The Great Life Diet

The Great Life Diet is a nutritional approach introduced by Denny Waxman, a health and nutrition enthusiast who promotes the benefits of the "macrobiotic diet." As Waxman explains in his book, "The Great Life Diet: A Practical Guide to Health, Happiness and Personal Fulfillment," he went from regularly consuming meals such as buttered bagels and toast to eating and feeling healthy. Although Waxman claims the Great Life Diet has sound principles that support overall health, you should consult a doctor before attempting a new diet program.

History

As Waxman explains in his book, "The Great Life Diet," he was a junk food addict and was introduced to the idea of macrobiotic dieting through reading the book, "You Are All Sanpuku," by George Ohsawa, in 1969. Waxman then used personal experience and consultation from macrobiotic enthusiasts to solidify the principles of the Great Life Diet, eventually being host of a macrobiotic diet camp from 1976 to 1985, notes his official website.

Main Principles

According to an interview with Waxman conducted by Natural News University, the main principles of the Great Life Diet include adopting healthy eating habits, getting exercise and making proper dietary choices. Waxman suggests that you should focus on what you are adding to your diet and lifestyle rather than what you are removing -- such as off-limits foods -- to encourage success with this plan.

Foods to Emphasize

Waxman's interview with Natural News University notes that your body runs on glucose, a carbohydrate. Because of this, Waxman suggests that you should consume unrefined grains as the center of your meals. Waxman recommends emphasizing pasta, bread, cereal grains, millet and other grains for the bulk of your diet, and complementing these meals with vegetables.

Foods to De-Emphasize

According to Waxman's interview with Natural News University, protein is often the centerpiece of meals, but should not be. Waxman explains that all foods contain some protein, and that you can obtain all of the protein you need through a vegetarian diet. In "The Great Life Diet: A Practical Guide to Health, Happiness and Personal Fulfillment," Waxman explains that with vegetables, grains and beans dominating your diet, meats do not have much of a place, and that if anything, you should eat white fish.

Concerns

Although Waxman's macrobiotic diet may have benefits, it leaves some details unexplained. Waxman does not make calorie recommendations, which can make a significant difference between good and bad health. In addition, Waxman recommends de-emphasizing protein in favor of carbohydrates such as grains and vegetables. However, research suggests that high protein diets have many health benefits. A study published in the February 2003 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" found that increasing protein intake and decreasing carbohydrate intake may improve body composition -- reduce fat and increase muscle -- blood insulin levels and blood lipid profiles.