Will it support intense training?  There is a category for athletic performance.  In this category, the nutritional profile changes to a 1-2-3 ratio (fat-protein-carbohydrates).  Honestly, this is a better ratio not only for athletes, but for many people.

 

The athlete’s ideal nutritional profile will depend on what sport they are involved in.  The problem is that no mention is made of any change in calorie intake.  The calorie intake is low for most people, and if that is not adjusted appropriately for athletes, there is no way an athlete will excel with this diet.  If however, this diet allows for increase in calorie intake based on individual needs, the diet would support intense training.  In addition, the website states that starches, grains, and rice are to be limited in the diet.  That is a very general statement, as starches, grains, and rice certainly have their place in the diet of an athlete.

Will there be lasting results?  Assuming one can stay on this diet for the rest of their lives, they can maintain the lower weight; however, that is highly unlikely considering the lower calorie intake.  When the body stays at a low calorie intake for a sustained period of time, the metabolism slows.  This means the person will burn less fat.  Also, if one takes in fewer calories than needed, they will lose muscle mass, which makes it even harder to burn fat.  It’s a vicious cycle.

Nutritional profile: None listed, but it stresses it’s a low fat (10%), high complex carbohydrate diet.  There is no mention made of protein.  It encourages 3 meals with 1-2 snacks.  Dr. Ornish says eat no meat, or as little as possible.

Will it support intense training?  On the surface, no.  Because this is a vegetarian diet, it is easy to go without getting enough protein.  If an athlete does not monitor his protein intake, he can easily be protein deficient, and probably won’t be consuming enough good fat.  This applies to non-athletes also, as everyone needs sufficient unsaturated fats, and this diet does not distinguish good fats from bad fats.  It says to avoid nuts and fish – both good sources of unsaturated fats.

Will there be lasting results? This depends.  On this diet, there is no counting of calories, so one can eat as much as he wants until he is full.  Fortunately, most of the foods that are allowed are not high calorie foods.  This is a hard diet to stick with for most people and it will be better adhered to by those living a vegetarian lifestyle.

Nutritional profile: Although this is more of a detox than a diet, most people use the Master Cleanse to lose weight.  There is no nutritional profile listed, because the first step to this diet is not to eat at all.  This fast includes a “nutritional drink” containing syrup, lemonade and cayenne pepper, which claims to provide all the nutrients needed to get through the day.  After fasting for 10 days (depending on the person), one gradually migrates back to solid foods.

Will it support intense training?  Certainly not during the fast.  A big concern is that it won’t even support active daily living, since the individuals on this diet are not to consume any food at all.  Many people feel weak or tired during this time.  Another argument is that the weak and tired feeling occurs as a result of the body detoxifying itself.  Either way, this would be a big hindrance to any athlete and should not be done during intense training or during important athletic events.

Will there be lasting results?  If the individual goes back to previous eating habits after the cleanse, the weight loss will not last.  To make it last, one would have to make a lifestyle change, which is necessary with or without the fast.

 

Copyright © 2009 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT, SPN

      

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