The Ornish diet was developed by Dr. Dean Ornish. Dr. Ornish is well known in the medical community for his work on reversing heart disease. The Ornish diet was the first diet and lifestyle program scientifically proven to reverse heart disease, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. The Ornish diet is a very low-fat vegetarian diet emphasizing high-fiber foods.
Whole Grains
People on the Ornish diet consume no more than 10 percent of calories from fat, according to Holistic Online. Instead, the majority of their calories, 70 to 75 percent, come from complex carbohydrates like those found in whole grains. Examples of low-fat whole grains allowed on the Ornish diet include rice, bulgur, whole-wheat bread, millet, whole-wheat pasta, oatmeal, whole-wheat flours, whole-grain cornmeal, quinoa, whole-grain crackers, whole-grain pancakes, whole-grain cold cereal and popcorn. These foods can be consumed in unlimited quantities.
Legumes
Legumes contain fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. The Ornish diet consists of about 10 to 15 percent protein. Legumes also act as a source of iron for those following the diet. Legumes can be consumed in unlimited quantities, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. Examples of low-fat legumes include red beans, garbanzo beans, black beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, soy beans and soy bean products and peas.
Fruits and Vegetables
Naturally fat-free fruits and vegetables can be consumed in unlimited quantities for those following the Ornish diet. Examples include apples, bananas, oranges, watermelon, grapefruit, mixed greens, spinach, broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower and carrots.
Nonfat Dairy Foods
The Ornish diet eliminates all sources of cholesterol and saturated fat, according to Holistic Online, which means no meat or high-fat dairy foods. The Ornish diet does allow people to consume nonfat milk and nonfat yogurt. In addition to being a good source of calcium, the milk and yogurt also provide vitamin B12.
Egg Whites
People following the Ornish diet can consume egg whites as a source of protein. Egg whites can be consumed in unlimited quantities because they contain less than 10 percent fat, according to Holistic Online.
Sugar, Salt and Alcohol
Sugar, salt and alcohol are allowed on the Ornish diet in moderation, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website.
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