The Warrior Diet is a controversial diet created by former magazine editor and former Israeli Special Forces soldier Ori Hofmekler. Based on his own personal experience and opinions of how warriors ate, the diet consists of minimal eating during the day and heavier food intake at night. The diet is based primarily on three principles: eat one main meal at night, go low on the food chain, and exercise while under-eating. Hofmekler outlines the diet in his book, "The Warrior Diet: Switch on Your Biological Powerhouse for High Energy, Explosive Strength, and a Leaner, Harder Body."
Day Fasting/Nocturnal Eating
The Warrior Diet emphasizes under-eating, or grazing, during the day. This supposedly maximizes the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" reaction to stress, thereby promoting alertness resulting in energy generation and ultimately fat burning. According to the diet's author, over-eating done at night recognizes the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in regulating digestion, elimination and other metabolic activities that slow you down. Eating during the day stops this process and blocks the body's ability to remove toxins and waste from the body. Since detoxification is imperative for health and to delay aging, eating occurs mainly at night.
Low on the Food Chain
The concept of eating low on the food chain is not unique to this diet plan. Many plans promote following diets with higher fruit and vegetable content. In addition to such diet plans, environmentalists claim eating more greens and whole foods increase longevity and are better for the planet. The Warrior Diet, similar to the Paleo Diet, emphasizes that humans are designed to eat foods with minimal or no processing that are as natural as possible.
Exercise While Under-Eating
The training goal of Warrior Diet followers is to achieve the functional body of an ancient warrior. Workouts are meant to build balance, speed, explosiveness, strength and endurance. The training principles endorsed include not training to fatigue, keeping workouts short and quick, and using giant sets. The belief is by training while under-eating, the body uses energy more efficiently and resists fatigue.
Tips to Remember
Before choosing any diet and exercise program, consult a physician. The key to reaching and maintaining any fitness goals is consistency. Do diligent research and be certain whatever route you choose is a method that you fits into your lifestyle and you can sustain long term.
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