Dean Ornish is a cardiologist who is Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He is also the president and director of Preventive Medicine Research Institute, a non-profit research facility studying the connection between lifestyle weight lossbehaviors and the prevention/treatment of heart disease and other chronic conditions. The Ornish Lifestyle Modification Program is the based on a (1) a very low-fat, high complex carbohydrate diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes (2) regular exercise, (3) stress management and (4) family/community support systems to maintain desired healthy behaviors.
Diet Claims:
Consuming nutrient-dense, fiber-rich plant foods as desired would result in significant reduction in the intake of calories, saturated/trans fats and dietary cholesterol, which, in turn, promotes weight loss and improves cardiovascular health. Eating three meals plus 1-2 snacks daily also helps regulate blood sugar and insulin while lowering serum cholesterol levels.
Weight Loss Promise:
Author does not define expected rate of weight loss. Instead, gradual weight reduction through eating high fiber, lower caloric density foods is expected. Moderate daily exercise, positive social support and stress management will optimize dieters success for reaching their desired weight. Research study findings, on the other hand, indicate that the Ornish diet can reverse cardiovascular disease, especially by lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Foods Allowed:
The primary focus is on a plant based diet: whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains (pasta, rice, breads and cereals); dried beans and legumes including soy and small amounts of lean poultry, fish, egg whites meats and nonfat dairy. Plant oils are to be used sparingly.
Foods Restricted:
Red meat, butter and other animal fats. Most types of processed foods, high fat foods, sweets and caffeinated beverages. Alcohol and salt can be consumed in moderation.
Sample Menu:
Portion sizes are not defined in the Life Choice Menus.
Hence, typical weight reducing portions were selected for the analysis.
Breakfast:
1 cup Bite-size shredded wheat cereal
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 cup fresh strawberries
Decaffeinated coffee
Lunch:
Stuffed Potato: 1 large baked potato with skin 3/4 cup fresh broccoli, steamed ½ cup garbanzo beans ¼ cup nonfat lemon herb dressing
Salad: 2 cups Romaine lettuce 1 medium tomato 2 tablespoons nonfat French dressing
1 large apple
