In this article we are going to take a closer look at the Dean Ornish diet, and examine why his more "full body" dieting philosophy has been embraced by so many in the health care and academic fields. 
The Ornish Diet was created by, drum roll please….. Dean Ornish! No surprise there, right..:-) The diet was popularized in the book "Eat More, Weigh Less". His diet plan is very low in fat calories, but high in carbohydrates. It has a decidedly vegetarian bent, and showcases Ornish’s theory that fat calories are the primary cause of weight gain ( rather than the "all calories created equal" approach highlighted by some of the more recent popular diets). Ornish lists foods that he labels as "Eat Freely", "Eat Moderately" and "Banned" foods. This is helpful because to many who diet they don’t have to figure on their own if it is a food that will hinder their diet and weight loss plan.
As long as you follow the list you can eat whatever you want in any portion. A big plus if you like the list, don’t you think?
- Fruits and vegetables are high on the list for what is ok to eat freely.
- Foods that are banned altogether on this diet include fats, nuts, seeds, oils and refined carbohydrates such as sugar, white rice and flour.
- The permitted beverages on this diet are water, coffee, tea, skimmed mild and juices. Foods that are not recommended are meats, poultry and fish.
- Only a few diary products are permitted such as fat free yogurt and milk, along with low fat cheese.
For many people who have suffered heart attacks this diet has actually improved their health. They not only feel better, they have achieved better tests results which is very impressive and a big part of it’s popularity with physicians and other health care professionals. For many though the only downside is missing their favorite foods - but for many us our favorite foods are not even healthy to begin with. We are only putting harmful things into our bodies which WILL eventually catch up with us…so regardless of the path to get there, I think we can ALL agree it would be better to be healthy and alive then continue an unhealthy diet regardless of what it may be called. The Ornish diet also includes a full program including exercise routines, meditation and group therapy. His books include recipes on how to cook what you can eat. Those who have applied this diet to their lifestyle have also felt more energetic and of course have lost weight. It is common though for some to regain weight if they go off the diet - but there is no reason why this diet could not become daily part of your life.
This diet is also popular because it is just an overall healthy way to eat for anyone to live, incorporating a more holistic approach to wellness than many of the other diets we have looked at. However, for most Americans starting a diet like this can be difficult, especially if you are not already vegetarian or love junk food - (like I used to!) However, if you have the will power or have tried dieting before and would like a new approach - this diet is a good one - and promises some ancillary lifestyle benefits as well!
