Considerable confusion still exists when people mention the Mayo Clinic Diet. The original diet, developed around 30 years ago, is considered a fad or crash diet based around grapefruit, lots of salad and protein, and little carbohydrates. Weight loss is supposed to be in the region of 50 to 55 pounds in 10 weeks. Although the name of the diet suggests otherwise, the Mayo Clinic health center based out of New York has never endorsed such a diet. Instead, the Mayo Clinic provides guidelines for leading a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating habits.
Identification
The Mayo Clinic Diet is a lifestyle method by which people establish successful, long-term weight management by focusing on their overall health. Mayo Clinic's approach to weight loss is based on Mayo Clinic research and clinical experience.
Function
The Mayo Clinic implements a Healthy Weight Pyramid that helps participants adopt a healthy eating behavior. The focus is on eating high quality foods containing low calories with emphasis placed first on fruits and vegetables, then whole grains, lean sources of protein (lean chicken and low-fat dairy), and healthy non-saturated fats (almonds).
Preparation
The Mayo Clinic Diet focuses on being prepared throughout the day with healthy snacks with emphasis placed on the lower portion of the Healthy Weight Pyramid. Being prepared will eliminate unnecessary snacking that negates any progress.
Time Frame
The Mayo Clinic Diet encourages participants to pay attention to serving sizes in each food group to avoid overeating. They are also advised to spread out the servings of food throughout the day.
Benefits
The Mayo Clinic recommends exercising 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week to burn extra calories and assist in the weight loss process. The Mayo Clinic recommends losing 1 to 2 pounds a week for safe and permanent weight loss.
Potential
The Mayo Clinic Diet structures weekly and monthly goals for participants. Instead of only focusing on the number of pounds lost, the plan focus on what people can accomplish, such as setting a goal of being able to walk straight for 30 minutes without having to stop. Participants track progress by journaling.
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