      Not filtered! Just 600 comments “pending” — I’m a bit behind on comments :)

      Best,

      Tim

      Reply
  • Calissa
    January 8th, 2011
    3:35 pm

    Tim — or anyone else reading the comments,

    Will there be a forum or is there one based on the new book? I’ve read the book and I have a handful of questions. (Condiments allowed? Adding ginger to stir fry veggies? Viewing how others handled their weight loss or muscle gain and being able to compare results?)

    If there’s a place now that’s available for this, I’d love to see it. Thanks!

    Reply
  • bookfraud
    January 8th, 2011
    4:41 pm

    Any word about the reviewer who said your book “reads as if The New England Journal of Medicine had been hijacked by the editors of the Sky Mall catalog”?

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 8th, 2011
      8:04 pm

      Just a writer who’s good at crafting humor pieces, best I can tell. Pretty funny article.

      Reply
  • Zac Weiss
    January 8th, 2011
    5:18 pm

    So I got my book in the mail yesterday.
    I’ve done nothing but read it since – and I’m in the middle of finals in school (!)
    I’m struggling trying to keep up with the advice I want to read up on or try for myself.
    And yes, as others said, I find this book is definitely more valuable as a whole rather than as a “buffet,” even when the chapter titles don’t fit my personal goals. The amount of info crammed in here, the number of your sources I want to check out… It all comes together in the end, even if it is a little overwhelming. What it needs is several read-throughs, more than selective reading.
    Congratulations on the top spot; I’m a little baffled you’ve managed it, but you’re definitely the most deserving of the bunch.

    Reply
  • Zac Weiss
    January 8th, 2011
    5:29 pm

    Oh, and one little mistake I caught: p.187, in the footnote, you wrote about a “yolk-like” harness, instead of “yoke-like.”
    With all the talk of eggs in the book I stalled for a minute, wondering if I wasn’t missing some bizarre, arcane meaning for this…

    Reply
  • Aaron
    January 8th, 2011
    7:28 pm

    Tim,

    For the second time you have changed my life. Just as with the 4HWW the 4HB is great stuff. I apologize if you have mentioned this in previous posts, but I think I have read them all and I still cannot locate the PDF docs. Can you help me?

    Reply
  • Peter Lopez
    January 8th, 2011
    8:24 pm

    Hey Tim,

    Glad to see you back. Big Fan!!

    I am on it, but have only lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I just purchased PAGG today so I’ll see if it helps. I had left a comment a while back asking if it is OK to have 2 little packets of equal (sweetener) a day as I hate unsweetened coffee and I cannot completely quit. Although I am down to less that one cup a day when I used to have 3 to 5 a day.

    Is that little equal really that bad for me?

    That is the only thing I am not doing right,

    Please respond

    Thanks a lot for all your wisdom

    Peter

    Reply
    • Deepak
      January 20th, 2011
      3:07 am

      Man I think the sweetner might be letting you down. I have been on slow carb with no exercise for 325 weeks now. First week 2.5 loss after this was when I was taking no sweetners. second week i started taking them and only g0t off 0.5 kilos so I decided to get off the stuff and it has only been half a week so fat and I have already gone down 2 kilos.

      Get off the sweet stuff.

      Reply
    • Chris
      January 20th, 2011
      8:39 pm

      If you don’t like unsweetened coffee can I suggest a coffee that has less residual bitterness? Several from the Ka’u region of Hawaii tend to have little bitterness and can be drank unsweetened easier. Grant it, they are expensive by about 10 bucks a pound but given that most people spend 12 bucks on a bottle of wine they drink in one night, $25 for coffee that will last you two weeks is not that bad. OF course… I am biased cause I sell the stuff!

      Reply
  • Viara
    January 9th, 2011
    1:04 am

    Hi Tim!
    Congratulations on your success! The book is really amazing, the thing I like the most is that you have measured everything and you know what deficiencies you might have (calc, potassium etc). I have started following it for 2 weeks now and I have lost around 5 kg. I just had my official cheat day and I feel so bloated, like I ate too much crap today. So I was wondering if eating oat/wheat bran is allowed? You can use only 2-3 table spoons a day and they have a lot of fiber and help clean the bowels.
    Thanks!
    Viara

    Reply
  • Jay
    January 9th, 2011
    2:07 am

    Tim, I’ve started to follow the supplements mentioned in the book. I also would like to know what you think about this chart.
    http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/play/snake-oil-supplements/

    I’m particularly curious about the position of ALA and garlic in the link above.

    Thanks,
    Jay

    Reply
    • Collin
      January 20th, 2011
      11:57 pm

      I’ve seen that chart before too Jay. It’s been my go-to resource when a supplement pops up in conversation. I’d be curious to know what you think too, Tim.

      Thanks!

      Reply
  • Simon
    January 9th, 2011
    2:27 am

    Wow from the UK.

    Yesterday was first our (girlfriend and I) first cheat day. It knocked us for six! Both in bed feeling terrible by about 10pm. Shakes, high heart rate, sickness, terrible mood swings.

    Got up this morning to a omelete and homemade baked beans, and the relief is incredible! Thought I would find it hard to stick it, but actually, I’m starting to wonder how I’m going to get through my next cheat day!

    Just goes to show how bad high-carb food is for you.

    Started last Monday, and so far I’ve lost 5lbs and the girlfriend has lost 3lbs. I haven’t been hungry (apart from yesterday) for a week, and have more energy than I can remember.

    Two quesitons if you have time :

    1) My weight this morning (Sunday) was the same as yesterday morning (cheat day), and I ate like a pig. I didn’t drink a lot of water yesterday, could this be the reason?

    2) Apologies this is from an earlier question incase you missed it. Are peas ok as a substitute for beans? I’d love to eat plates and plates of meat and green veg, but the beans / lentils are starting to wear thin!

    Thanks for both your books, which have both been outstanding.

    Simon

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 9th, 2011
      10:09 am

      Hi Simon,

      Thanks for the comment.

      1. Yes, lower water intake could be the reason.
      2. Peas would be worst-case. See if you find different beans or legumes for variety, if possible.

      Good luck!

      Tim

      Reply
      • Simon
        January 9th, 2011
        11:18 am

        Thanks Tim, appreciate you taking the time to reply.

        We’ll suck it up and stick with beans!

  • Robyn
    January 9th, 2011
    9:25 am

    I’ve been a slow-carb flirt since September. I gave birth to twins last year and lost most of the weight fairly easy, except for that last 15 lbs that I packed back on after returning to work (my activity levels plummeted while access to terrible food increased). I’d say about 60-70% of my meals are now oriented in the slow-carb direction and I’ve lost every bit I had gained, kept it off and still losing more in proportion to my slow-carb intake. The only formal excercise I’ve done in the past two years was a 5K to celebrate my 34th birthday. No training, no time — baby twins remember? Anyway, it works! P.S. It’s really friendly to a busy parent who needs to eat on the run. Simple food, more time to live and play with family.

    Reply
  • Swint
    January 9th, 2011
    11:24 am

    Way to rock, Tim!

    Reply
  • Cobb
    January 9th, 2011
    12:11 pm

    Congrats Tim the new book is awesome!! Your last book changed my life and really gave me a new focus on how I live my life…..Thank You!!!

    Reply
  • Imt
    January 9th, 2011
    12:35 pm

    Hi Tim…is it ok to have whey protien shake with breakfast and during the day with the slow carb diet? Regards

    Reply
    • Laura Cox
      January 19th, 2011
      9:50 pm

      If you’re doing the weight training as outlined in the Occam’s chapter, then yes, you should be having 1/2 shake in the morning and 1/2 before bed. If not, then you can have one made with water and not milk to supplement your protein. Many protein shakes have artificial sweeteners though, which stall fat loss, so try to keep it at a minimum. If you must, try to find one with aspartame rather than sucralose.

      Reply
  • Damon Brown
    January 9th, 2011
    4:46 pm

    Does this look right?
    I am 6’1″ 350lbs and my goal is to loose Fat (duh).

