The Hot Latin Diet is a different approach to healthy living. Developed by Dr. Manny Alvarez, the concept is touted as more than simply another fad diet. While the plan does center around the inclusion of what is referred to as seven Latin power foods in the daily diet, the approach is more comprehensive than simply consuming Latin food. The Hot Latin Diet calls for changes in lifestyle, eating, and general attitudes about nutrition.

Unlike fad diets that rely on eating only fixed amounts of a selected group of foods each day, the Hot Latin Diet takes the approach of making changes in how one eats. Instead of focusing only on consuming the seven power foods, Dr. Alvarez urges their inclusion in the daily diet, making sure that all seven are included at some point in meals consumed on any given day. Along with the inclusion of these foods, tips for watching fats, carbohydrates and minimizing the consumption of empty calories is also part of the Hot Latin Diet.

Along with changing eating habits, the inclusion of exercise is also considered crucial to success. Ideally, the use of the seven power foods will urge the individual to make lifestyle changes that will leave the person active, energized, and with a more positive outlook. At the same time, excess weight is lost at a pace that is considered healthy.

The seven power foods that form the basis for the Hot Latin Diet are all available in just about any supermarket. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas), tomatillos, garlic, cinnamon, hot chiles, cilantro and avocados are used in recipes to prepare tasty meals. The foods do not have to be consumed all at one setting. Instead, they can be spread out among different meals during the day, and may even form the basis for a snack between meals.

As with all diets, the Hot Latin Diet has its proponents and its detractors. However, there is evidence that the inclusion of these foods may open the door for a better understanding of nutrition and the need for regular exercise. With this in mind, the Hot Latin Diet may prove helpful in situation where other diet plans failed.