The Sacred Heart Foundation Diet is a fad diet that has been floating around for a long time, under a number of names. Proponents claim it was developed by the cardiology physicians of Sacred Heart Medical Center, but this claim is unfounded. In fact, the Sacred Heart Foundation Diet is not good for promoting cardiovascular health. By understanding the health risks of following fad diets such as the Sacred Heart Foundation Diet, you can develop a diet plan that helps you lose weight and maintain long-term weight loss, while protecting your health.
Disclaimer
The Sacred Heart Foundation Diet, also known as the "Miracle Soup Diet," the "Spokane Heart Diet," and the "Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital Diet," did not originate with any of the medical centers it is named after, and is not recommended by physicians. Providence Health and Services, Spokane, Washington, issued a statement in an attempt to debunk claims about the origin of the diet; it says that the Sacred Heart Foundation Diet, "did not originate at Providence Sacred Heart and it is not endorsed by the dietitians or the staff of our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program."
Fiber
The Sacred Heart Foundation Diet encourages dieters to eliminate sources of healthy carbohydrates. Reducing or eliminating healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, is particularly unhealthy for your heart. Healthy carbohydrates are essential sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, which should not be eliminated from your diet. Fiber promotes heart health by removing excess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, from your bloodstream, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Fiber also helps your body maintain consistent blood sugar levels, and aids in digestion.
Protein Sources
Another problem with the Sacred Heart Foundation Diet is that many versions encourage a binge-and-purge attitude toward protein. In some versions, meats and fish are restricted or eliminated. In other versions, dieters are encouraged to eat as much beef as they want on certain days, while inexplicably eliminating healthy protein sources with no saturated fats, such as beans, peas and other legumes. Although it is true that many people consume too much protein, eliminating or severely restricting protein intake can weaken both your heart and your immune system.
Healthier Alternatives
People who lose weight following fad diets, such as the Sacred Heart Foundation Diet, tend to regain the weight as soon as they quit the diet, warns Providence Health and Services. Frequently, weight loss is due to loss of water weight, or even muscle tissue, instead of fat. Contrary to claims of fad-diet proponents, there are no "bad" food groups. Choose a well-balanced, nutritious diet and increase physical activity to lose weight and keep it off over the long term, while strengthening your cardiovascular system.
Additional Considerations
Restrictive diets such as the Sacred Heart Foundation Diet that encourage you to eliminate entire food groups or severely restrict caloric intake can leave you dangerously malnourished, and can be harmful to your health. This can be especially dangerous if you have a serious medical condition, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Talk to your physician about your weight-loss goals before starting a new diet. Your doctor can help you develop a weight loss plan with a nutritious diet and exercise to protect your health.
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