    Slow-Carb day

    7:30am Wake-up
    Calcium pills 400mg
    500ml Ice Water (17oz)
    Cold Shower 10-15minutes

    7:50am (10 minutes prior to Breakfast)
    Wall presses 30-50
    Chest Pulls 30-50
    Air Squats 30-50
    AGG
    Sauerkraut 5 fork full’s Prior to breakfast

    8:00 AM Breakfast within 1 hour Preferably 30min
    2 whole eggs 2 egg whites w/Salsa
    1 cup spinach
    1 cup Black beans Coffee w/ Cinnamon
    Potassium 99mg

    11:50 AM (10minutes prior to Lunch)
    30-50 Wall presses
    30-50 Chest Pulls
    30-50 Air Squats
    AGG

    12:00 PM Lunch 2 (Small, 1 Big) chicken breasts
    1 cup black beans
    1 cup mixed Vegetables
    Sauerkraut
    Potassium 99mg or avocado

    3:50 PM (10minutes prior to small lunch)
    30-50 Wall presses
    30-50 Chest Pulls
    30-50 Air Squats

    4:00 PM Smaller lunch
    1 small chicken breast
    1 cup black beans
    1cup vegetables
    Sauerkraut
    Potassium 99mg or avocado

    7:50 PM (10minutes prior to Dinner)
    30-50 Wall presses
    30-50 Chest Pulls
    30-50 Air Squats
    AGG

    8:00 PM Dinner
    Grass fed 10oz steak
    1 cup lentils
    1 cup mixed vegetables
    Sauerkraut
    Potassium 99mg or avocado

    9:00 PM 1-2 glasses dry red wine (opt)

    Prior to Bed
    500mg Magnesium
    PAGG
    10-15 minute Cold Shower

    Reply
    • Laura Cox
      January 19th, 2011
      9:59 pm

      The diet is great but the exercise part you describe is only for cheat day. You wrote at the top ‘Slow carb day’, did you mean to say cheat day? Regardless, you’re mixing slow-carb days and cheat day together. What you want to do is eat that exact diet every day of the week EXCEPT cheat day and exercise around 7 or 8pm for 30 minutes 2-3 times per week using max reps.
      On your cheat day you’d do the squats/wall press exercises 30 mins before and 90mins after you eat. And the food on cheat day would be a slow-carb breakfast, and then anything you want for lunch and dinner.

      Reply
  • Kane Spooner
    January 9th, 2011
    4:58 pm

    Hi Tim,
    I purchased a copy of The 4-hour Body months ago in advance of its release, in response to one of your blog posts. It has now been a month since it’s release and I still have not received my copy from Barnes & Noble. Nor have I had any personal response to my enquiry about its slow arrival. This is very disappointing as I have been very keen to get my hands on your new book. Barnes & Noble is not a company I would usually deal with. Had I simply purchased a copy from a local retailer, I would have had my copy much quicker.

    Reply
  • Kevin
    January 9th, 2011
    5:49 pm

    Cheat day is a great idea. The difference between “Never eat that again,” and “Eat that next Saturday” is immeasurable

    Reply
  • Jordan
    January 9th, 2011
    7:00 pm

    Hi Tim, I have started the slow carb aspect and am using PAGG aswell. During your Geek to Freak portion you used BSN No.-xplode which is one of my favourite products. Do you see any reason why I couldn’t use no-explode,cellmass and perhaps BSN nitrix during the slow carb diet?

    Reply
  • Q. Jones
    January 9th, 2011
    11:50 pm

    Yes, Kevin is right. Cheat Day is pure genius. I spent my first week having no problem ignoring the crap people were eating around me. I’d just zip lock a Krispy Kreme or swear I’ll catch up on that bowl of ice cream Saturday.

    Cool thing is I didn’t desire half of what I had lined up in my head once Saturday came. And that donut tasted much better in my head than it did in my mouth.

    Reply
  • Cole Morgan
    January 10th, 2011
    7:00 am

    Hey Tim,

    I love to have my desktop background set to what I’m focused on currently so I made this 4HB wallpaper for anyone who like to do the same.

    (I sent it to Charlie first to ask if I could share and he said as long as I don’t sell it I’m good. Don’t want lawyers chasing me down…)

    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11211203/4HB_Desktop1680x1050.jpg

    Cheers

    Reply
  • Kate
    January 10th, 2011
    8:19 am

    Four Hour Body Fans & Weight Losers,

    This is probably me just be overly anxious about seeing results but I had a nerve racking first week. I should learn to be more patient but I just wanted to know if this sounded normal to anyone else.

    I started four hour body last week and I love it! I started on a Monday and by Saturday morning I was down 6lbs. I had the 3 minute breakfast on Saturday and small portions of cheat meals for lunch and dinner (along with two glasses of the white wine I missed). I was afraid to go all out and cheat, but I knew that if I didn’t have a Saturday cheat to look forward to I would give up.

    I weighed in today at a 4 pound loss (which made me miss those other two pounds). Should I be eating less of the foods I want on cheat day or is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this. I am going to stick with this diet either way b/c I feel more alert and I am getting more done during the day.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  • Johnteach
    January 10th, 2011
    11:53 am

    Hey everyone,

    I love the slow carb diet my body fat is low but I need to put on some muscle (keep getting the “you’re too skinny” comment – I have a skinny frame). I am starting the geek to freak workout (occam’s protocol) in regards to the diet I am following the slow carb diet with the addition of brown rice as stated in the book. I am trying to minimize fat gain. Should I stay away from the cheat day?

    If Tim or anyone could give me some advice from their own experience that would be great!

    Thanks for everything Tim!

    Reply
  • Peter
    January 10th, 2011
    12:47 pm

    Hi Tim, I loved the book. Two questions about the Slow-Carb Diet:

    1. In the FAQ chapter you reference “no dairy” but I didn’t see that anywhere in the 5 rules. (Milk is white but not a ‘carb’ exactly, right?) And elsewhere you refer to butter, ghee, cheese (on the chipotle diet), etc. What’s the general rule for dairy?

    2. I assume anything containing sugar is forbidden by rule 1?

    Reply
  • Dimos
    January 10th, 2011
    4:52 pm

    Hi Tim

    Firstly congratulations on your success!

    I just bought both your books and currently reading the 4 hour Work Week.

    While it has been real eye popping experience, exposing me to all things i didn’t know even existed, one thing i am little disappointed…

    I am not sure if you are aware of this:

    Some of your excerises/Q and A sections suggests I contact soemone via phone. I could not do that as i am deaf. Would an email be sufficent? However there’s a downside: the volume of the emails the person may receive and may miss my email. I have a couple in mind i would like to contact here in Australia. Do you have any tips or suggestions on that score?

    Like many people, while you have good intentions to help out the public, I felt you hadn’t account for some deaf readers who may want to try your books as well as audio or mpg files you may have but with no transcripts available.

    I am not saying this to make you feel bad or anything like that I just felt I need to bring this up to your attention and I hope you can understand and may keep this in mind in the future.

    In any case, I am determined this will not stop me from going ahead and try your tips from both books.

    Thanks again Tim

    Dimos

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 10th, 2011
      11:29 pm

      Hi Dimos,

      I’m very sorry to learn of this. Can you please give me an example of a phone call I recommend? I just don’t recall any offhand.

      Best,

      Tim

      Reply
  • Ted
    January 10th, 2011
    5:44 pm

    Thank you! Awesome book. I pre-ordered for my kindle, and it was worth the wait.

    Reply
  • Tadhg
    January 10th, 2011
    8:47 pm

    Tim, congratulations on your success. I have just one question.

    Are you sure one can check Vitamin D levels with a saliva-based test? Google seems to disagree, and the link on your “gear” page sends me to a blood spot test.

    Thanks for reading, and congrats again.

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 10th, 2011
      11:22 pm

      Blood is better, but I’m pretty sure there’s a saliva-based (but more error-prone) test. I could be wrong. I know such tests exist for testosterone and cortisol.

      Reply
  • Chris
    January 10th, 2011
    11:15 pm

    Hi Tim,
    So amped to read the book but it’s not available in the kindle store for South Africa. The book even quotes “from Silicon Valley to South Africa” ;) The 4 hour work week is available in the SA store. Please can you help out?

