List Of Foods For The Rice Diet

The Rice Diet is a weight management program used at the North Carolina-based Duke University to stimulate rapid weight loss in patients suffering from conditions that are exacerbated by obesity, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension. The diet program consists of three phases, two of which are conducted while participants stay in the medical center and work daily with nutritionists, physicians and exercise therapists. Each phase contains detailed eating and exercise instructions. Although the program has been used successfully at Duke University since the 1930s, speak to your personal doctor before attempting to implement the Rice Diet on your own.

Guidelines

The Rice Diet was developed by Duke University's Walter Kempner and emphasizes foods that, according to Kempner's research, rarely contribute to weight-related health problems in cultures that use them as daily staples. The diet takes its name from one of these foods -- rice -- but includes whole grains, fish, beans, vegetables and fruits as well, all measured in strict portions and allowed in different amounts throughout the three phases of the program. In all phases of the Rice Diet, salt intake is restricted to less than 150 mg of sodium daily and the daily food choices allow for no more than 5 g of fat.

Phase 1 Foods

The initial phase of the Rice Diet is called the detoxification plan. During this part of the Rice Diet, patients enrolled in the Duke University program are allowed two servings of cooked whole grains like quinoa or brown rice and two servings of fruit for breakfast, lunch and dinner. No salt is allowed and, according to the main Rice Diet Program site, patients stay in this phase for approximately two weeks with their meals consisting of an average of 89 percent carbohydrates, 6 percent protein and 5 percent fat. However, Duke University advises that if you are attempting the Rice Diet at home, you should not continue in this extremely low-calorie phase for more than one day per week.

Phase 2 Foods

During phase 2 of the Rice Diet, participants are allowed to add servings of vegetables, beans, bread, pasta and non-fat dairy or a soy product to their daily meals. Fish is allowed once weekly. The meals during this phase provide approximately 80 percent carbohydrates, 13 percent protein and 7 percent fat. This phase may last about two weeks, with a typical daily menu consisting of a breakfast of one grain serving, one non-fat dairy serving and one fruit and both lunch and dinner consisting of three servings of grain, three vegetables and one serving of fruit.

Phase 3 Foods

The third phase of the Rice Diet, known as the maintenance phase, begins when dieters reach their target weight and learn how to continue their newly acquired diet habits long-term. During this part of the program, the vegetable, bean, grain, fruit and non-dairy product recommendations continue with the addition of fish or another lean protein allowed twice weekly, and some nuts, olives and cheese allowed occasionally.