Forbes.com describes integrative physician Andrew Weil as one of the "foremost authorities on health, wellness and integrative medicine." In 2000, Weil's book, "Eating Well for Optimum Health," was released and immediately became a bestseller. Dr. Weil's diet isn't rigid, nor does it promote weight loss. Rather, Weil emphasizes eating a diet that to improve your overall health and longevity.
About Andrew Weil, M.D.
Andrew Weil graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1968. He's authored several books on health, nutrition and wellness and has appeared on PBS specials and "Larry King Live." Weil is a practitioner of integrative medicine, which combines traditional medicine with holistic treatments. He founded and directs the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Arizona's medical college and maintains a website, DrWeil.com.
Wellness Diet Principles
During an April 2000 airing of "Larry King Live," Weil laid out the rules of his Wellness Diet. He explained that you can have anything "in moderation" and further indicated that you can treat yourself to your favorite foods on occasion. However, he emphasized the need to know the difference between heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and unhealthy saturated fat and trans fat, as well as the type of carbohydrates that are your optimal choice. Weil is a proponent of eating fresh food in abundance, particularly fruit and vegetables, and avoiding processed food and fast food. Dietitian Maria Adams, writing for Baptist Health Systems, states that Weil's diet relies on "nutritionally sound principles" supported by scientific research. Weil does not encourage specific foods or diet plans; he gives you guidance on how to make the healthiest choices.
Diet Tips
Weil recommends that you get 40 to 50 percent of your calories from carbohydrates; 30 percent from fat; and 20 to 30 percent from protein. He also advocates trying to eat 40 g dietary fiber every day from fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods, such as bran. Dr. Weil's diet includes an abundance of colorful vegetables and fruits, including cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli. He promotes regular consumption of soy foods and advocates drinking tea over coffee. For people who enjoy alcoholic beverages, Weil suggests choosing red wine over other choices. He also encourages eating dark chocolate, with a minimum 70 percent cocoa solids, in moderation. Weil is a believer in taking dietary supplements such as selenium, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin E.
Healthy Eating
Dr. Weil's Wellness Diet lays out specific recommendations for the healthiest types of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fiber choices without pushing you toward specific "miracle foods." Another benefit of Weil's eating plan is that it emphasizes achieving and maintaining a healthy weight rather than focusing on leanness. According to the Weight-loss Information Network, if you're concerned about your weight, the best eating plan is one that encourages eating a wide variety of healthy foods types, as well as portion control and eating the right number of calories. Talk to your treating physician if you have questions about Dr. Weil's Wellness Diet to see if it's right for you.
References
- CNN.com; Larry King Live: Andrew Weil Discusses `Eating Well'; April 2000
- Baptist Health Systems; Dr. Andrew Weil's Eating Well Plan; M. Adams; 2004
- DrWeil.com: Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips
- "Time Magazine"; Dr. Andrew Weil: Mr. Natural; A. Park, J. Kluger, May 1997
- Forbes.com: Andrew Weil
- "Time Magazine"; Dr. Andrew Weil's Wellness Diet; October 2005
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