The Andrew Weil Diet

“Eat less, exercise more,” is the basic philosophy behind his diet, says Dr. Andrew Weil. By balancing both the amounts and types of foods eaten, weight loss goals can be achieved through a diet regimen. It is equally important to set realistic goals. Diet, Dr. Weil, points out, can impact one’s health in a positive way, but is only one part of developing a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Weil's Diet Plan

Dr. Andrew Weil's diet focuses on three major food groups: carbohydrates, fats and protein. Each group is assigned a percentage of calories to be included in the diet: Carbohydrates 50 to 60 percent, fats 30 percent and proteins 10 to 20 percent. The diet focuses on the healthy options for each group. Unrefined vegetables and grains are suggested for the carbohydrates group. Healthy fat options include olive oil, salmon, flax seed, and walnuts, while beans and soybeans are recommended for the protein group.

Other Dietary Suggestions

Dr. Weil suggests a daily intake of 40 grams of fiber. Milk and dairy products, however, are to be limited. Dr. Andrew Weil states that proper calcium levels can still be achieved even without these products. He gives several non-dairy options for keeping a proper calcium intake. Sardines, broccoli, calcium fortified orange juice, and fortified soy milk are all great options. Dr. Weil also suggests that a lower intake of protein lowers the amount of calcium the body needs.

How the Diet Works

Carbohydrates are converted to glucose, which the body uses for energy. The system uses proteins to restore, build and maintain the body. Overeating fats causes heart disease and cancer, while under eating can cause skin inflammation, hair loss and susceptibility to infections. Eating too many carbohydrates leads to being overweight, while not eating enough leads to the condition ketosis, where the body gets energy from fat stores. An increased protein intake can strain the kidneys and liver; a decrease in protein intake can cause malnutrition and infection.

Expert Endorsement

Georgia State University associate nutrition professor and American Dietetic Association spokesperson Chris Rosenbloom, Ph.D., says Dr. Weil "puts a lot of emphasis on patients' responsibility for their own health and that is always good because you can't have somebody standing over you all the time telling you what to eat.” Dr. Michael Janson, former American Preventive Medical Association president, also states that "there is a vast amount of scientific evidence that shows that vegetarian diets with small amounts of animal products are the healthiest diets for lowering mortality from heart disease and cancer.”

Holistic Health Approach

Dr. Andrew Weil believes that diet has a major impact on health, alleviating health issues such as allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis. However, diet is only one major aspect of an individual’s overall well-being. A holistic approach, Dr. Weil urges, is the best when dealing with health. Exercise is essential to achieving weight loss and reducing the amount of calories in the body. Dr. Weil encourages people to consider their levels of stress, among other factors.