Food Combination Diet For Weight Loss

Food combining is a dietary technique promoted by various diets for improved wellness. By separating foods believed to digest poorly together, proponents of food combining diets claim that your digestion, weight and overall health can improve. Though eating foods in specific combinations is not necessary, according to the American Dietetic Association, you may reap benefits if your food choices and dietary habits improve. For best results, talk to your doctor or dietitian before attempting weight loss.

History

Food combining was first introduced to Americans in the 1920s by physician William Hay, who believed that separating food groups based on their ideal atmosphere of digestion, could improve digestion and overall health. Food combining has since been promoted by a variety of diet programs that tout similar benefits. Food combining is also promoted by Ayurvedic health practitioners who believe that the method provides spiritual benefits in addition to physical benefits.

Guidelines

Though food combining diets vary in specific guidelines, they generally abide by the same basic principles established by Hay. Starches, such as bread and potatoes, are not to be eaten with proteins, such as meat or fish, or with fruit. You may eat starches with vegetables---brown rice with steamed veggies, for example. Fats can be eaten with proteins and vegetables, but not with starches or fruit. An acceptable protein-rich meal may include grilled chicken, vegetables and olive oil. In general, your fruit is to be eaten alone, or an hour or two before a starch-based meal. Food combining diets are generally based upon whole, natural foods.

Theories/Speculation

Proponents of food combining for weight loss claim that eating foods in proper combination not only enhances digestion, but reduces your cravings for unhealthy foods and prevents overeating. According to Mariana Bozesan, author of "Food Combining for Health," suggests that food combining also improves your hormone levels -- an important factor in appetite and metabolism. Bozesan also asserts that when you "detoxify" your body through food combining and healthy food choices, your digestion becomes more complete and leads to weight loss.

Effectiveness

Food combining for improved wellness and weight loss lacks scientific evidence of effectiveness. Your digestive system is designed to digest a variety of foods regardless of what combinations of foods you consume. If a food combining diet helps you reduce your caloric intake and make healthier and more conscientious food choices, however, you will likely lose weight. You may also experience improved digestion and energy as a result of eating more nutritious foods and fewer processed foods.

Suggestions

A healthy diet, reduced calorie intake and regular physical activity are safe, effective methods of weight loss and improving your wellness. Rather than separating food groups, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a balanced diet and meals that include healthy foods from various food groups. If you feel that certain food combinations affect you negatively, discuss your adverse symptoms with your doctor to determine whether a digestive condition is to blame. While food combining is unlikely to harm you if you eat appropriate amounts of calories and nutrients, it can be difficult to follow and cause feelings of deprivation, particularly if you enjoy meals that contain protein and starch, such as chicken sandwiches, rice with fish, or cereal with milk. To learn ways to reap maximum benefits from your diet or determine whether a food combining diet suits you, seek guidance from a qualified health care professional.