The Rice Diet Program is a residential treatment center, specializing in treating obesity. On average, men at the treatment center lose 30 lbs. their first month and women lose 19 lbs., according to RiceDiet.com. The diet that patients follow at the treatment center was published in the book "The Rice Diet Solution" in 2006.
Guidelines
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables make up the majority of the foods on the Rice Diet. Three meals, which total 800 to 1,000 calories, are consumed each day. Due to the low amount of calories on the diet, patients at the Rice Diet Program lose 2.5 to 3.5 lbs. per week.
No snacks or desserts are permitted on the diet. The diet is low in fat and sodium; therefore, no fat or sodium are added to the foods.
Menu
Breakfast consists of a serving of starch, a serving of dairy and a fruit serving. Lunch and dinner include three servings of starch, three servings of vegetables and one fruit. A serving of starch is equivalent to 1/2 of a bagel, 1/2 cup grits, 1/3 cup brown rice or one small baked potato. One serving of nonstarchy vegetables is one cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked. A fruit serving is equivalent to a small apple, 1/2 cup cherries, one kiwi or one peach.
Pros and Cons
The Rice Diet is medically supervised, allowing dieters to safely lose weight rapidly. The diet was developed in 1939 by a medical researcher and is based upon scientific studies and not fads or tends. Exercise and nutrition education are included as part of the weight-loss program, both of which are regarded as a crucial aspects to successful long-term weight management, according to "Handbook of Obesity Treatment."
If you lead an active lifestyle, the Rice Diet may not provide enough calories to adequately meet your needs. Protein consumption is limited to 16 g to 20 g, which is not enough to build large amounts of muscle mass.
Considerations
The Rice Diet has been proven to produce rapid, short-term weight loss. Long-term weight loss requires a lifetime of eating a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The diet can help you to achieve a healthy body weight, but it would require modification to sustain your weight. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
References
- The Rice Diet Program: Frequently Asked Questions
- The Rice Diet Program: Food Group Allowances
- "The Rice Diet Solution"; Kitty Gurkin Rosati, et al.; 2006
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
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