Duke Hospital Rice Diet

In the 1930s, Duke University medical professor Walter Kempner observed that people who lived in countries where rice was a staple of the diet tended to have lower rates of chronic disease. He subsequently developed the Rice Diet, which evolved into an outpatient program that overweight patients could go to for treatment. The most recent resource for dieters who wish to try the Rice Diet at home is the book written by the program's nutrition director, Kitty Rosati, entitled "The Rice Diet Renewal."

Rice Diet Basics

The Rice Diet is aimed at treating obesity, diabetes and hypertension along with other chronic health problems. To this end, the diet is quite low in sodium and calories. No salt is added to any recipes, and foods that are naturally high in sodium, such as cheese, do not figure widely into the diet. No processed foods, which are often high in sodium, are permitted on the diet. While you can choose the number of calories you want to consume on the Rice Diet, the sample menus provided by Rosati consist of 800 to 1,000 calories a day. Consult with your doctor before beginning a diet, especially one that provides fewer than 1,200 calories a day, as nutritional deficiencies can result. The Rice Diet is also very low in fat, as most foods on the diet are eaten in their original form, and the recipes are typically prepared without fat.

Foods

While the original Rice Diet implemented by Kempner in the 1930s used rice to the exclusion of other grains, the same is not true today. Any minimally processed grain can be eaten on the rice diet, including oatmeal, cornmeal and wheat. Another more recent change in the Rice Diet is the addition of vegetables, as the diet used to consist solely of rice and fruit. Soy and dairy milk are also permitted, as well as very small amounts of animal protein or beans.

Recipes

While the original Rice Diet consisted of very plain foods, the diet today includes some interesting recipes. Dieters can choose from Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes, Bayou Baked Bourbon Beans, Roasted Red Pepper Bisque and other enticing options. All recipes are prepared without fat, excepting a few that require 1 or 2 tsp. of olive oil. The recipes rely heavily on herbs, spices and citrus juices for flavor, and never include salt. Each recipe specifies the exact serving size, which can help with portion control.

Mind and Spirit

The majority of Rosati's book focuses on the emotional, spiritual and cognitive aspects of weight loss. This might come as a surprise for readers who expect a tome filled with dietary advice, facts and research. Rosati writes about conscious consumption, spirituality and a variety of alternative healing practices such as energy work. Positive thinking exercises are included in the book, as are a variety of journal topics. Mediation is recommended, as is the Emotional Freedom Technique, a "self-healing method" that incorporates tapping on accupoints to help control cravings and heal emotional issues.