    Reply
  • Claudie
    January 11th, 2011
    11:13 am

    I’m happy to hear about your book hitting number one… just waiting to see some results before I recommend it to everyone I know! It’s only day two… only looking forward to cheat day because I wil not have to ingest one single legume!!!! Forcing myself to eat lunch right now because I am not hungry but it’s been 4 hours. Hope a forum comes up soon because I have lots of recipes to share and I love to hear about other people’s success stories… and I reiterate, Tim, please start obsessing about skin care so you can share the same type of cool advice about anti ageing in an upcoming book… we all want to look great while we rock our four hour body for years to come…

    Reply
  • Claudie
    January 11th, 2011
    11:18 am

    …I just know dudes care just as much about sagging skin as we ladies do(!)

    Reply
  • Jason Inay
    January 11th, 2011
    11:22 am

    Hey Claudie,

    You are so right!

    Reply
  • Abbie Huxley
    January 11th, 2011
    11:26 am

    Lovin’ the book but some of the links to supplements etc are going to the wrong url. Usually it’s close (lightly caffeinated green tea extract vs decaf) but sometimes it’s not exactly what you said you used in the book. Good example is the garlic. According to your book this is where your url should point:

    http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1457

    I went on the slow carb diet for a week and a half and felt that I wasn’t getting anywhere. Measuring 2 inches below the top of my belly button had shown no progress after a week and a half. Plus lots of gas and inconsistent bowel movements.

    In the past I’d eaten a bowl of a 1/2 cup of plain oatmeal with butter/salt/ and either agave syrup, honey or xylitol as a sweetener and been very consistent for years.

    So I skipped to the “The Final 5-10 lbs” portion of the book and went on all protein and veggies and lost a quarter inch in my waist measurement in 2 days.

    Also started “Occam’s protocol I” and I’m gonna stick with that until I recomposition at least an inch off my waist. I’m probably not eating enough for serious muscle mass gains but I am eating a ton of protein and veggies and a 1/2 cup to a cup of almonds/day and I feel better sans beans.

    I’ve also been doing the “GG” part of the “PAGG” stack and I’m consulting my physician about the P and A portions because I’m on some medications that could be a conflict.

    I have a horrendous sweet tooth but I’m also very good at self discipline if I just know what to do and if it took $10 in the Kindle store to get me to realize that protein+veggies will shed some fat then it’s totally worth it.

    This last monday will be the beginning of the 1st full week of proteins/veggies only so I’ll update in a week or 2 but I’m expecting to lose some inches in my waist.

    Also I’ve been on the Super Cissus RX for a little over 2 weeks and at the very least my left knee (which has been mildly injured since the mid-Oct of last year) feels better but that could be due to the fact that it’s been 12 weeks. Or a placebo effect. But it felt like it was making such slow progress (and it felt that it didn’t take much exercise to put it back to the way that it felt when I first injured it) that I was surprised when it felt better with a few days of taking 2.4 mg of Super Cissus RX Daily 3x daily.

    Reply
  • Audra
    January 11th, 2011
    12:21 pm

    Tim,

    Is Xylitol acceptable on 4HB? It wasn’t specifically mentioned in the book so I wasn’t sure if it fell in the same category as artificial sweeteners. I was under the impression that Xylitol is processed differently by the body since it is a “natural” sweetener and doesn’t cause insulin spikes. True?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 11th, 2011
      5:11 pm

      I would avoid sugar alcohols like xylitol when possible.

      Reply
      • Anthony
        January 20th, 2011
        7:47 pm

        Tim, I am vegan.

        Xylitol is in my Pea protein shakes, that I consume three times a day. It is the only source of high protein I can find that is not full of sugar or dairy.

        Here is the link to it’s Nutritional Facts:

        http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=OL-1039#tab2

        Help a brotha’ out with his protein source. Are you saying I should stop my pea protein shakes because of the sugar alcohol? That would mean I’d have to eat an INSANE amount of food each day to get to your recommended daily protein quota.

        Any vegan alternatives? I checked your appendix for those protein shakes but they have more sugar than the one I am using now.

        Love, Anthony

      • Tim Ferriss
        January 21st, 2011
        5:06 pm

        It’s all a trade-off. Just do the best you can.

  • Ann
    January 11th, 2011
    5:38 pm

    Hi Tim

    Congrats on the book. I wanted to check if it’s okay to supplement protein intake with whey protein isolate powder. I use the pure, unsweetened variety and like to put a few teaspoonfuls in my coffee as I am worried that I may not be getting enough protein through food. Sometimes I am so full eating so much meat and beans at meals.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  • Sunny
    January 11th, 2011
    6:36 pm

    Tim,

    A good friend recently commented on my life. The exciting things I’m doing within and the perhaps more exciting potential of my future.

    After wiping the school-boy grin off my face, I realized your hand, albeit indirectly, played a considerable role in the direction I’m heading toward.

    I wrote an article on my website discussing your impact on people, myself included.

    If you’re so moved to, I’d be thrilled if you read it.

    You can find it here: http://www.newrichproject.com/post/2705262835/more-money-bigger-muscles-better-sex-the-tim-ferriss‘

    I would have e-mailed it, but it seems you check blog comments more.

    If not, no worries. I have something of a talent for reaching out and connecting with people, so I’m sure our paths will cross at some point.

    Best of luck with the book.

    Sunny

    Reply
  • Jennifer
    January 11th, 2011
    8:24 pm

    Hi Tim,

    Will you give a “yes” or “no” on stevia…

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 11th, 2011
      9:38 pm

      Here you go: If it’s sweet, I suspect it will spike insulin. No sweets.

      Reply
  • Leo
    January 12th, 2011
    3:43 am

    Great read Tim. Loved it. What about Hair Loss?
    Luckily at 34 I still have most of my hair, but I would like to keep it as long as possible. Can you hack that?

    My suspicions are.Wash Frequency is key. Less wash.

    Women are great at this, they wash their hair every few days. Men don’t seem to do this.

    Look at homeless people. They seem to have more hair than normal people. I am not saying that you should become homeless to grow your hair,but hey, maybe we can learn something from them.

    Second suspicion. Temperature

    What can man do to keep their hair and even regrow them without taking prescription medicine.

    Hope you can help. Thank for another great book.

    Reply
  • MiKo
    January 12th, 2011
    4:52 am

    Tim, [LONG POST WARNING! Questions in the middle, comments at the end]

    first of all thanks and congrats for the new book. I had mildly slow-carbed in the past with some success and I am going to start seriously next monday (I need some days to plan and get used to things). I have a lot of questions, but a few of those are quite critical to get me on the right tracks from the beginning.
    As a European reader (I am Italian and currently living in Finland), I have serious problems setting up my “physical GPS”: I cannot find any place where they do DEXA scans, nor where they have BodPods or BodyMetrix. I have contacted the local BodyMetrix distributor, but the price is completely unaffordable for me (2600 euros PLUS 23% taxes). And I cannot figure out how to even look for calipers measurements in Finnish (though I’ll try harder).
    So I decided to do a complete body composition check (though they use BEI) at the local University before and every month or two and two buy the better scale I can find to get more frequent checks.

    Here are the question:

    1) How the heck are you able to drink 1,5 litres of COLD water in a short time immediately after waking up? I have always been a good water drinker, but I drink such amount of liquid at once only after a football (read it soccer) match or so. I am trying to get used to it, but it leaves me sick for a good 30-40 minutes afterwards; besides, I have to wait much more than 30 minutes before urinating (or am I supposed to hold it on when I wake up until I get on the scale)?

    2) If I have to wait 30 minutes after drinking the water and then measure my bodyfat percentage, how can I have breakfast no later than 30 minutes after waking up?

    3) I think that it is best to weight before drinking water measure bodyfat 30mins afterward. Ma I correct?

    I have also a few comments you may or may not find useful:

    –Concerning Vinegar to help fat loss: I have read this article (http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/vinegar-clinically-proven-to-destroy-fat/) and the related paper some time ago, which seems a bit in contrast with your experience. It could be that it works only for obese people or that you got the timing wrong (the article suggest to drink it AFTER breakfast and dinner)…

    –I have read a lot of time ago (but I really cannot remember where) that what helps getting asleep is not the high or low temperature, but the *cooling process*, which of course can be obtained both with warm and cold bath: in this way the body is tricked into thinking that the sun has set and so it’s time to sleep :). In my own experience, Finnish sauna (which somewhat takes the process to the extreme, exposing yourself first to very high temperature and then to very low ones) is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have, if you are able to stand it. Give it a go ;)

    Thanks again for your great books, and sorry for the long post.

