The Ornish Diet: Eat More, Weigh Less

Dr. Dean Ornish, who is a cardiologist famous for developing a diet that reverses heart disease without drugs or surgery, is a big name in diet circles. His plan for healthy eating is backed by the best in scientific research.

The Ornish plan for eating more and weighing less is simple; but for most of us, it requires major dietary overhauling. If you are interested in changing your body and adding life to your years, Dr. Ornish's plan may be the regimen for you.

How the Ornish Diet Works

If you want to follow Dr. Ornish's plan for healthy living, the odds are good that you are going to have to make major changes. If you suffer from heart disease or diabetes, or if either problem runs in your family, you may want to make use of the scientifically sound Eat More Weigh Less program.

Dr. Ornish is adamant that a low fat, vegetarian diet is the best way to live a long healthy life unencumbered by extra pounds. His plan is simple to follow, because it breaks foods down into things we should eat all the time, some of the time or never.

Foods To Avoid

There are many common foods which Dr. Ornish suggests we avoid altogether:

• Meat Of Any Kind - This includes all flesh - red meat, white meat, poultry and fish. The Weigh More Eat Less plan is a vegetarian way of life.
• Oils and Products That Contain It - This includes even oils that other diets encourage - olive oil, canola oil, and all other oils are to be avoided.
• Natural Foods That Contain Fat - Olives, nuts and seeds, and avocados should not be consumed by people who are following the Ornish plan.
• Simple sugars and derivatives - Honey, molasses, and other sugars are not permitted. The only sugar in the diet comes from whole fruits.
• Alcohol - No wine, no beer, no hard liquor.

Foods To Eat Sometimes

There is a very short list of foods that may be eaten in moderation:

• Non-fat Dairy Products - Non-fat dairy includes skim milk, yogurt, and cheeses made from non-fat milk.
• Egg Whites - Egg yolks contain fat and cholesterol, so anyone who is following Ornish's plan for success cannot eat them.
• Commercially Available Products - If a product is non-fat or very low in fat (2 grams per serving or less) then it is permissible unless sugar of any kind is listed among the first few ingredients. Splenda is allowed.

Foods To Eat Most Of The Time:

The list of foods to eat most of the time is simple; the foods themselves are widely available and are not difficult to prepare.

• Legumes and Beans of All Kinds - Beans and legumes are the main staple of the Ornish diet. They are a smart choice and offer loads of health benefits.
• Whole Grains - Grains of all kinds are combined with legumes to form complete proteins. There are many delicious ways to prepare whole grains; whether you are eating oatmeal for breakfast or spelt for dinner.
• Fruits and Vegetables - All kinds of fruits and vegetables should be consumed in conjunction with legumes and whole grains. Enjoying a wide variety and unlimited amount of fruits and vegetables is one of the best parts of the Ornish diet.

Advantages and Drawbacks Of The Ornish Plan

The Ornish diet is extremely austere and healthy, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who is suffering from an illness exacerbated by common foods. There is no fat and no cholesterol, and when combined with the vast amount of soluble fiber that this diet includes, it is no wonder that heart disease can be stopped in its' tracks.

This is a diet that can be difficult to live with, if you are a meat and potatoes kind of person, and it can be hard to find suitable restaurant food in many places. Some restaurants do cater to people who follow the Ornish diet, and if you can find vegetarian or vegan options, you should be alright.

This is an inexpensive diet to follow, and the fact that it can reverse heart disease makes it very attractive.

How to Get Started On the Ornish Plan

Be sure to get Dr. Ornish's books. Also, you can go to the official website and sign up to get online support, as well as a wealth of recipes and tips. You can find other people in the online community who follow this plan for a variety of reasons. Once you get started, you will lose weight quickly and feel better in no time.

Official Website

• http://www.pmri.org/

Other Resources

• http://www.webmd.com/diet/ornish-diet-what-it-is
• http://www.everydiet.org/diet/ornish-diet
• http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=47141
• http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/weight/weight_diet-ornish-diet.htm

Related Articles

• E-Diets
• The Abs Diet
• The Sonoma Diet
• Ultrametabolism
• Volumetrics: You Can Eat To Lose Weight