Rice Diet
In 1939, Dr. Walter Kempner treated a patient who had hypertension and renal disease with a diet that consisted of only rice and fruit for two weeks. After the patient had positive results, including weight loss, Kempner created the Rice Diet and opened the Rice House in Durham, North Carolina.
In 1983, Robert Rosati and his wife Kitty took over the center. They are the authors of The Rice Diet Solution, which was published in 2006, and is based on the 1939 Rice Diet Program.
The Rice Diet is high in complex carbohydrate, low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and low-protein. It’s also very low in calories with dieters consuming as little as 800-1200 calories per day.
Due to the stringent nature of this diet, participants are encouraged to enroll in the program at the Rice House in Durham, where a team of doctors, dietitians, and nurses are there to help with the transition from the initial phase of the program to the second and third phases.
Foods to include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Lean meat
- Lean poultry
- Lean fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Non-fat dairy
Foods to avoid:
- Fried foods
- Processed foods
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Refined grains
- Trans fat
Pros:
- Considers primary food
- Restricted calorie intake will lead to weight loss
- Low fat diet may reduce heart problems in some
Cons:
- Low-sodium levels may have dangerous effect on blood pressure
- Many recommended products are not widely available and require special orders
- May be difficult to sustain
- Diet works best in a controlled environment
Sources:
The Rice Diet Program www.ricedietprogram.com (Links to an external site.)
