Diet Programs And Meals- The Hay Diet by Levi Reiss

Unlike most diets discussed in this series of articles, the Hay Diet has been around for decades. It was initiated in 1904 by Doctor William Howard Hay. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and whole-grain cereals. It places an accent on alkaline food rather than acidic food. Every day you should eat three types of meals: meals based on starchy foods such as rice and potatoes, alkaline meals based on foods such as fresh fruit and legumes, and protein-rich meals based on meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Here are some of the diet principles.Hay Diet was created by a group of seasoned nutritionists who placed the accent on health rather than body weight. They put four rules into practice: healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, relaxation, and self-esteem. This weight loss program is meant to last a lifetime. The proposed weight loss is in the range of half a pound to a pound (.2 kilograms to .6 kilograms) per week. Here are some of the program principles.

Raw foods provide energy, reduce your stress level, and improve your skin and hair. Eat at least as much raw food as cooked food. Don't eat more than 5 fruits a day. Do not mix starch and protein in the same meal; doing so is said to disturb your digestion. Don't eat processed food. Reduce or eliminate your consumption of sugar. Put the accent on proteins; they are said to help digestion. Don't exclude oil, for example olive oil or sunflower seed oil, from your diet. Drink a lot, all day long, except with your meals.

This diet claims several advantages such as reinforcing your immune system, reducing stress, and improving your mental performance and physical endurance. It also claims to fight against aging and some cancers. The Hay Diet is not always easy to follow, especially for those with a sweet tooth. And it tends to be complicated.

Here are two sample menus:

Menu 1

Breakfast: Sliced cantaloupe.

Lunch: Tomato salad with basil and garlic. A portion of unrefined rice. Ratatouille. An apple.

Supper: Salad with a teaspoon of virgin olive oil. 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of haddock filet with lemon. Mixed vegetables. An orange.

Menu 2

Breakfast: A red fruit and soy milk smoothie.

Lunch: Grated carrots. Lentil soup. Garlic and herb bread. 2 clementines.

Supper: Tomato and corn salad. Cheese omelet. Green beans. An apple.

Some information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and a whole lot more. This information-packed book is presently available only in French.