CSIRO Diets

CSIRO Diets
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If you're worried about eating right, scanning the bookstore shelves in search of nutritional guidance can leave you confused. A plethora of tomes pledge to show you the way toward nutritional vitality, and it's hard to know which to trust. CSIRO is a research organization that has created two nutritional programs - the Total Wellbeing Diet and the Healthy Heart Program - both of which have been elucidated in books published by CSIRO. Here's some more information to help you decide whether these programs are right for you.

What is CSIRO?

CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, is the national science agency of Australia, an institution devoted to research that is aligned with major issues affecting the country, including the health of its citizens. In addition to using science to understand issues like climate change, infrastructure and mineral resources, CSIRO serves the agri-food industry and the human health sector. CSIRO uses research to support the health of individuals and communities. Its Total Wellbeing Diet and Healthy Heart Program fulfill this mandate.

A Response to Obesity and Heart Disease

CSIRO's Total Wellbeing Diet and Healthy Heart Program, offer a response to the daunting reality that a large percentage of Australian adults are at risk of being overweight and having cardiovascular disease. Skyrocketing obesity and epidemic rates of heart disease are not just a concern for Australians. The World Health Organization states that cardiovascular disease kills more people worldwide than any other cause. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that heart disease is the number one killer. CSIRO's Heart Healthy Program originates from Australia, but the need for such dietary interventions exists worldwide.

Target Audience

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is designed to aid those who are overweight or obese by providing a structured program for healthy weight loss. The program emphasizes a high protein/low fat style of eating. CSIRO's Healthy Heart Program is targeted at people over the age of 40 who are at risk of cardiovascular disease. It is believed that the risk factors experienced by this group may be manageable through lifestyle changes, thus decreasing their risk of disability or death due to heart disease. The program makes special amendments for vegetarians, as well as those seeking a higher protein or higher carbohydrate menu plan.

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet

Three different books pertaining to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet have been published: "The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet," "The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet 2," and "The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Recipe Book." The Total Wellbeing Diet is a 12 week weight loss program, with a weight management regimen that begins after that 12 week period. There is also a children's version, "The CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for Kids," which is geared at urging children towards a lifetime of healthy eating.

The CSIRO Healthy Heart Program

"The CSIRO Healthy Heart Program" is a regimen of diet and exercise that involves charting the foods you eat and the activities you engage in daily. The entire plan is elucidated in the book, "The CSIRO Healthy Heart Program." The diet plan includes 100 recipes and a 12-week meal plan designed to feed a family of four. In addition to the diet, the program includes a walking program combined with strength training. Participants are encouraged to keep careful written records of food and exercise, and to monitor vital statistics such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure and BMI.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Jul 26, 2011

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