Natural Makeover Diet

The Natural Makeover Diet is a concept explained in a 2005 best-selling book by Dr. Joey Shulman. A graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Shulman is an expert on health and nutrition who believes that achieving our optimum levels of health and beauty depends on building health from the inside out with proper nutrition and a holistic approach to wellness. Her makeover diet consists of a four-step process that includes a five-day cleanse.

Philosophy

Shulman's diet plan is based on the idea that poor inner health is reflected on the outside through health conditions such as poor skin, under eye bags, premature wrinkling or difficulty losing weight. Shulman states that instead of turning to external fixes such as makeup, tanning beds, and costly medical procedures, you should first address your internal health through a nutritious diet, regular exercise, vitamins, essential fats and a short-term dietary cleanse. Shulman states certain changes to your diet and lifestyle can deliver optimal energy, a radiant complexion, and your ideal body weight. Aside from the initial five-day cleanse, there is no time frame for Shulman's diet; rather, it is intended to be an ongoing lifestyle change.

Beauty Robbers

Shulman notes that years of clinical experience have allowed her to identify beauty robbers that cause women to look and feel much older than they actually are. She states that by removing these beauty robbers from your daily routine and supplying your body with the proper nourishment, you can see results in your appearance and energy level in as little as one week. The beauty robbers Shulman identifies are faulty digestion, chronic inflammation and free-radical damage. Faulty digestion, which can be the result of unhealthy food choices, stress and yeast overgrowth, inhibits your body's ability to properly eliminate toxins, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, general fogginess, depression, headaches, difficulty losing weight and digestive problems. Chronic inflammation, the result of the typical Western lifestyle that includes fast food, high levels of trans fat, and a lack of essential fats and fresh produce, can lead to health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Free-radical damage refers to cellular destruction that is also the result of the typical Western lifestyle.

Five-Day Cleanse

Shulman's makeover diet begins with a five-day cleanse, during which all trans fats, grains, dairy products, red meat and refined sugar are removed from your diet. She recommends taking a daily probiotics to restore the proper balance of intestinal bacteria, and properly hydrating with eight glasses of water or herbal tea daily. Alcohol, caffeine, processed juice and soda are not allowed. Recommended foods include fruits and vegetables rich in phytonutrients, plant compounds associated with the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Recommended foods include asparagus, avocado, broccoli, garlic, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, spinach and zucchini.

Four-Step Program

After completion of the five-day cleanse, the second step in the Natural Makeover Diet is to nourish your body with the critical nutrients necessary to restore optimum health. This process is based on Shulman's "Pick-3 System," which involves planning each meal with a combination of complex carbohydrates, lean protein and essential fats. The Pick-3 system is designed to provide essential nutrients without elevating blood sugar levels, thereby promoting weight loss.

The third step is moisturizing your internal systems by consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and fish. Step four is maintenance, and includes dietary guidelines such as do not eat after 7 p.m., eat until you are full but not stuffed, and eat three regular meals and one snack daily.

Health Optimizers

To promote optimum health, Shulman recommends other healthful practices such as getting at least seven hours of quality sleep every night, exercising five days a week and engaging in mindful practices that encourage peace and happiness. These may include keeping a journal, reading inspiring literature and meditating.