    MB

    Reply
  • Todd
    January 12th, 2011
    5:48 am

    Regarding the slow-carb diet….you state that calorie counting is not needed. I find it hard to believe that I can eat enough meat and veggies to stay full, yet not gain weight.

    To support my suspicions, you state a cheat day is required to “ensure your metabolic rate doesn’t downshift from extended caloric restriction.”

    What caloric restriction??

    Reply
  • KLS
    January 12th, 2011
    6:38 am

    Would you consider doing a 4 Hour Body Recipe Book?

    Reply
  • Diane W
    January 12th, 2011
    7:43 am

    This might have some information on Glycemic value of stevia of worth.
    http://www.glycemicresearchlaboratories.com/ClinicalTestingProtocols.htm

    Reply
  • Imt
    January 12th, 2011
    2:16 pm

    Hi…is it ok to consume baked beans on the slow carb diet? Regards

    Reply
  • Jordan
    January 12th, 2011
    3:25 pm

    was at 80.7KG, got down to 79.1, when upto 79.3 and have been there for 2 days in a row. 79.3kg…seem a little stuck.

    Been using AGG (waiting on the P to arrive), ate nothing low carb protein shakes(optimum nutrition 100% Casien Protein), a optimum nutrition protein bar (1 net carb), steak and refried beans but not getting movement…maybe too much on the refired beans.

    Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Scott
      January 12th, 2011
      4:16 pm

      When I read this. I never saw him count carbs at all – or take shakes at all.

      eat what is in the plan – nothing that can be made white. (so carbs are fine – they are in things – just don’t eat white and don’t worry about counting) and if you follow the plan he said you can eat as much as you want with the only maybe concern salt in some of the beans.

      Plus you really should not be measuring your weight and expecting something everyday. Did you go to the bathroom the same? – Really if you are stuck for weeks that is a different story.

      Reply
  • Alden
    January 12th, 2011
    6:38 pm

    In case anyone needs/wants more confirmation of the facts in the book, check out this article that popped up on Yahoo! tonight:
    http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/15-worst-health-diet-myths

    Among the myths are:
    Too much protein harms your kidneys
    Salt raises blood pressure
    You should eat 3 meals a day

    Reply
  • Dale
    January 13th, 2011
    5:15 am

    Well done Tim

    Reply
  • Bobby
    January 13th, 2011
    8:41 am

    TIm,

    I have read your book 4 hour body and I am following your diet. Trying to lose 20lbs by March 1. I started on Christmas at 189 lbs and got down to 181lbs. After my binge days I would go up to 184lbs but a few days later back to 182-183. I follow pretty close, breakfast 3 eggs and 3 pieces of turkey bacon right when I wake up. Lots of chicken, steak, spinach, lentils, brazil nuts and almonds. 2-3 mugs of green tea. 1-2 glasses of water or seltzer water. The two things I cheat on are in my one mug of coffee everyday I put 2 teaspoons of sugar and cream and I love red wine and a few days a week go over the 2 glass rule. I am working out, 3 40 min runs per week, one 2 hour basketball game per week and 2 days per week upper body weight lifting. I will try to stick to the 2 glass rule on the wine and cut the sugar from my coffee. what else could I be doing? thanks

    Reply
  • Alyssa
    January 13th, 2011
    2:52 pm

    Hi! Another big fan of 4HB here! Only been on the diet about a week and a half and I’m feeling great and seeing results already! Just have a question: Sometimes I just can’t stomach breakfast so quickly in the morning. For whatever reason, it makes me nauseous. I wanted to start drinking a protein shake instead some mornings like your father did. But I’m a little confused..the protein shakes have A LOT of carbs in them and they also contain sugar…how is that OK with the slow carb diet? Is there a certain type of sugar that I’m supposed to look out for? Or a certain type of carb? I don’t want to hurt my results by adding something that I shouldn’t. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Matt
      January 20th, 2011
      10:42 pm

      Hi Alyssa, you can buy low-carb protein powders which have almost zero net carbohydrate – I like to mix with water and cinnamon, tastes quite good.

      Reply
  • Simon
    January 13th, 2011
    3:45 pm

    Tim,
    Awesome book. I knew I had to buy it after reading the four hour work week and I’m glad i did. Actually im a student at UC Santa Barbara and ever since I made it our coffee/medication table book it been an instant hit.
    Weird how many college age males want to read your book……
    Anyways I’m from the eastbay originally and would love to thank you in person some time.
    cheers

    Reply
    • Luke Jackson
      January 14th, 2011
      6:00 am

      Linda….my GF and I had the exact problem except we not only kept to the wine regimen but also took ALL supplements and followed Occam Protocol for weight training to the “T”.

      My thinking is that the high level of CARBS per day from all the beans when eaten in an UNLIMITED fashion are the culprit and the people who report good results are the ones who were eating many more carbs per day and this is a big change.

      Another reason you haven’t heard from others telling of ineffective results is that either these folks don’t report their stall or just give up with the program or the message isn’t posted on the board by Tim or his assistant….

      Reply
      • Linda
        January 16th, 2011
        9:06 pm

        Luke….that makes alot of sense and I thankyou for pointing that out to me. I guess I am too trusting and I just believed this would work according to what alot of people were reporting about their tremendous weight loss. I feel rather disgusted with it all. I know I have gained weight. I feel bloated and I look 7 months pregnant. I look thick and my waist has disappeared. Pants that fit me 2 weeks ago are now snug. I will go back to what I was doing and try something else because this just isn’t working for me even though I followed it exactly except for the wine timing.
        Thanks again.

  • Wade
    January 13th, 2011
    8:52 pm

    I’m into my first week of Slow-Carb. I started out at 205 pounds, looking to get down to 170-180. I’m doing well at avoiding the bad foods, but I’m not sure if I’m getting enough protein.

    Breakfast is usually 4 eggs with some ham mixed in, lunch is leftover meat from the night before with some beans of some sort, and dinner is meat with veggies, normally.

    I’m not sure how to tell if those 2-3 slices of meatloaf, or couple of servings of fish, or whatever are enough protein. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  • Linda
    January 13th, 2011
    10:16 pm

    I have been on the diet for 2 weeks. This Saturday will be my 2nd cheat day. I do not feel like I have lost anything. I do not have a scale but go by how my clothes fit and they do not seem to be any looser, in fact they feel abit more snug. I am following this accordingly. I do not drink wine everyday but when I do I like it more at around 5 pm than at 10pm. I also do not like red wine so I have a white chardonnay. This is the only thing that I do different than what the book says. I exercise in some way everyday but have not done resistance training. Is there a reason for this? Do some people take longer to see results? Can anyone comment on this? I am feeling frustrated and don’t want to quit but don’t want to gain either. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Imt
      January 15th, 2011
      1:08 pm

      Hi…I have been on the slow carb diet for two weeks and have lost about 5 lbs. I have not any exercises in these two weeks. Today is cheat day for me and I have consumed almost 4000 calories so far and bit more to go!
      I will see how the third week goes and then decide whether to carry on with the slow carb or return to my usual healthy eating habits and start training.

      Reply
    • Matt
      January 20th, 2011
      10:50 pm

      Hi Linda,

      Things to keep an eye on:

      - Sugar in sauces, fruits and the like
      - Too much legumes
      - Dairy should be limited

      If you’re not seeing results, try:

      - Monitoring your nutritional intake for a few days, and adjusting if you can see reasons for weight retention
      - Intermittent fasting 1-2 days per week – leangains.com provides a good method for this
      - Increasing your % fat intake – inadequate fat can lead to constipation and general bad health – coconut oil and milk, avocado, salmon, slightly fattier cuts of meat.

      As a final note, I regularly eat 2 meals a day and a snack – breakfast around 8 30am, snack around 3, dinner around 7pm. I find it’s better to eat 2 big meals and a snack each day.

      Reply
  • Jordan
    January 14th, 2011
    3:20 am

    Hi Tim,

    I live in Shanghai, China. I was looking at some Ma la Tang and some Chinese hotpot and its mostly some chile oil, broth, meats and veggies. Obviosuly there many other options to add but as someone who has spent time in China I assume you have had hotpot. Would this fit the diet? What about the chili oil?

