The Coconut Diet is based on the principle that traditional populations that have diets, which are high in pure coconut oil, do not display problems with weight gain and do not have many of the chronic diseases that are common in western cultures.
In addition to the importance of coconut oil, information is given to dieters, which helps them find specific health issues that can be related to their diet, such as thyroid dysfunction, digestive disorders and blood sugar imbalances.
The creators of the diet states that the coconut fats get broken down for immediate energy instead of getting stored and are metabolized differently than other fats. They also state that they have other health benefits such as improving thyroid function, digestive problems and antiviral effects.
Diet Basics
It consists of four phases:
Phase 1 - The 21-Day Weight Loss Kick-off
The 1st phase contains 3 meals and 1 or 2 snacks daily. These concentrate on lean protein and vegetables. Grains, sweets and most fruits are not allowed. During these initial 21 days dieters can expect a weight loss of 10 pounds.
Phase 2 - Cleansing
This phase recommends the use of various cleansing drinks based on vegetables and fiber.
Phase 3 - Introducing Healthy Carbs
During this phase dieters are allowed to eat whole grains, certain fruits and limited amounts of starchy vegetables.
Phase 4 - Maintenance
This 4th phase is designed to maintain weight loss when the targeted weight loss goal is achieved. Foods such as sweets, alcohol and some fruits are still not allowed.
Recommended Foods
In each phase of the diet it is suggested to take 2 to 3 tablespoons of pure coconut oil daily.
Sample Diet Plan
Breakfast
Eggs and bacon with vegetables sautéed in coconut oil
Morning Snack
6 Macadamia nuts
Lunch
Spinach salad with pine nuts and avocado
Afternoon Snack
Celery and goat cheese
Dinner
Grilled fish with brown rice
Salad with coconut ranch dressing
Evening Snack
12 Raw almonds
Exercise Recommendations
Dieters are advised to do both aerobic and resistance training for 15 minutes daily.
Pros
- Recommends low glycemic index carbohydrates
- Provides high quality protein
- May appeal to those who have tried many other approaches without success
- Recommends fruit and vegetables
Cons
- Highly restrictive with complex rules
- Phase 2 plans are very low in calories and dieters may feel hungry
- Recommended foods are expensive and difficult to find in stores
- Not easy to eat out
- Recipes required time to prepare
Conclusions
The coconut diet will only be suitable for highly motivated dieters who suffer from chronic illness or fatigue. The dieters must be ready to leave alcohol, caffeine, sugar, grains, dairy products, and most fruits. In addition, dieters must be ready to spend a great deal of time in order to prepare foods.
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