Diet Programs And Meals - The L. A. Shape Diet by Levi Reiss

The L.A. Shape Diet was created by Doctor David Heber. This diet is based on eating lots of fiber, fruits, and vegetables. You will evaluate your own need for proteins. You'll drink a mixture of soy milk or skim milk with fruit, and nutritional powder including protein. Each of the two steps lasts seven days. During the first step the diet drink replaces two daily meals, and in the second step it replaces one daily meal. Here are some of the principles.

The L.A. Shape Diet is quite different for women and men. Dr. Heber recommends that women consume 100 grams (approximately 3 ounces) of protein a day as follows: 30 grams at breakfast and supper provided by the protein drink, 25 grams in the mid-afternoon snack, and the rest at dinner from fish or poultry. The recommendation for men is 150 grams of protein a day as follows: 35 grams at breakfast, 20 to 30 grams in the mid-afternoon snack, and 50 to 75 grams at supper. The morning and supper protein drinks are not the same. If you are hungry you can add protein powder to the drinks. You prepare this drink by mixing soy or skim milk, protein powder, fruit, and ice. Protein powder is available in various flavors. The diet includes a detailed list of snacks and food per day during each of the phases. During the second phase the menu differs for women and for men. Drink lots of water or green tea. Eat fruits and vegetables according to their colors. Fight against stress, which often incites people to eat when they aren't hungry. This diet strongly emphasises physical activity.

An advantage of the L.A. Shape Diet is that the menu is fixed; you won't spend time deciding what to prepare. A separate program for men and women may be more effective than a single one destined to meet the dietary needs of both sexes. On the other hand, it's complicated to prepare the protein drink. You may find it inconvenient to drink a lot of liquid in the morning. Furthermore the program lasts only 14 days and provides no transition or stabilization phase.

Here are two sample menus:

Menu 1 (Week 2, day 3 for women)

Breakfast: Protein drink or 7 egg whites. A slice of whole wheat bread. 1 fruit.

Lunch: Protein drink or avocado, vegetable, and turkey salad.

The mid-afternoon snack is a cup of red fruit.

Supper: Soy chili. Green salad. A red apple.

Menu 2 (Week 2, day 3 for men)

Breakfast: Protein drink or 7 egg whites. A slice or two of whole wheat bread. 1 cup of mixed vegetables.

Lunch: Protein drink or avocado, vegetable, and turkey salad. A slice of whole wheat bread. A slice of cantaloupe.

Your mid-afternoon snack is soy pudding.

Supper: Soy chili. Green salad. A red 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 lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French.