    Reply
  • Fredrik
    January 14th, 2011
    6:16 am

    Great book! Thanks’!
    I’m probably going to try most of the stuff myself. First off for me is the slow carb diet.

    Reading through some different blogg-posts (took me hours and hours) I’ve learned that quinoa is a “grain” and therefore no good :).

    But I’m having trouble finding any clues to if my regular casein protein shake before bedtime is ok?

    Anyone with an opinion? Simple Yes/no answer is probably enough. (If “no”, is it Ok when training like Occam’s protocol?)

    I’m really struggling getting more than 45 gram of protein per meal so having a slow digesting casein based protein shake before bed would help me reach the 2 gram/kg protein a day ;) It is less than 10% carbs in it btw.

    Once again, great book!

    /Fredrik

    Reply
  • Katelyn
    January 14th, 2011
    6:46 am

    Tim, you rule.

    Reply
  • tdimitri
    January 14th, 2011
    9:46 am

    Tim, Thanks for your personal quest to hack the body… I’m 12 days in and down 11lbs. so question for you on using CQ from 4HB… you say 2,400mg (3x day) before each meal… I’m heading to Vegas for 5 days and want to limit fat storage. Is there a loading factor to CQ, or do I just start taking it on bad day? Also are there any side effects with CQ?

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      January 17th, 2011
      8:32 pm

      I didn’t find any loading to be necessary. Might not hurt to start the day prior, though, IMHO.

      Reply
  • Selda
    January 14th, 2011
    10:14 am

    Hi Tim! Great Book. I am one of the pre-orderers from Alemania. I have one very important question: Do you have any idea how I can get my hands on the stuff you use in Germany. They dont ship Athletic Greens to Europe and I dont know much about supplements to find something equivalent. Same for a lot of the other things you mention. Any idea! Congrats again on a page turner. Tschüss, Selda

    Reply
  • Justin
    January 14th, 2011
    2:48 pm

    Congrats Tim!

    I think you deserve it. You live what you preach, and you’re in the .001% of people who really change the world.

    Keep at it bro!

    Reply
  • dean woods
    January 15th, 2011
    3:57 am

    HI Tim, Will you make a food section I have been a chef for 15 years pus or maybe a cooking food section I know there are a lot of people who want to share cooking knowledge. PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE ?????!!!!!! I will come cook for a year for you for nothing (well other than room and board)!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not starstruck I like the way way you come across no bullshit, straightforward and in your face MF!

    Reply
    • dean woods
      January 15th, 2011
      3:59 am

      AH DAMN I typed pus instead of plus funkin vodka ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

      Reply
  • Nina
    January 15th, 2011
    5:10 am

    Hi Tim

    I’m loving the book, but I have a question. I am gluten-intolerant, and I was wondering if it were a good idea to binge on gluten-foods on my binge day.

    Also, I missed a female equivalent to the chapter on how to make yourself ‘super-male’, pumping out testosterone and pheromones.

    Nina

    Reply
    • shar
      January 20th, 2011
      8:25 pm

      medically speaking, that’s not a good idea, unless you want to destroy your intestinal lining and give yourself leaky gut syndrome!

      Reply
  • Jackie
    January 15th, 2011
    10:10 am

    Hey, my son gave me your book for Christmas. Very interesting!! However, I must be doing something wrong. I have religiously followed EVERY step in the low carb diet (to lose weight – be in better shape) and am disappointed with the results. Two weeks and only 3 pounds lost. Three inches lost, but not necessarily where I wanted to lose them (the gut).
    I feel STUFFED all the time. I have always eaten a lot of veggies, so the major change for me was eliminating sugars, white, refined carbs, all dairy but cottage cheese, and adding more beans. What am I doing wrong.
    I have even been doing the thermo thing with drinking the cold water and ice packs at night.
    Oh, I am 57 years old, 5 foot 3.5 inches tall, and started at 161 pounds. Very athletic (still play power volleyball and tennis) and have a workout routine (treadmill, free weights, stretching).
    Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • MiKo
      January 22nd, 2011
      1:11 am

      Have you had a look at the bodyfat percentage? Since that you are an active person, it coul very well be that with the higher protein intake you put on some muscle mass…

      Reply
  • Sandra
    January 15th, 2011
    4:53 pm

    Hey Tim, I didn’t know the best way to get this info to you so I’m commenting.

    I noticed a friend of mine, Nina Hartley, is mentioned in 4HB. She is raising money for a surgery for fibroid tumors she’s been suffering from for about 20 years. She’s trying to get to $20k and she’s only to $7k.

    Any possibility you can pass the link around and see if anyone would like to donate? I know you’d prefer not to have links in your comments section so I’m totally cool with this comment being erased.

    http://www.giveforward.com/giveitawayfornina

    Any help would be totally appreciated. Happy Travels!

    Reply
  • Pete Mackenzie
    January 15th, 2011
    9:40 pm

    Tim,

    If you tell me how to get rid of my allergies, I’ll buy both your books.

    –Pete

    (P.S. I guess you’d say it’s hayfever. Pretty blocked up every morning.)

    Reply
    • AmandaS
      January 23rd, 2011
      6:02 pm

      Dealing with allergies:
      Heal the gut by finding out what foods are irritating and inflaming the gut. Do this by: Doing an elimination diet, going to an Applied Kinesiologist (AK).
      Do the GAPS diet, the Body Ecology Diet or the SCD – if the foods you eat on Tim’s SCD do not inflame you. – GET THE FOODS TESTED with an AK.

      Also, check out the Emotional Freedom Technique to help remove allergies that may be related to emotional / trauma issues. Give a go. All the best.

      Reply
      • Pete Mackenzie
        January 23rd, 2011
        9:21 pm

        Thanks Amanda,

        I’ll give it a go!

        –Pete

  • Abbie Huxley
    January 16th, 2011
    12:56 pm

    Just took the AGG stack (incl. 300 mg dose of alpha-lipoic acid) on a stomach which had a 46g protein shake and 1/4 cup of almonds. I’m a 200 lbs, 6’1″ male. About an hour later I’m WOOZY. I think I just figured out what alpha-lipoic acid does the hard way which is yank glucose out of your bloodstream. I think I’ll be taking less ALA or an adequate amount of carbs in the future. No GERD symptoms though.

    Reply
  • Anon
    January 17th, 2011
    9:47 am

    Just tried my first slow-carb breakfast – feel satisfied and energized (going to head to the gym now for some MED exercise). Thank you for writing this book — it’s a joy to read! Keep up the great work.

    Reply
  • Matt L
    January 18th, 2011
    12:39 pm

    Congrats on the achievement Tim. Loved both your books – currently work from home and have done so for a few years, and am writing this in a pair of vibrams – already significant improvement in my plantar fascitis. Looking forward to trying more of the experiments. All the best to you & yours this new year.

    Reply
  • Dustin
    January 18th, 2011
    9:31 pm

    Congrats Tim. Could you please post a Quick Guide to slow carb fast food and frozen food? Looking for any chain fast food hacks you may have picked up and any good frozen entrees for the diet.

    Reply
  • Andrew Hunt
    January 19th, 2011
    7:56 am

    Hey Tim,

    Loving the book. Quick PAGG question: You state 200mg as the dose for Garlic at the start of the chapter but then at the end of the chapter where you list the individual components with links, you list the Vitamin Shoppe Allicin 6000 Garlic with a single tablet dose of 650mg.

    So am I supposed to take 4 x 650mg tablets or am I meant to be sourcing a 200mg tablet version to take 4 times daily?

    Would love it if you could clarify this. Thanks again for a great book.

    Reply
  • ryan King
    January 19th, 2011
    12:27 pm

    Hey Tim, you need to read the Mens Journal, for Feb 2011, pg 72. The “New Diet” is almost exactly what you say in 4HB, but none of the credit. Some nutrition specialist says it was all his idea. Didn’t think this was fair. FYI.

    Loved the book and stay true to true personal self expression.

    Reply
  • Jason
    January 19th, 2011
    12:46 pm

    Hey just wanted to say after 2 weeks im seeing nice progress. The data isn’t as impressive as I’d like, only 10 punds down and maybe 3% body fat. I have maybe lost a total of 5 inches.

