Diet Plans And Meals - The Hallelujah Diet by Levi Reiss

The Hallelujah Diet, which is also called the Creator's diet, was initiated by George Malkmus, a former chemist who later became a Baptist preacher. After having survived colon cancer Malkmus became fully convinced that he owed his life to spiritual food. This diet is directed towards adults in good health. Unlike many other diets, here is no stated time limit. Its objectives are definitely two fold: not only weight loss but also coming closer to God by eating divine food.

The Hallelujah Diet includes an optional transition phase for those people who feel that their bodies need time to adapt to the new regime and effectively detoxify their systems. This diet excludes all foods of animal origin with a single exception, honey. The only foods allowed are fruits, legumes, and some nuts and grains. Furthermore, a full 85% of your food intake must be raw, which, in the eyes of this diet, is food as it was created by God. Cooked foods may include coffee (is that a food?), infusions, organic juices, soups, cereals, beans, and fruit.

While this diet has the advantage of including lots of fruits and vegetables it lacks many basic nutrients. Furthermore, it doesn't take exercise into account. The Hallelujah Diet does not provide balanced and varied food. It tends to be effective in the short term, but not in the long run.

Here are two sample menus: Menu 1 Breakfast: Oatmeal, soy milk, one apple and a cup of tea. Lunch: Green salad, tomato salad, grated carrots, and a glass of almond milk. The mid-afternoon snack is a strawberry and banana smoothie. Supper: Vegetable soup, vegetable couscous, and kiwis for dessert.

Menu 2 Breakfast: Muesli, soy milk, one apple and a cup of tea. Lunch: Salad composed of germinated chick peas, broccoli, red fruit salad, and a glass of banana milk. The mid-afternoon snack is strawberry and smoothie and nuts. Supper: Bell pepper salad, braised endives, unpolished rice, sauted vegetables, and a muffin.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, that was written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes over 80 diets and weight reduction programs. She presents each diet with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French. For more information consult the publisher's website.