The hot Latin diet involves regularly eating seven power foods integral to a traditional Latino menu. Created by Dr. Manny Alvarez, the diet is detailed in his 2008 book "The Hot Latin Diet: The Fast Track Plan to a Bombshell Body." The book introduces the seven Latin power foods and shows how incorporating these foods into your diet can result in a slimmer and healthier body.
Features
Alvarez, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey, is also senior health correspondent for FOX News. Alvarez created the hot Latin diet after observing that Latin American immigrants were usually slim and healthy upon their arrival in the United States, but began putting on weight once they started eating a standard U.S. diet. The diet uses principles of a traditional Latin American diet that helps people stay slim.
Benefits
Alvarez says the hot Latin diet increases fat burning by 25 percent in addition to decreasing hunger, according to the Every Diet website. These effects can help dieters lose up to 20 lb. in six weeks. Alvarez, at his Ask Dr. Manny website, explains that eating the seven Latin power foods and replacing bad oils with good ones has detoxification activity as well.
Specifics
The hot Latin diet increases variety and flavor while improving the balance of fats consumed, observes Every Diet. In addition to the power foods, the plan emphasizes fish, olive oil and nuts, and adding lots of spice to meals. Alvarez recommends eating seafood every day for the midday meal, and eating foods and spices native to Latin countries. Legumes, vegetables, fruits and whole grains can replace refined and simple carbohydrates.
Latin Power Foods
The seven Latin power foods in this diet are tomatillos, garbanzo beans, avocado, garlic, cinnamon, chile peppers and cilantro. Tomatillos are rich in potassium and vitamins A, C and folic acid, and they supply antioxidants. Cinnamon also is a good source of antioxidants, and it reduces blood sugar as well. Chiles are antioxidant foods and stimulate the immune system, as does garlic. In addition, garlic has antimicrobial activity and helps reduce cholesterol. Garbanzo beans are high in fiber, while avocado is a fat-burning food and also helps you feel satiated after eating. Cilantro speeds the elimination of toxic metals from the body.
Sample Menu
A day's meals during the hot Latin diet might include a spicy egg frittata for breakfast, a variety of vegetables topped with tuna for lunch, and grilled salmon with chipotle or coriander-crusted chicken breast. Side dishes could include tomato salad, mustard greens, toasted garbanzo beans or grilled potatoes.
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