    Subjectively my clothes are all fitting loosely. I am not beginning to follow some of the muscle gain and strength gain protocols, not supplements yet. I am a Martial Arts teacher here in the Bay Area, so trying to keep with the 2 30 minute workouts a week might be difficult.

    For those not experiencing results that you’d like, I wonder if you caught the experimentive nature of Tim’s approach. A key NLP presupposition is if you are not getting the results you want change it.. It’s guinea pig time, stop complaining and come up with a solution.

    So far i’ve been subsisting on chicken, black beans, and stir fried veggies. Though Kung Pao Chicken seems to sneak in here and there. Should be adding CQ to the regimen soon too.

    Happy Training

    Jason

    Reply
  • Ryan Rees
    January 20th, 2011
    10:14 am

    So I started the slow carb diet last week and lost 14 lbs in 5 days! Week two seems to be balancing out but I’m enjoying it. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Aerin
    January 20th, 2011
    7:50 pm

    Hi there,

    Waiting for my book to arrive and looking forward to it.

    However, I’m a vegetarian (ovo-lacto). Is there any way I can do this and not eat meat?

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  • Chris
    January 20th, 2011
    7:51 pm

    I’m having great success with the diet. I’ve lost 11.5 lbs. in the last 18 days and am starting to see some definition in my abs. Thanks, Tim, I’m really enjoying your book and it is having a positive impact on my life. But I have a couple of issues that I hope have simple answers.

    1. Back when I was eating yogurt every day with breakfast I was as regular as a Swiss watch, but now? Not so much. It’s not terrible, but was wondering if there was anything to do about it? I’ve started taking probiotics in pill form, but is there anything else I should be doing?

    2. I find that I’m running out of gas or “bonking” as someone else referred to it, when doing high intensity intervals at the gym, particularly after doing a weight workout. I’m only doing about 30 minutes total of cardio, plus one of the workouts mentioned in “Four Hour Body” either Geek-to-Freak, or the Colorado Experiment stuff, or one of the Kiwi worouts.(which takes me 20-25 minutes), and a good solid core workout that lasts about 10 minutes. But today I only managed the weight workout, plus my core work, and then could only do about 10 minutes of cardio after that with limited intensity. I’ve been working out for years and have never experienced this problem before starting this diet. There was a Facebook post that mentioned drinking coconut water while working out, but that is not on the diet (“don’t drink calories”), so what should I do?

    Reply
  • angie
    January 20th, 2011
    7:53 pm

    Is it okay to use benefiber? I always put it in my coffee, plus the addition of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of cream. I would like to ask about hemp protein too, I add that to my beans for extra protein. Any thoughts or comments?
    Just started the program, and am tweating it since I only eat fish and eggs for protein.
    thanks

    Reply
  • john lee
    January 20th, 2011
    7:58 pm

    Tim:
    Got to know about the picture of you above with the hurley stick. I write about irish and irish-americans in media in blogs for IrishCentral .com and Huffington Post.
    Slan,
    John

    Reply
  • lori
    January 20th, 2011
    8:01 pm

    I’ve been heavy all of my life, tried low cal diets and lost weight but always gained it back plus some, always have cravings and recently my doctor recommended weight loss surgery.I do not want to go through surgery! At the same time, I purchased your book and have been on the slow carb diet for a week. I have no cravings! I don’t think miss the junk food! I have lots of energy and am exercising too! I made a profile on Bodybuilder.com for added support and have incrediable motivation. I think I might have found my miracle! Thanks Tim!

    Reply
  • Jake
    January 20th, 2011
    8:37 pm

    Hey Tim,

    Awesome books. I’m just curious if you’ve done any more research on specifically the sweetener aspartame. You mentioned in the book that it hasn’t been proven to raise insulin levels. I have a really difficult time staying away from the no carb monster energy drinks.

    Thanks,
    Jake

    Reply
  • Jed
    January 20th, 2011
    9:07 pm

    @Diane W – There’s no actual stevia data on that site, just a claim that it raises blood suger. Also, it looks like the propaganda site of a lobby.

    I’m also curious if anyone has data about stevia GI/GL data of refined vs. unrefined – I suspect that the refined version does have a more pronounced effect.

    Thoughts?

    Reply
  • Harry
    January 21st, 2011
    6:13 am

    Down 7lbs in five days on slow carbs, stomach is looking flatter already and it’s very easy to stick to. Awesome diet. Will post before/after pics at the end of month one.

    Reply
  • Holly
    January 21st, 2011
    6:27 am

    Congrats! Loved your last book and can’t wait to check out this one.

    Reply
  • tracey
    January 21st, 2011
    7:57 am

    excellent! i’ve read every exercise and diet book on the market that has come out in the last 10 years, and yours is by far the best; you deliver the science and answers in a format that is easy to follow and is extremely entertaining! nothing worse than another dry text book.

    have been on the slow diet and med exercise for 3 weeks. haven’t lost any lbs, but clothes fit much better (yes, must admit i didn’t measure anything else…bad). the interesting thing is that when i added the pagg regiment to the equation, a lot of the fatigue i’ve been battling for months has gone, and my mood has lifted as well. since diabetes gallops through my family, could this be an indication my blood sugar is off?
    congrats and keep them coming!

    Reply
  • Brendon
    January 21st, 2011
    1:04 pm

    Tim,

    Two questions.

    I’ve taken to eating pinto beans and medium salsa, is there any harm in eating this throughout the day as a snack?

    Is adding oil to chicken to cook it bad or should I just bake/broil it and add salsa or something after the fact?

    Also, the cookbook is an AWESOME idea. Can’t wait.

    Reply
    • AmandaS
      January 23rd, 2011
      5:42 pm

      I suggest aiming to use the good oils like extra virgin olive oil, ghee, macadamia oil or virgin unrifined coconut oil.

      Reply
  • Sam
    January 21st, 2011
    7:27 pm

    Hi Tim,

    I’m using Neil’s food schedule because I don’t tend to eat huge meals, but I find the protein bars too disgusting to eat. Can I replace it with additional protein shakes, which I have no difficulty drinking?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  • John
    January 23rd, 2011
    8:37 am

    Interesting couple of weeks on 4HB. In 9 days before cheat day, I dropped 14 lbs. Within 3 days after cheat day, gained all 14 back. Took 7 days after cheat day to get back to pre cheat day weight. Interestingly enough, my bodyfat percentage has gone from 25% to 17.6% and I’ve lost 1.5 inches in my TI and my after pictures are looking good! I can tell my clothes are fitting more loosely. I’m following slow carb and cheat day instructions strictly, doing kettlebells (tbar actually), ab exercises and curl exercises. I think I’m going to try skipping my cheat day this week, adding PAGG/AGG on the regular daily schedule, adding more lemon juice and eating slower. I’m a bit concerned about the large fluctuation I had around cheat day. Any other tweaks or suggestions from 4HBers?

    Reply
    • Teresa
      January 24th, 2011
      12:09 am

      I am in the same boat John! I am a mother of 4 kids – here in North California. I have been slow-carb since the 1st of Jan….only added in cheat days last Sunday and Today. Yes it took me all week to get back to baseline weight after last Sunday, but it was worth it to not feel completely deprived.

      I am not looking to loose a lot more weight, but I have approx 10 more pounds to get me to the size 6 goal. I think I need to try to step up my game somehow to get these last pounds off. My diet right now is:

      Breakfast: coffee with slight cream and 2 Cinsulin tablets, 4 scrambled eggs, a V8, black beans, guac & some veggies from the night before. *sometimes I omit beans and guac*

      Lunch: White chicken breast or lunch meat, salad, leftover veggies (usually blanched broccoli or green beans).

      Dinner: Meat, beans, salad, veggies. (sometimes it’s a chicken veggie bean soup with guac stirred in). Once a week I may have a half a glass of red wine at dinner – but living in Sonoma County, it is sort of a miracle, right??

      I ended all nighttime snacks – only drinking sweet and spicy tea with no sugar or sweetener as my TV time friend. I feel like I am being TOTALLY AWESOME! ;)

      I find the diet constipates me slightly – which is surprising when living on black beans and broccoli! I keep the coffee in there as a laxative! I have lost 6lbs this month, but after a cheat day I am right back to loosing the same weight all over again.

