Ornish Diet

There is no caloric intake maximum, but the Ornish Diet does cut out many types of foods. As mentioned before, this is a vegetarian diet so all beef, poultry and fish is eliminated. These diets also cut out all oils, caffeine and any foods containing cholesterol or saturated fats. Severely restricted foods contain sugar, simple carbohydrates, honey and alcohol. When eating a meal according to these diets, it should be proportioned to reflect 10% fat, 20% protein, and 70% complex carbohydrates.

The Ornish Diet does not restrict the amount of food consumed as long as fat intake stays under 10% for the day. It suggests eating small meals all day long rather then three big meals. This diet does encourage fruits and vegetable to make up most of the 70% of complex carbohydrates, which could add many essential vitamins and minerals to the daily diet.

Since this diet is extremely low-fat it may promote weight loss and be healthy for the heart. Although, this diet does not include an exercise factor which could greatly promote more weight loss, as well as better cardiovascular health.

Dr. Ornish’s diets may be hard for people to follow long-term due to the many restrictions. It could also be hard to adhere to, because of the extremely low-fat content. While a high-fat diet may not be healthy and could create weight gain, a diet too low in fat also has drawbacks. Not only does a low-fat diet often leave people feeling hungry and unsatisfied, it may also lead to protein deficiencies.

1. The Reversal Diet
2. The Prevention Diet

1. A Guideline on the difference between Simple and Complex Carbs
2. Specific Recipes found in Dr. Ornish’s book
3. Tips on how to stick to the proportion rules in Dr. Ornish’s book

• Promotes the consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Research has shown it to lower “bad” cholesterol
• Kidney Function may be improved on both diets

• Does not include a fitness element
• It seems this product has not been well received by many consumers, as a number of them are voicing their concerns on consumer blogs and forums. Interested consumers can click here to read more about these issues in this Dr. Ornish blog.
• Does not offer an option for diabetics
• Very strict diet to adhere to
• No telephone helpline

The Ornish Diets both provide suggestions on how to create better heart wellness. Following these diets may also create weight loss since they are so low in fat. However, it may be unrealistic for a dieter to follow this diet long-term. It cuts out many foods, even ones containing needed dietary supplements, like fish and their Omega-3 fatty acids. Also, due to the low-fat element it’s likely dieters will constantly feel hungry on this diet and may cheat because of their unsatisfied feeling.

These diets may be for those who are willing to make a major lifestyle change, regarding the types of food they eat and how they consume them. These diets may not satisfy those who need more guidance and direction, and would like to incorporate more fitness elements to their diet program.