Anyone following CAD and not CALP? I know there are differences but I feel good following CAD and so far I am doing well (down 3 lbs). So I hope there are others out there that are doing what I am doing...This forum is confusing because of the differences of CAD and CALP...

The forum is called CAD/CALP. It doesn't really matter which you are following. Follow whichever one gives you a weight loss. Combine some aspects of CALP if you want.

Many members here are just following CAD. Some are adding CALP options and salad before RM.

I am doing CAD. I have never read the CALP book. I probably should, but haven't.

As far as I know, the only difference is that when the Hellers started to see people going overboard with the Reward Meal, they decided to make another book that defines the Reward Meal better.

I know in my book (which I think was the 1998 one), it said specifically that the RM MUST be portioned, and that binging has no place in this woe.

I have had no problems at all with CAD, and have lost 15 pounds so far and have been on it a month. (Well, I'm up a pound, from too much salt the night before, but I haven't averaged for this week yet). I went on vacation for a week (LA, Santa Ana, San Fran, New York, New Jersey) and LOST 4 pounds.

Either way, I am on CAD, and doing fine.

I read the CAD book; but also follow some CALP. I guess I combine things from both programs. But it may not work for everyone; I basically do it because I dont want anymore weight loss, just maintanance. In other words I just play around with both, and it's been great for me. For example somedays I will have my salad before RM, sometimes I won't.

Thank you for clarifying a few things. Seems this all stems from the thread about switching from atkins to cad and how zuchinni not allowed on CALP CM but in the CAD books it says its ok...I was just confused.

I am using only CAD, and in fact, I never knew CALP existed until I came to these forums a few days ago. I have lost about 35 lbs since Sept 3/02, so I am really happy with that. I don't eat salad before my RM, and in fact, it usually isn't all that balanced.. something I hope to head toward as I continue on with this WOE.

I am also happily following CAD. I didn't know about CALP until this forum either, but I did go out and get the book and read it. I have stuck with CAD because it works better for me. I think that's because CALP is a little more restrictive and I prefer things to be a little loose. That's just my general impression of it.

It IS confusing however, that there are differences between the two plans that don't seem logical. Especially the fact that certain veggies are allowed on one plan but not the other.

These differences, IMHO, are the reason people feel free to add certain elements of one plan on their WOE even when they're following the other.

It makes it very flexible.

Personally I don't think there's any need to read the CALP book if you're successfully losing weight on CAD. It might only make things more confusing.

Have a great LC day everyone!

I'm another CADette. I haven't read CALP either. I find that CAD is easy to follow and that it meets all my needs - in almost 4 weeks, I haven't cheated even once! And, I am slowly losing weight.

CAD and CALP are virtually the same. Only differences are that CAD has the concept of using a different eating plan for the week, based on your success from the previous week, and CALP is based on one of the plans from CAD, the one that starts w/ a salad.

This is unneccessarily confusing. If you get the opportunity, read both books and I think you'll quickly sort it out for yourself. Pay attention to the science behind the plans and you'll see that the Hellers have simply rewritten to clarify and ensure balance, but the basis has not changed since their first book, CAD.

Hope this helps, and hope you decide to jump on the bandwagon. It's an easy plan, IMHO much easier than other LC plans. Give it a try and see if you don't feel much better! There are so many here willing to share and help you, it's just amazing!!!