What Is the Yogurt Diet?
The yogurt diet is the name given to an Internet phenomenon and another eating plan, which was the basis of a book written by Ana Luque. Both diets center on using yogurt to increase weight loss and restore body health. According to Ana Luque, yogurt should be added to a menu of detoxifying foods that will cleanse the body and restore wellness. Internet instructions support eating only yogurt throughout the day for fast weight loss. There are no formal instructions for the Internet yogurt diet.
The two forms of yogurt diet are based on probiotics and the healthy flora present in intestine. Healthy flora helps to break down and digest food. When food is broken down completely, colon health and function typically improves. This could support claims of overall health improvements on yogurt diet plans. Weight loss is based on calorie restriction as low-fat yogurt usually contains between 100 and 120 calories per serving.
Yogurt can contain fruit, protein, and dairy which are three major food groups for dieters. Eating only yogurt may be difficult over a prolonged period of time, but no known health problems have been reported as of late 2009. In order to consume enough calories to maintain health, 10 to 12 cups of yogurt would need to be eaten every day.
Eating yogurt alone does leave out vegetables and whole grains from food menus. Ana Luque’s version of the yogurt diet does not support severe food restriction. Instead of eating yogurt exclusively, dieters on her plan are advised to eat three servings of yogurt every day in addition to approved foods. Wholesome foods and herbs are approved, but no list of these foods could be found online.
Yogurt contains probiotics, which are found naturally in intestines. Research has found that processed, high-fat, and fast-food diets tend to deplete probiotic levels. Antibiotic use can also reduce numbers of probiotic bacteria. Yogurt is a healthy source of probiotics, in some cases. Not all yogurts contain healthy flora, as these bacteria need to be added during manufacturing.
According to Luque, diets rich in probiotics can reduce inflammation, increase weight loss, and detoxify the body. These claims are not supported by scientific research. Luque also claims the probiotics present in yogurt can heal eating disorders.
Yogurt diets are all usually based on intestinal flora, so it is important to choose yogurt that includes probiotics and prebiotics on the ingredient list. Yogurts high in sugar and fat are not typically allowed. There is no mention of exercise in any of the information about the Internet yogurt diet or Ana Luque’s plan.
Written by Summer Banks
