The Hay food-combining diet promises improved health and steady weight management. The diet discourages processed and refined foods, but does not eliminate any natural foods. Dr. William Hay, an early-20th-century American doctor, developed the Hay diet to improve his own health. His success provided the foundation for the food-combining rules outlined by the diet that shares his name.
Foundation
The Hay diet encourages you to trust the body's ability to heal itself. The diet claims that the right foods, eaten in the right combinations, will boost the natural healing powers of the body. The Hay-diet food combinations are designed to improve digestion and nutrient absorption, so the body will have what it needs to fight infection and repair damaged cells.
Guidelines
The Hay diet advises you to eat concentrated starches and concentrated proteins at different meals. Concentrated starches include bread, rice, pasta and potatoes. Concentrated proteins include meat, fish, eggs and cheese. Dairy products, however, should be eaten either between meals or with "neutral" foods. Beans count as a starch and nuts as a fat, even though both contain significant amounts of protein. Sweet fruits, such as bananas and dates, combine with starches; acid fruits, which include most other fruits, pair well with proteins. Fats and vegetables are considered neutral; you may add them to any meal. In addition, the Hay diet encourages you to allow vegetables and fruits to comprise at least half your diet.
Theory
Advocates of the diet claim that protein and starches require opposite conditions for effective digestion. Proteins digest better in acids while starches need an alkaline environment. When you consume these types of foods in the same meal, neither gets digested properly. When you properly combine foods, you not only improve nutrient absorption, but you also reduce stress on the digestive system and allow the body to use its energy for other important tasks. Little scientific evidence exists to support or refute these claims, but anecdotal evidence abounds.
Benefits
The Hay diet promises relief from a wide range of conditions including obesity, Candida, allergies, low blood sugar, fatigue, depression, digestive problems, food intolerance, arthritis and chronic headaches. Proper food combining may also help you heal faster and reduce cravings and addictive food behaviors. While there is no solid evidence for these claims, the Hay diet appears to meet the dietary guidelines nutritionists and government agencies recommend for reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and stroke.
Tips
To stick with this diet, you may want to get creative with vegetables. If you need inspiration, seek guidance from the cuisines of the Mediterranean, India and the Middle East. Vegetarian cookbooks should also give you some good ideas. These cooking styles highlight the natural flavor and textures of whole grains and in-season produce, promoting them from limp side dish to celebrated main course.
References
- "Get Well with the Hay Diet: Food Combining and Good Health"; Jackie Habgood; 1999
- Jackie Habgood: What is the Hay Diet?
- "The Hay Diet Made Easy"; Jackie Habgood; 1997
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