Brenda Khan
In 2019, Jennifer Lopez, also known as JLo, and her then-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez, aka A-Rod, took on a 10-day no-sugar, no-carb diet challenge. The couple, known for their fit physiques, challenged other celebrities, including Hoda Kotb, to join them in the extreme diet. The challenge, created by Rodriguez's trainer Dodd Romero, was inspired by a story in the Bible where the prophet Daniel fasted by eating only vegetables and water for 10 days. JLo's diet consisted of cutting out sugar, refined grains, starchy vegetables, alcohol, lean meats, some fruits, and dairy products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days |
| Goal | To reset the body |
| Workout | Minimum of seven out of 10 days |
| Foods to avoid | Sugar, carbs, dairy products, caffeine, bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, milk, yogurt, refined grains (wheat, rice, barley, rye), starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn), alcohol |
| Foods to eat | Lean meats (turkey, chicken, lamb, game meats), fish (salmon, shrimp, cod, crab, sardines), eggs, nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios), legumes, oils and fats (coconut oil, olive oil, butter, lard), vegetables (cucumbers, green beans, yellow peppers, blackberries) |
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What You'll Learn
JLo's 10-day no sugar, no carb challenge
The challenge was created by trainer and lifestyle coach Dodd Romero, who trained JLo's then-boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez, for years. JLo took on the challenge to get in even better shape for her role as a stripper in the movie Hustlers.
The no-carb diet is already a strict one, and JLo's challenge ups the ante by also cutting out sugar. This means cutting out all refined grains, including wheat, rice, barley, and rye, as well as processed products like pasta and bread. Starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas, and corn are also off the menu. Alcohol is a personal choice, with some guidelines allowing for dry wines or tequilas.
JLo's challenge also cuts out bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, milk, yogurt, and caffeine. It also includes cutting out legumes if the goal is weight loss.
The challenge is not easy, with some people reporting sugar withdrawal, headaches, and crankiness. However, after the third day without sugar and carbs, your body starts to burn fat instead of glycogen for energy, which can boost the impact of cardio workouts.
JLo reported that the challenge had a positive impact on her, and she felt great physically and mentally. She also said that it helped her to make more conscious choices about food after the challenge was over.
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The benefits of the diet
JLo's no-sugar, no-carb diet is a 10-day challenge that the celebrity and her then-boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez, embarked on in 2019. The diet involves cutting out all sugar and most carbohydrates for 10 days. This includes refined grains like wheat, rice, barley, and rye, starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn, and high-sugar fruits like bananas, oranges, and grapes. The diet also eliminates dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol.
There are several purported benefits of JLo's no-sugar, no-carb diet:
Weight Loss
One of the primary benefits of the diet is weight loss. By cutting out sugar and carbohydrates, the body is forced to burn fat for energy instead of relying on glycogen. This means that even a small amount of cardio can have a greater impact on weight loss. Additionally, the diet encourages the consumption of whole foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which are nutrient-dense and can contribute to a calorie deficit.
Increased Energy and Mental Clarity
Eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to more stable blood sugar levels, resulting in increased energy and improved mental clarity. Sugar and refined carbs can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leaving people feeling tired and foggy-headed. By stabilizing blood sugar, the diet may enhance overall energy levels and mental focus.
Reduced Cravings and Improved Eating Habits
The diet can help reduce cravings for sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods. During the challenge, participants may find that their taste buds adjust, and natural sugars in fruits start tasting much sweeter. This can lead to a reduced desire for highly processed and sugary treats. Additionally, the diet encourages participants to read food labels and make more conscious choices, fostering a greater awareness of the nutritional content of their food.
Improved Physical and Mental Wellbeing
JLo herself reported feeling great physically and mentally after completing the 10-day challenge. While it is not necessary to completely eliminate all sugar and carbohydrates from one's diet for an extended period, the challenge can serve as a reset button for one's relationship with food. It may encourage participants to make smarter eating choices and develop healthier habits even after the 10 days are over.
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Foods to avoid
JLo's no-sugar, no-carb diet involves cutting out all foods that contain sugar or carbohydrates. This includes many foods that are not typically considered to be high in sugar or carbs, such as fruits and some vegetables.
Sugar
Sugar is a carbohydrate, so it is inherently cut out when following a no-carb diet. However, it is important to be aware of hidden sugars in processed foods and condiments. Check food labels to identify added sugars. Even pasta sauce can contain added sugars!
Refined Grains
Refined grains such as wheat, rice, barley, and rye are off the menu, as are processed products made from these grains, such as pasta and bread.
Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas, and corn are also high in carbohydrates and should be avoided. However, non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, green beans, and peppers are allowed and can be a good way to get your carbohydrate fix.
Dairy
Dairy products often contain carbohydrates, so these should be avoided. This includes milk, yoghurt, and some cheeses. However, feta cheese is one example of a cheese that does not contain carbs or sugar, so it can be included in the diet.
High-Sugar Fruits
While fruit is generally considered a healthy snack, many fruits contain high levels of natural sugar and carbohydrates. JLo's diet involves cutting out high-sugar fruits like bananas, oranges, grapes, and mangoes. Blackberries are a lower-sugar option that can be included.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks often contain carbohydrates, so these should be avoided. However, some guidelines allow for dry wines or tequilas, so this may be a personal choice.
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Foods to eat
JLo's no-sugar, no-carb diet is a 10-day challenge that cuts out all sugar and carbohydrates. While there is no such thing as a completely no-carb diet, JLo's diet cuts out all added sugar and starchy carbs, as well as some fruits and vegetables that contain higher levels of carbohydrates and sugars.
Meat and Fish
Meat and fish are a good source of protein and can be eaten freely on this diet. This includes leaner meats such as turkey, chicken, and lamb, as well as game meats like venison. For fish, salmon, shrimp, cod, crab, and even sardines are good options.
Eggs
Eggs are another excellent source of protein, and you can eat the whole egg, not just the whites.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are allowed, but choose low-carb options such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pistachios.
Legumes
Legumes, such as beans and lentils, can be included in the diet, but if weight loss is your goal, you may want to limit or avoid them.
Dairy
Full-fat dairy products are allowed, as low-fat and diet options often contain more sugar. However, JLo's specific challenge cuts out milk and yogurt.
Oils and Fats
Healthy oils like coconut and olive oil are recommended, and butter and lard are also allowed.
Vegetables
Vegetables that are low in carbohydrates, such as cucumbers, green beans, yellow peppers, and zucchini, can be eaten freely.
Condiments and Salad Dressings
When it comes to condiments and salad dressings, it is important to read the labels to check for hidden carbs and sugars. Some options that are carb and sugar-free include pickled okra, capers, jalapeño-stuffed olives, grilled piquillo peppers, giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables), Ken's Steakhouse Simply Vinaigrette Greek Dressing, and Mrs. Cubbison's Parmesan Crisps.
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Reactions to the diet
JLo's 10-day no-carb, no-sugar diet challenge received mixed reactions from those who attempted it. Some people reported experiencing sugar withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, crankiness, and constant thoughts about sugary and carb-heavy foods. One person described their experience as "no way to live" and complained about having to drink coffee without creamer.
However, others reported positive outcomes, claiming that the challenge gave them a new way of thinking about food and helped them develop healthier eating habits. They became more mindful of their food choices, reading labels carefully to identify hidden carbs and sugars. Some people even continued to follow the principles of the diet after the challenge ended, and one person reported losing 6.5 pounds.
Nutritionists generally frown upon such restrictive diets, warning that people often regain the weight (and sometimes more) after completing the fad plan. However, some medical professionals do support low-carb diets, and a study in The British Medical Journal suggested that people who stick to a low-carb diet after losing weight may have better success in maintaining their weight loss.
Despite the challenge's strict nature, JLo and her then-boyfriend, A-Rod, successfully completed it and even considered doing a second round. JLo admitted that the challenge was not easy, but she felt great physically and mentally afterward. She also noticed a positive impact on her body, stating that after the third day without sugar and carbs, you start to notice changes, and your body begins burning fat for energy instead of relying on glycogen.
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Frequently asked questions
JLo's no sugar, no carb diet is a 10-day challenge that involves cutting out all sugar and most carbs. The challenge was created by her trainer Dodd Romero, who was inspired by a story in the Bible where the prophet Daniel fasted by eating only vegetables and water for 10 days.
JLo's diet cuts out all sugar and most carbs, including fruits, pasta, bread, and other starchy and complex carbs. In addition, JLo also cut out dairy products, caffeine, bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, milk, and yogurt.
Some people who have tried JLo's diet have reported weight loss and feeling lighter and healthier. The diet is also said to increase cardio efficiency, as the body has to burn fat for energy instead of relying on glycogen from carbs.
Some challenges of JLo's diet include sugar withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and crankiness. It can also be difficult to find foods that are completely free of sugar and carbs, and the diet may not be sustainable in the long term.
