Greenwich Diet Plan

More than 40 million people in the United States turn to a diet to help them shed their excess pounds, according to the University of Colorado. However, less than 1 in 20 of these dieters maintain their weight loss over the long haul. The Greenwich diet is one diet plan that may help you maintain consistent weight loss.

Background

The Greenwich diet was developed by Carlon M. Colker, MD -- a bodybuilder and power lifter turned physician. Colker is the director of a health and wellness center located in Greenwich, Connecticut -- hence the name "The Greenwich Diet." Colker decided to create the diet based on the success he had seen with his patients, according to an interview at Bodybuilding.com.

Premise

Colker advises followers of the Greenwich diet to limit carbohydrate intake and consume adequate amounts of complete protein sources -- proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids the human body needs. What makes the Greenwich diet stand out from the Atkins diet and other low-carb diets is that it recommends limiting saturated fat intake. Colker states that saturated fat has been implicated as a chief contributor to heart disease and that even low-carb dieters should avoid saturated fat. Instead of saturated fat-rich foods like beef and egg yolks, Colker recommends lean options such as fish and egg whites.

Evidence

No study has investigated the effects of the Greenwich diet on health or weight control. However, a research study published in the June 2009 "Archives of Internal Medicine" investigated the effects of a low-carb diet that was also low in saturated fat. After four weeks on this diet, volunteers lost an average of 9 lbs. Additionally, cardiovascular disease risk factors such as "bad" LDL cholesterol and blood pressure also improved.

Considerations

As with all diets, talk to your doctor before embarking on the Greenwich diet. While low-carb diets are generally safe and well tolerated, MayoClinic.com warns that low-carb dieters may experience digestive problems, fatigue and irritability. You can reduce your risk of low carb related side effects from the Greenwich diet by consuming adequate carbohydrates in the form of fresh vegetables and legumes.