The Rice Diet is a fairly strict dietary regimen based on the premise that eating low-fat, low-salt, high-complex carbohydrate foods can help to reduce obesity as well as chronic illnesses closely associated with being overweight, such as hypertension and diabetes. The program is available as an administered program or can be done at home as a self-help approach to losing weight and managing weight-related illnesses.
History
The program was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Walter Kempner of Duke University. Dr. Kempner, as part of Duke University's Department of Medicine, was investigating the effect of diet on the human body, with a particular focus on the dietary causes of hypertension and diabetes. His investigation concluded that for people who use rice as a staple, these diseases are seldom a problem.
In 1939, Kempner, using his research, developed a dietary plan strongly focused on using rice, along with other health foods, as a major portion of the diet. The Rice Diet, as it came to be known, is still in use to treat obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Today, the Rice Diet program continues to operate as part of Duke University.
The Rice Diet Program
The program consists on site treatment for anywhere from two to eight weeks. While on the program, participants are monitored carefully on a daily basis by medical professionals in peaceful, quiet and supportive surroundings. The program provides meals, as well as classes, workshops and groups that help participants to achieve their dietary and weight loss goals. It also teaches lifestyle changes that will contribute to continued good health.
The Diet
The Rice Diet focuses on eating whole foods that are low in calories, fat, sugar and protein and high in complex carbohydrates. Contrary to the name of the diet, rice is not the only constituent. The diet that Dr. Kempner created uses rice, fruit and fruit juices, vegetables, fish, legumes, grains and nonfat dairy products to provide balanced nutrition. Participants in the Rice Diet program choose from a variety of more than 30 items that are offered in any given meal.
Sodium, Fat and Calorie Restriction
Sodium, in the form of salt, is significantly restricted on the Rice Diet. While the average person's diet contains around 6 grams of sodium on average, less than 1/2 gram is required for the body to function normally. Limiting salt can help to lower blood pressure, thereby reducing or even eliminating the need to medicate for conditions that may be associated with high blood pressure.
The foods on the program are also very low in fat. Daily fat intake is generally restricted to less than 6 grams per day. The overall caloric intake in the Rice Diet is also restricted. When starting the diet, participants are limited to 800 calories per day. Over time, the amount is gradually increased to around 1,200 calories per day as part of a maintenance program.
Lifestyle Changes
The Rice Diet program also helps participants to make changes not only in their diet but also in their personal attitude toward life in general. Yoga, stress management, meditation and physical exercise are all taught and encouraged to help reduce stress and strengthen the body.
Self-Help Options
There are options for those that would like to practice the Rice Diet at home. The book The Rice Diet Solution is currently available to explain how the program works and how to use it at home. The Rice Diet Cookbook provides instruction on how to prepare healthy meals that are appropriate for the Rice Diet. The Rice Diet program also offers online access to a variety of products and services that can assist in following the diet at home.
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