The Warrior Diet is a nutritional plan designed by Ori Hofmekler based on survivalist strategies developed through his military experience. This diet is primarily promoted for weight loss, although Hofmekler claims that following the Warrior Diet can enhance physical strength and energy. The Warrior diet focuses more heavily on timing caloric intake than on specific food choices. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist before adopting the Warrior Diet plan.
Underlying Principles
The Warrior Diet is based on the automatic nervous system, which Hofmekler claims is responsible for regulating the function of your body's glands, organs and muscles. The parasympathetic nervous system functions primarily during normal daily activities; the sympathetic nervous system takes over during times of stress or danger; and the enteric nervous system regulates digestion. The Warrior Diet aims to optimize nutrient intake during parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Overeating Phase
Two daily phases make up the Warrior Diet. The "overeating" phase is a four-hour period before you go to sleep. Consuming most of your daily calories during this period is intended to work in conjunction with parasympathetic nervous system activity to optimize digestion and energy storage. Hofmekler also claims that eating before you go to bed enhances your body's ability to remove toxins that may speed the aging process.
Undereating Phase
The remaining 20 hours of each day make up the "undereating" phase of the Warrior diet. During this phase, you consume little or no food. Depriving your body of food during the undereating phase may force your body to use stored fat as fuel, which may promote weight loss.Hofmekler also claims that avoiding food during this phase promotes stress signals to your sympathetic nervous system, increasing the consumption of stored fats for energy.
Food Choices
The Warrior Diet does not mandate consumption or exclusion of any food. However, the plan does focus on high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods such as eggs, meat, rice, dairy products, potatoes and pasta. Hofmekler advocates cooking meats in liquid instead of frying, baking or grilling. He also recommends using a variety of spices and herbs such as curry, thyme, oregano, cayenne and basil to add flavor to meat dishes. Opt for olive oil instead of shortening or butter, and incorporate fish into your diet to obtain healthy fats.
Evidence
There is no scientific evidence to support the Warrior Diet, or to suggest that it is a safe plan for losing weight. Also, there is no evidence to support claims that the Warrior Diet improves detoxification or enhances utilization of stored fats as fuel.
References
- "The Warrior Diet"; Ori Hofmekler; 2007
- Every Diet: Warrior Diet
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