Dieting Information, Weight Loss Programs and Diet Pills

Ultrametabolism Diet

A medical doctor and researcher Mark Hyman, M.D., claims each body uses nutrients differently to awaken fat-burning genes. During his medical training, Hyman's energy and mood swung wildly with his daily triple espresso and chocolate-chip-cookie fix. His battle with chronic fatigue syndrome motivated him to find his own personal formula for optimal health, fitness and functioning. Based on 10 years of hands-on experience at Canyon Ranch health resort, he formulated the UltraMetabolism Diet's seven keys to weight loss: controlling appetite and metabolism, reducing stress, managing inflammation, preventing cellular "rust," turbo charging your metabolism, ensuring optimal thyroid function and detoxifying your liver.

The book uses a series of quizzes to help readers target their personal trouble zones and implement a diet that works with the individual's body. Dieters are required to eat every three hours, but not within three hours of bedtime. The plan consists of three stages: a one-week preparation, Phase I and Phase II. In the initial prep phase, dieters banish bad foods including sugar, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, junk food, alcohol and caffeine. Next, dieters enter Phase I, a three-week detoxification. Here, dieters introduce whole "healing" foods and eliminate common food allergens like dairy products, eggs and gluten.

The final stage, Phase II, starts at week four and lasts for life. Herein, dieters start to reprogram their bodies and genes to lose weight and keep it off. The lifetime phase allows you to reintroduce previously banished foods in a way that allows you to monitor their effects on your health. So if you get a stomach ache from dairy products, for example, you know to steer clear of them. According to Hyman, by the end of eight weeks, you will have lost 11 to 21 pounds or more.

Mark Hyman, M.D. should be praised for his forward-thinking approach to personalized nutrition with the UltraMetabolism Diet. His laundry lists of scientific principles and research may be overwhelming and intimidating to some. Still, Hyman's advice regarding whole foods, high-fiber fruits and vegetables and stress reduction is based on sound science. With a cover line that promises a "simple plan for automatic weight loss," the diet is anything but. The detailed shopping list and kitchen recommendations can be overwhelming for an inexperienced dieter, and while Hyman offers some fabulous recipes for those with a holistic view of food, they may be too time-intensive and expensive for many Americans.

However, since dieters are required to swap out processed foods, artificial sweeteners and saturated and trans fats for fiber-rich whole foods, they're likely to get full on fewer calories -- and lose weight. With the diet's emphasis on exercise and stress reduction, most UltraMetabolism dieters will experience a spike in metabolism to boot. But people who are accustomed to eating large portions may have trouble losing weight on this diet. Since portion control is not emphasized or defined and there's little to no room for the occasional indulgences, dieters may feel deprived and binge. And even binging on healthy foods can cause weight gain.

Is the UltraMetabolism Diet healthy?

Yes. Filling up on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains delivers maximum nutrition with a minimal calories. The caveat: The diet may not be realistic for Americans addicted to their double cappuccinos and fast-food fixes.

What do the experts say?

Andrea Giancoli, M.P.H., R.D., National Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, likes how the UltraMetabolism Diet eliminates refined grains, foods with trans fats, added sugars, high fructose corn syrup and grain-fed beef. "The diet itself emphasizes healthful foods, exercise, stress reduction and inflammation reduction. And it's high in fiber and foods that aid in appetite control," she says. And there are good recipes to boot. What she doesn't like: Hyman's emphasis on supplements. "People tend to self-diagnose and can overdo it with supplements." And Giancoli points out that there are inconsistencies in the diet. "The first phase calls for the elimination of potential allergenic foods -- gluten, eggs and dairy. But nuts and soy are also potential allergens and these foods aren't eliminated in the first phase."

Who should consider the UltraMetabolism Diet?

This diet is good for people who are willing to make big changes and completely overhaul their kitchens. People who are interested in organic, hormone-free, whole foods and who are highly motivated are more likely to do well on this diet. It helps if they're interested in scientific theory, supplements and herbs, too.

Bottom Line

The UltraMetabolism Diet is big on theory and commentary and light on guidance. If you have the time and patience to work with new foods and recipes and you're ready for a major change in your lifestyle, you can lose weight on this diet -- though it might not be much fun.

Checklist

Ultrametabolism Diet Books
Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss	The UltraMetabolism Cookbook: 200 Delicious Recipes that Will Turn on Your Fat-Burning DNA