Harvey and Marilyn Diamond's 1980s hit book "Fit for Life" returned in 2003 with a new edition, "Fit for Life: Not Fat for Life." The concept of the Fit for Life Diet is that certain foods combined in a certain way, eaten at certain times of the day, will result in weight loss. Furthermore, the diet claims that when certain foods are mixed they are very hard to digest, and with poor digestion there is excess fat stored. The Diamonds also developed the "technology" to determine how certain foods are best for certain people and which ones not "compatible" with your body to avoid. The Fit for Life Program includes "Biochemical Analyzation" (the authors' term) as well as "Genetic Predisposition" testing. The program also encourages exercise to boost metabolism.
What to Look for
The foods included in this diet are primarily fruits and vegetables readily available in grocery stores. Look for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice and pasta. The plan usually recommends that fruit be eaten from morning through midday and then an evening meal in which either proteins or carbohydrates (not a combination of the two) are consumed. You do not have to worry about counting calories, and you can eat as much of the "approved foods" as desired. There are a variety of supplements sold with the plan that are available on the founder's website. A lifestyle coach is assigned to members as well, and is available for phone and email consultation.
Common Pitfalls
The Fit for Life Diet theories are for the most part unsupported by scientific data. The idea of food combining has been around since the turn of the century. Restricting entire groups of foods is an unhealthy way to eat, both physiologically and emotionally. Unfortunately there is no magic in eating at certain times of the day to promote weight loss, and contrary to what this diet claims, combining animal protein with vegetables actually enhances the absorption of the plant protein.
Even though multivitamin and mineral supplements are encouraged, this diet severely restricts meats and dairy foods, which potentially limits protein, zinc, calcium and vitamins D and B12. The diet works simply because it restricts calories, but it does not encourage healthy eating behaviors. While some may be able to tolerate eating nothing but fruit every morning until afternoon, this is not a habit likely to last. Nor will it fix the poor habits it is replacing. This diet does not recognize that people don't just eat for fuel but as a way of gathering together to seek connection.
If you decide to try the whole program including the biochemical analysis and supplements, this will cost you several hundred dollars.
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