CityView Magazine

52 | January/February 2015 ple premise, if the caveman didn't eat it, you shouldn't ei- ther. e foods included are meat, fi sh, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. Exclusions to this diet are refi ned sugar, dairy, legumes and grains. Does it work? Researchers have not tapped into the Paleolithic diet to suggest any evidence for or against it. is diet can be so restricted it can be unsustainable in modern times. Careful planning can help one to follow a "primal blueprint" which is a version of the Paleo diet that allows for some dairy, al- cohol, and chocolate while still following the philosophy of Paleolithic eating. Gluten Free Diet Philosophy: A gluten free diet is essential to follow for those that suf- fer from celiac disease. In those with celiac disease, ingest- ing gluten triggers an auto immune attack of the intesti- nal lining, causing gastrointestinal distress and potential malabsorption of necessary nutrients. Others may have a gluten sensitivity, which can cause many similar symp- toms, without the intestinal damage. Advocates say you may not know how good you can feel until you go gluten free claiming it can ease a number of ailments including digestive problems, chronic infl ammation, chronic fatigue, headaches and depression. is diet includes naturally gluten free foods such as meat, fi sh, legumes, nuts, vegetables, rice, corn, potatoes and quinoa. e diet excludes foods with gluten such as wheat, rye, barley and processed foods that contain them. Many foods may contain gluten so following specifi c glu- ten-free labeling is crucial. Does it work? Gluten free diets have been heavily endorsed by celebri- ties and the media over the past few years. It is important to be diagnosed with a gluten allergy by a professional fi rst. Many individuals use gluten free as a means of weight loss, eating healthier, or to diagnose one's own symptoms, but there can be risks to this popular diet. Great care must be taken when following this diet or it can lead to a lack of proper amounts of vitamins, minerals and fi ber that are found in many gluten containing foods. ZONE Diet Philosophy: According to this diet the key to weight loss is achieving proper hormone balance and main- taining stable blood sugar levels. Elevated levels of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar, and other hormones can cause you to pack on the pounds. e diet recommends operating in your optimal hormone "zone" through specifi c food consumption ratios: 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. Consuming this balance of nutrients allows the body to stay healthy, slim and operate at peak perfor- mance. e Zone diet typically restricts calories for women at 1,200 and 1,500 for men and promotes eating fi ve times a day: three meals and two snacks. Each meal should consist of a colorful carbohydrate, a lean protein and a dash of a healthy fat. Does it work? ere has been very little research completed on the Zone diet. Small amounts of evidence suggest it is mod- erately eff ective for weight loss however scientifi c evidence has cast doubt on the carb/protein/fat ratio's effi cacy. 21 Day Fix Diet: Philosophy: No counting calories, points or logging your food into diet so ware. is plan has everything laid out for you. Specially designed portion-control containers teach follow- ers to eat the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins and good fats. A nutrition guide is also included to list the best Many individuals use gluten free as a means of weight loss, eating healthier, or to diagnose one's own symptoms, but there can be risks to this popular diet. Great care must be taken when following this diet or it can lead to a lack of proper amounts of vitamins, minerals and fi ber that are found in many gluten containing foods. food consumption ratios: 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. Consuming this balance of nutrients allows the body to stay healthy, slim and operate at peak perfor- Invest in cute take-a-longs to keep meal prep fun!

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