Fit for Life
Harvey and Marilyn Diamond co-authored the book Fit for Life, which was published in 1985. This diet is a mostly vegan approach, and condemns food combining – a method originally developed by William Howard Hay, MD, in the 1920s – as a diet deterrent.
The Diamonds suggest 70% of the diet include high-water content foods such as fruits and vegetables to “wash the toxic waste” from the body rather than “clog” it. According to Fit for Life principles, foods that are highly-refined or highly-processed are considered “dead foods” while raw fruits and vegetables are considered “living.”
The diet includes eating only fruit in the morning and avoiding animal protein. The plan also advises against mixing proteins and starches, which stresses the digestive system, interferes with the body’s ability to absorb valuable nutrients and enzymes, and promotes fat storage.
They also discourage water with meals since they believe it dilutes digestive acids in the stomach. Dairy products are seen as allergenic and should be avoided on this plan. This approach includes nutritional supplements, which the Diamonds strongly recommend to make up for “enzyme deficient foods.”
Fit for Life is presented as a long-term plan for health rather than a crash diet.
Foods to include:
- Low-starch vegetables
- Low-starch fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy oils
Foods to avoid:
- High-starch vegetables
- High-starch fruits
- Refined grains
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Processed foods
- Sugar
- Trans fats
Pros:
- Does not require calorie counting or portion control
- Emphasizes whole foods
- May improve heart health
Cons:
- Claims not supported by scientific research
- Dieters encouraged to purchase supplements
- Program can be costly
Sources:
The Fit For Life Weight Management System www.fitforlife.com (Links to an external site.)
Harvey Diamond and Marilyn Diamond’s Fit for Life
