The Sabbatical Diet is purported to help people lose weight and prevent and heal weight-related disorders such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Created by internal medicine specialist Robert Robinson, the diet links biblical teachings to an eating plan. The official website offers a free download of "The Sabbatical Diet Made Simple" by registered nurse Arlene Lystra Robinson. The website calls the Sabbatical Diet the universal ideal diet.
Features
You don't need to read labels or count calories on this diet. The primary requirement is fasting one morning per week and eating a heavy breakfast on the other six days. This feature comes from Exodus 16, in which manna appeared to the Israelites traveling through the wilderness every morning except on the Sabbath. "The Sabbatical Diet Made Simple" provides charts based on your height and level of activity with recommendations for the amount of foods you should eat, including meat, grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. This publication also lists a large number of specific foods that you should eat from these groups.
Theories/Speculation
The theory behind the Sabbatical Diet involves the body having two cycles, one of rest and storage and the other of work and repair, according to "The Sabbatical Diet Made Simple." The author says eating a large amount of food between 6 a.m. and noon sets the body's system so that any food eaten later in the day is used for work and repair. This prevents accumulation of cholesterol and storage of calories as fat, and allows the body to repair organs and cells. With a morning of fasting, the body rests that day.
No Restrictions
Although the Sabbatical Diet encourages relying on whole and unprocessed foods, it does not prohibit or restrict any food. Restrictions create tension that lead the individual to derail the program, says "The Sabbatical Diet Made Simple." Your fundamental diet will consist of sound nutrition, but you'll still be able to eat your favorites that aren't on the lists of recommended foods. By not prohibiting any foods, this diet allows you to eat comfort food during stressful times, and can make it easier to enjoy meals with friends.
Supplements
The Sabbatical Diet encourages taking a liquid supplement called the Immuno-gizer Fat Reducer every day, according to Diets in Review.com. This supplement is claimed to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast in the digestive tract while enhancing the growth of friendly bacteria, which removes toxins and strengthens the immune system. In addition, you should take an omega-3 supplement of fish oil or flaxseed oil every day, and drink licorice tea on fasting mornings.
Considerations
This plan contains foods that may be difficult for most people to locate, such as the tropical fruits ackee, breadfruit and callaloo, and other foods such as oxtail. In addition, the program as set forth in the download material is complicated, requiring charts to explain it. Some individuals may have a hard time fasting for part of the day once every week, as noted by Diets in Review.com.