      I saw your note yesterday about waiting 6-8 weeks to see if my body will kick into gear (as again, 4 kids)….but any other advice to kick things up a notch? Do I just have to be patient?? :)

      I have not done the ice bath yet, but I do hot/cold alternating showers – ending cold, I heard this would increase circulation and aid in healing the body. I want to try the ice packs at night during TV time as well.

      I know I did not have to exercise, but I added kettle-bell (Jillian Michael Shred with Weights) and started easy with a 10lb kettle-bell that is kicking my butt a few days per week. Any other recommendations for me?

      Reply
    • John
      January 29th, 2011
      12:19 pm

      Just ending 3 weeks now on 4HB. Results so far: lost 14 lbs, lost 6 inches in TI, lost 7.4% bodyfat. I’m also measuring my WHR which has gone from 1.0 to .96. Cheat day today! Thanks Tim!

      Reply
  • Tami
    January 25th, 2011
    9:48 am

    Is lamb ok to eat on a slow carb diet? Also, I assume all kinds of fish are OK?

    Reply
  • Nathan
    January 26th, 2011
    5:26 am

    Its really good to see success come together, hard work and sticking at things always succeeds, congratulations Tim

    Reply
  • Sam Muthu
    January 26th, 2011
    10:56 am

    Hi Tim
    I purchased your book after reading about you on Techcrunch, I also watched your appearance on the View later on the web. First, hats off to you! Great job on creating this easy to follow movement. I have couple questions and I really appreciate your response.

    1. I am 39 yrs old 5’11″ weighed 161 pounds before starting the low-carb diet, on my first binge day morning I weighed 156 lbs.. yes.. lost 5 pounds without doing any exercise. Most of excess fats are in the belly and neck area.

    2. On the binge day I consumed the following
    * 8:30 AM scrambled egg whites and legumes
    * 9:30 AM half a dozen donuts balls
    * 10:00 AM 24oz can beer
    * 10:30 AM grapefruit juice + espresso
    * 12:30 AM 4 slices of pizza + 3 glasses of red wine
    * 6:00 AM 3 cups of rice + 1 cup of chicken curry +
    2 glasses of red wine + 2 cups of yogurt
    3. From Sunday morning back to low carb diet, here is my weigh-ins after
    Sunday morning – 159 lb (3 pound gain)
    Monday morning – 157.5 lb
    Tuesday morning – 156.9 lb
    Wednesday morning – 157.3

    Not sure, why I am not loosing weight?

    Things I do differently from week1 are..

    1) Instead pure egg whites for breakfast I use Costco real eggs (it says it was made 99% from egg whites)
    2) Eating after 1 hour after woke up from bed instead of 30 mins during my first week.

    Another question I have is, Can I use PAGG during low carb diet?

    Please advise? thanks for your service… Keep rocking man!

    -Sam

    Reply
    • Sam Muthu
      January 28th, 2011
      10:21 am

      Update: I also started PAGG from Wednesday morning (2 week), and here is my weigh ins

      Thursday Morning : 156.2 (pre binge day weight)
      Friday Morning : 155.5

      I am excited but worried about after effects of next binge day which is tomorrow..

      Reply
      • Sam Muthu
        February 2nd, 2011
        10:39 am

        Update: 2nd Binge Day and after

        My weight on the binge day morning : 155 lbs

        No. Item cal Total
        ————————————————————–
        1. Egg white 1 cup – 90 cal – 90
        2. Protein shake 1 can – 110 cal – 200
        3. Almond butter 3 tspn – 300 cal – 500
        4. Espresso – 0 cal
        5. Grapefruit juice – 150 cal – 650
        6. Donuts and pastry – 500 cal – 1150
        7. Corona Extra 24 oz – 300 cal – 1450
        8. Donut 1 – 250 cal – 1700
        9. Orange chicken – 400 cal – 2100
        10. Mutton briyani 2plate – 900 cal – 3000
        11. Red wine – 5 glasses – 500 cal – 3500
        12. 2 idly (Indian pancake) – 160 cal – 3650
        13. Mutton curry – 200 cal -3850
        14. Orange Chicken – 200 cal -4050
        15. chocolate ice cream – 170 cal – 4230

        I know this was too much but I wanted to satiate all my cravings, I maintained muscle contraction though out the day by doing air squats. Sunday morning (day after binge day) I gained only 2.5lbs (total of 157.5 lbs). It took only 3 days to loose all the post binge day weight compare to 4 days during last week. Yes, today is Wednesday and my weight was : 154.5lbs.

        Its working!!… I thought I should share this experience..!!!

        Don’t give up.. keep trying.. Thanks Tim!!!!

        Note: I am also taking PAGG and ordered CQ. This weekend I will be binging for 3 days (Sat, Sun and Monday) in a fun trip. I will update my experience again next week..

        -Sam

  • Bravo
    January 28th, 2011
    6:41 pm

    congratulations Tim!

    have been offline since picking up my copy (and the 4HWW) right when it came out.

    just got back online and was hoping I would see a #1 post somewhere

    also really enjoyed your press work for it as well, great lessons!

    Reply
  • Ben
    January 29th, 2011
    3:40 pm

    Tim I want to thank you so much for introducing me to the slow carb diet. I bought your book just before Christmas, and started the program January 1st. I’m 6’2″, 242lbs, and now I’m 219lbs in less than 30 days. I haven’t started exercising yet, but I have a feeling in order to keep up the progress I’ll need to mix it in in February. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • Abbie Huxley
    January 29th, 2011
    4:26 pm

    Just tried my first ice bath. WOW. I put 44 lbs of ice in the tub filled it up with water and put my foot in and could not believe how uncomfortable this was. I couldn’t leave it in! So I waited several minutes hoping that it would melt off. Put both feet in and stood… still crazy uncomfortable. Waited a bit longer, pulled out half the ice and just decided to go for it and drop my lower half in and I lasted all of 12 seconds. LOL!

    Decided to wait another 10 min or so, dunked my lower half and lasted a 1 minute this time. TOTAL MISERY; only made it thru by thinking about how much my mother loves me. Sounds funny but that’s my goto when I’m in that much pain.

    So I pulled the plug on the water and let it drain and figured this just wasn’t for me and while the water was draining and the ice was melting I thought, “What if I sat in the tub with just enough ice to sparsely cover the bottom of the tub *while* it filled up? And then when it had covered my thighs I would start the clock.”

    And that worked. It was unpleasant but manageable. It took about 6 min for the water to cover my thighs and that’s when I started my 10 min. Grand total of 16 min. I briefly dunked my back down into the tub but it was kind of pain to sit that way in such a small tub and I felt like I’d done enough with it today.

    It takes a few minutes longer but acclimating this way is how I’ll have to do it.

    I think I soaked up some water because my waist measurement swelled a half inch from this morning.

    I’m doing the minimalist’s approach to mass so I’ll probably do this 2x/wk after my workouts and see what happens in regards to weight loss.

    Reply
  • Pete
    January 30th, 2011
    10:54 pm

    Congratulations Mr Ferriss!

    I have to admit, this time last week I’d never heard your name before. This week I am starting a slow carb/muscle gaining diet and ‘reactivating’ languages I thought I’d forgotten. I cannot tell you how inspired I am. You seem to have an unquenchable thirst for answers; thanks for sharing them.

    Pete

    Reply
  • Kim
    February 2nd, 2011
    6:49 am

    Hi

    I’m from the UK just to let you know that my pre-ordered book from Amazon arrived on Saturday 30th January. I had a lovely suprise as I had forgotten that I had ordered it way back when you first published.

    I’m trying really really hard not to start reading it straight away as I’m off to Berlin soon and this would be a great book to read while on holiday.

    Best wishes

    Kim

    Reply
  • Lynne
    February 6th, 2011
    11:13 am

    Just starting the diet and the only thing I’m missing so far is milk in my once a day coffee! Just wondering – if it is the lactose in the milk which is the problem, is it ok to have lactose free milk in which the only ingredients are milk and lactase?

