Question:
My vegetarian girlfriend has put me on a (supposedly) healthy diet that will lead to me losing weight without having to go hungry or be overly educated about nutrition. It is day 3, and it is going fine, but I just wanted some opinions about whether this is a sensible regimen. She said: Before noon, eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, water and one cup of coffee if I want. For lunch eat a big salad. Before 6pm, eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, water again. For dinner, eat one of two things, alternating days: Dinner 1: Fish or chicken with a steamed vegetable and a salad. The proportion of the 3 items is such that on a plate the meat is 25% the size of the other stuff. Dinner 2: Same as dinner 1, but meat is replaced by whole wheat pasta or brown rice. The indulgences I am allowed are 1-2 alcoholic drinks in the evening (preferrably 1), 1 coffee in the daytme (50% decaf), and on Sunday's I can eat what I want within reason all day. She says that if I stick with this general plan, I will not be hungry, because I can eat as many fruits or vegetables as I want in the day time, and I will soon feel better and soon be losing weight. What do you think? I surely hope so because although it is taking a bit of disclipline, it isn't that hard. Also, she recommends doing cardio as much as possible, but minimally 3 times a week for 40 minutes or more.
Answer:
Fruits and vegatables are always a good choice. Drinking water is wonderful for you. Nuts have healthy fats and protein. But for me, personally, I need a little more fat, fiber and protein than what you are getting to feel satiated. I am also a big fan of whole wheat - whole wheat cereal, whole wheat bread, etc. Fiber also makes you feel full. Fish and chicken are a great choice for protein because they are lean. Cardio 3-5 times per week for at least 30 min is a great thing too. I would add in resistance training (weights) at least twice a week. It doesn't take a whole lot of time to make a difference. So, all in all, I think it's a good plan. If you are comfortable on it, then there is no real reason to change it. If it were me, I would want a little more healthy fats, some more protein, and some whole grain products. I also tend to drink alot of non-fat milk.
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