What is the "real" Mayo Clinic Diet?

For over thirty years, the Mayo Clinic has been combating the rumor that they recommend a version of a quick weight loss diet that touts the consumption of grapefruit, vegetables, fruits and unlimited portions of meat and fat.

The Mayo Clinic has repeatedly issued statements that the so-called 'Mayo Clinic Diet' did not originate at the Mayo Clinic and is not endorsed by them.

In fact, the Mayo Clinic has gone so far as to state that the Mayo Clinic Diet may be unhealthy for some people.

A visit to the Mayo Clinic website will take you to the REAL Mayo Clinic diet, and their recommendations and guidance for weight loss that is healthy and permanent.

Summary:

Weight loss results from expending more calories than you consume. The only way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories than you use in your daily activities. The only way to achieve permanent weight loss is by adopting a balanced, healthy diet with portions that fit your lifestyle, and engage in regular physical activity.

The healthiest, most beneficial diet for you is one that takes your individuality into account. There is no one perfect weight loss plan - not even one that will work for you for the rest of your life. Your body needs different things at different stages. Illnesses and allergies, high stress periods - all result in changing nutritional needs for your body and therefore the need for different weight loss plans

Basic Recommendations: The Seven Basic Rules

1. Eat more fruit and vegetables.
2. Reduce intake of saturated fats and cholesterol
3. Cut back on sweets and salt
4. Drink alcohol in moderation, if you must drink at all
5. Learn to eat moderate portions of food
6. Control the number of calories you consume
7. Include physical activity in your daily activities

The real Mayo Clinic diet emphasizes a balanced diet derived largely from complex carbohydrates, fresh vegetables, little meat, and careful choice of fat. They advocate slow, steady weight loss rather than quick weight loss methods, and strongly suggest that the best weight loss plans are those that can become the basis for a lifelong change in eating habits. Along with those general recommendations, the Mayo Clinic Nutrition Center makes specific recommendations for each food group.

The basic recommendations made by the Mayo Clinic aren't ground-breaking. They advocate sensible eating, low calories and increasing your physical activity. The suggestion to aim for 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week is echoed by nearly every other medically noteworthy institute in the country. It's a real diet - the real Mayo Clinic Diet.

Copyright 2005 Adam Waxler