    Reply
  • Marco Paulo T.
    February 7th, 2011
    9:12 am

    Well done Tim! I am extremely happy for your achievements. Thank you for influencing positive change. My wife’s colleagues are so delighted to have read your work. A million thanks!

    Reply
  • Shay Rose
    February 13th, 2011
    3:19 am

    Tim, thank you the effort and energy and the team around you created. I,m up to page 82 and have had so many ah hahs, thanks for being an inspiration, best wishes for future endeavours

    Reply
  • Jennifer Sharaba
    February 13th, 2011
    5:24 pm

    Great book! Awesome writing. Congrats on being #1! I bought 4HB yesterday and read through the minimal reading for rapid fat loss twice. Today is my first day of the slow-carb diet. So far so good:) I have a question though…I usually take my supplements with grapfruit juice to help absorption. Since fruit juice (fructose) is a no-no, what do you recommend I swallow my supplements with? Thanks is advance!

    Reply
  • sandman
    February 24th, 2011
    10:33 am

    I have been dieting for exactly one month today. I unfortunately started with WW online again, as I had some decent short term success with it in the past. However, after two weeks – and devouring tim’s book and also “why we get fat” by Gary Taubes, I quickly saw that counting calories was never going to be the efficient way to long term weight loss. So another 2 weeks of being 90% strict on Tim’s diet – and I’m down exactly 12 lbs, and about 2% bodyfat % which is the equivalent of 9 lbs of pure fat gone of the 12 lbs I’ve lost. I feel like such an idiot that I never fully understood how carbs work on insulin secretion – but something between these two books fnally gave me the ka-pow! moment of clarity and I’m looking forward to seeing the south side of 200lbs really soon for the first time in 10 years. Thanks for the awesome advice and the numerous experiments that got us here. Oh yeah, I ate an entire BIG DIPPER PIZZA HUT Pizza by myself on Sunday.

    Reply
  • Lisa DeLay
    February 27th, 2011
    4:41 pm

    I appreciate your insights into bon viveur, and I was going to get 4HB at a brick and mortar Barnes and Nobles this past Sat, so I could use up a gift card.

    I couldn’t find it anywhere. Any ideas as to why?

    Reply
  • Harmjan
    February 28th, 2011
    5:15 am

    OK, at the end of March we have a family reunion so it would be great to impress the family and become a freak instead of the geek they know for so many years :-) so I am going to take the two 30-min. workouts per week. Lots of time on my hand since I work only 4h per week.

    One question: on page 186 you mention the supplements. I am not an expert at all, do I have to take these every day or only on ‘work out’ days? Thanks!

    Reply
  • Greg Wilson
    February 28th, 2011
    1:12 pm

    Just got the book in eBook form via Google Books and I am really enjoying it so far. My only quandry is it seems like none of the hyperlinks (end notes, embedded, whatever) on any device are working. I don’t mean to use your blog for tech support and am not really looking for a response. Just wanted you to be aware in case you weren’t and couldn’t really find another venue to send this.

    Great job and I am looking forward to seeing what the results look like once I put them in practice.

    Reply
  • MB
    March 7th, 2011
    10:43 am

    I’ve been following the slow carb diet for 3 weeks and although I’ve not been as successful as I was hoping, I have to say that I feel great. I can’t believe how simple it is to follow. I have one question regarding corn-Can we eat it?

    Reply
  • Aurelius Tjin
    March 8th, 2011
    7:34 pm

    I know it’s too late. But, congratulations Tim. You deserved all the success you have now. :D

    Reply
  • Alex Moss
    May 5th, 2011
    3:57 pm

    Hey mate,

    Avid enthusiast since the 4 hour workweek. Have increased my yearly income and achieved significant initial body transformations (22%-17% BF in 5 weeks) simply by first adhering to your tried and tested steps, and then adding my own slants appropriate to myself.

    Just wanted to make sure you realized that The New York Times had your books at 1st and 6th on Feb 27th… That’s brilliant mate. You inspire me.

    I’m loosely adding some nootropics now (Piracetam as a base), to my arsenal of healthy eating, ice baths, kettlebell swings, sleep enhancers, (and internet marketing)… My last hurdle is a minor phobia of needles which is inhibiting my bloodwork being done. Hopefully I can get around that soon…

    Cheers for all the life hacks.

    Reply
  • Trevor
    May 12th, 2011
    4:56 pm

    Hi Tim

    First of all have it has to be said – the 4HB was on the best seller list for a reason. Some results from some of the people i have bought the book for:

    - One of my team – put on 10KG of muscle in about 3 months (with your book and some others) – he is pumped

    - Another of my team’s mother – has lost 25KG as last count and has her life back

    - I got married to the love of my life to comments of “what the f**k have you been doing” after just 6 weeks on the 4HB routine – safe to say i am back on it now we have returned from a month in Mexico, the USA and Bora Bora

    I have a question, and know you are busy checking email 4 hours a week :-)

    My new wife started the 4HB slow carb diet after we returned from our honeymoon. We think it may be having some impact on her moods and general emotional state. She is truly a very aware and stable person. She did have some trouble with low blood sugar and an under active thyroid early in her but with medication, acupuncture and general awareness she has had it all under control. Being on 4hb though she said she feels a little lethargic and her moods have certainly changed.

    I am a massive advocate for what you have done with this book – it will change, check that, save many peoples lives. I believe that so much that i buy it bu the box and give about 10-20 away a month. But i am interested to know if you have any thoughts on what my wife is experiencing?

    Also, i wanted to say thank you for the 4HB and 4WW (another i give away by the box). Between your books and Rework by the boys at 37signals we will all change the world for the better!

    Reply
    • Tim Ferriss
      May 17th, 2011
      6:38 am

      Hi Trevor,

      Thanks so much for the comment and kind words.

      To your wife’s issue, I’m no doctor, but I suspect it’s either:

      1. Insufficient calories. Women often eat only protein and leafy veggies, not consuming enough beans, lentils, etc.

      2. Thyroid related issues. Be sure to have complete blood testing done, looking at free T3 and all the rest.

      3. If she’s taking medication, it could be related to supplements she’s added, so she should experiment with removing the supplements.

      Or some combination of the above.

      If the fatigue continues, please have her see a doctor, but it shouldn’t be an issue unless she has a medical condition.

      Best of luck!

      Tim

      Reply
  • Graham
    November 22nd, 2011
    8:22 pm

    29 pounds in 21 days. Kudos, and thanks.
    243 to 222, 20-30 to go, and no loss of cognitive performance that caused me to abort other diets.

    Reply
  • jim
    November 25th, 2011
    8:57 pm

    Tim,

    Awesome book. I am half way through the audiobook now.

    BTW, you are not a geek as you say in the book. Shed that image, it’s not real! What you are is the first virtual Uber entrepeneur of the 21st century.

    Congrats, you deserve it!

    Reply
  • warren winehole dodge
    December 18th, 2011
    6:06 pm

    Tim

    Thanks for the 4HB, it is transforming my life. I am off meds and lost 25 lbs. I have many questions but one that is looming large is popcorn. I enjoy a nice pinot or malbec with un-buttered popcorn and am not sure if I need to wait for binge day.

    More to follow,

    winehole = a**hole that likes wine

    Happy Holidays

    Reply
  • Jaida Adkisson
    January 6th, 2012
    7:23 am

    I loved your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.

    Reply
  • warren winehole dodge
    February 6th, 2012
    10:43 am

    so sorry but have plans to be in Napa Friday night…….

    Reply
  • James Ray Arnold
    April 26th, 2012
    5:58 pm

    Tim,

    Having read over the past decade “The body sculpting bible for men”, “The 6 week cure for the middle age middle”, and “Clean”, I found your book most compelling and inspiring in that it quickly encompasses and articulates those ideas, and then adds a jet pack to them, and doesn’t stop at that. All of you have in in common: the author as test subject, and I really appreciate to talk being walked. So thanks.

    In Portland, Oregon we have tons of healthy protein and vegetable options, so my diet is easy and delicious.
    I may be splitting hairs, but I would like to know if one should be concerned about grass fed bacon that has been soaked in brown sugar or maple syrup, or the apple or apple juice used in apple smoke sausages, or even the cane sugar in the organic catsup?

    Thanks, and we look forward to the obsession..

    Reply

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