The Body Ecology Diet was written by nutritionist Donna Gates to help people maintain the "inner ecology" of the body.
Gates always states that her plan plays a big role in dealing with health factors that lead to obesity. The diet is based on the concept that our bodies contain a natural balance of microorganisms, which are involved in a range of functions in the body. She says consuming large amounts of food, which contains a high amount of carbohydrates and sugar, are contributing to the disruption of that balance.
The Body Ecology Diet helps to rebuild the natural ecosystem, support health and improve chronic health conditions.
The Diet Basics
This diet is basically a version of The Candida Diet. It consists of three principles:
The first principle involves the addition of cultured foods to the diet such as: fermented vegetables, fermented drinks, like organic yogurt and kefir made from either organic milk or coconut water.
The second principle is about changing the quality of fats in the diet. Gates recommends the use of "good" fats such as: flaxseed, extra virgin olive, and coconut oils.
The third principle involves reduction in carbohydrate and sugar intake. Concentrated carbohydrates such as: grains, potatoes, sweets, and the majority of fruits are removed from this diet.
Gates says, these three factors can improve the natural balance of the inner ecology.
Also, food combination is very important to improve digestive function.
Recommended Foods
Kefir, made from organic cows milk, coconut water kefir, cultured vegetables such as, raw sauerkraut, sea vegetables, steamed vegetables, salads, organic eggs, fish, organic chicken, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut and olive oils.
Sample Diet Plan
Breakfast
Smoothie made with granny smith apple, celery, romaine lettuce, avocado, parsley and water
Morning Snack
Coconut water kefir
Lunch
Turkey lettuce wraps
Cultured vegetables
Afternoon Snack
Raw almonds
Raw vegetables
Dinner
Baked salmon with julienne carrots, zucchini, green beans and sweet potato
Pumpkin seed pesto
Evening Snack
Organic popcorn with coconut oil.
Exercise Recommendations
Exercise is recommended and helps in the reduction of certain microorganisms, such as Candida.
Pros
- Natural alternative for the management of digestive disorders
- Includes recipes, menus, etc.
Cons
- Focuses less on weight management, and is targeted more towards improving general health
- Very restrictive diet and very difficult to eat out
- Requires a lot of time for food preparation
- Involves food combining, which lacks in scientific support
- Recommends the use of many expensive supplements
Conclusions
Desired results may take some time, so a great amount of motivation is required. This diet involves food combining, which lacks scientific support. Many dieters have found relief from digestive disorders with this plan. However, it is possible to lose weight on this plan, and it is more suitable for people having health concerns. |
