The Maker's Diet For Weight Loss

The Maker's Diet for Weight Loss, by Jordan Rubin, not only wants to help you change the way you eat, but also the way you think and live. His diet plan rests heavily on his Jewish faith and combines nutrition research with dietary advice from the Bible. You do not, however, need to be religious to follow the guidelines of this program.

Background

Jordan Rubin created the Maker's Diet in response to his own health problems related to Crohn's disease, a condition that was causing him to waste away. He claims, however, that the principles that improved his health and helped him to gain weight are equally useful for people who need to lose weight. In addition to weight loss, the author tells readers to expect improved mental function, increased physical vitality, enhanced digestion, better immunity and relief from cravings.

Recommendations

The Maker's Diet disagrees with common dietary advice to make changes slowly. Instead, Rubin tells readers to jump right in and tackle all unhealthy behaviors: junk food addictions, mindless eating, lack of exercise and drug or alcohol dependency. But, he warns, don't expect quick results.

Staples

The Maker's Diet aims to show you how to optimize nutrition while cutting out unnecessary calories. The program advises you to eat only fresh foods in their natural state. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, coconut oil, avocado, olives, olive oil, beans whole grains, sprouted breads, grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, fermented or raw dairy products, herbs, tea and pure chocolate.

Restrictions

The Maker's Diet asks you to give up the usual culprits: sugar, white flour, hydrogenated oils, artificial additives, artificial sweeteners, processed meats and foods with genetically modified ingredients. In addition, it advises you to eliminate pork, shellfish and pasteurized dairy products. For these restrictions, he cites both Biblical and scientific evidence against these foods. U.S. government agencies, however, declare these foods safe to eat.

Meal Options

Meals based on the Maker's Diet follow the glycemic index, a well-accepted dietary tool originally developed to help diabetics control blood sugar. Nutritionists and health organizations now use the glycemic index to help dieters plan balanced, nutrient-rich meals that fight hunger and promote weight control. Dietary elements that slow down digestion and promote satiety include fiber, acid, protein and the healthy fats found in nuts, olives, avocado, coconut and fatty fish. Maker's Diet meals, like other diets based on the index, combine various types of foods to create satisfying, delicious meals. Meals do not need to be large, just balanced.

Exercise

The Maker's Diet emphasizes regular exercise, especially strength-building activities. High on the author's list are calisthenics, jumping rope, sprinting and activities that utilize resistance bands, kettle balls and stability balls.