Book Review
The Rice Diet
Kitty Rosati, MS, RD, LDN, and Robert Rosati, MD Reviewed by Amy Jamieson-Petonic, MEd, RD, LD, LMT
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson
February 2006
Claims:
Women will lose an average of 19 pounds in the first four weeks and 3.5 pounds per week after that without feeling hunger and rid their bodies of extra sodium, water weight and toxins.
Diet Plan:
There are three phases to the diet. The first two phases claim to detoxify and cleanse the body and provide less than 1,200 calories and 1,000 milligrams of sodium per day. The third phase is weight maintenance and emphasizes continuously finding ways to maintain the weight loss for the rest of your life. The rice diet recommends more than just rice, including low-sodium beans, steel cut oats and fruits, vegetables, non-fat dairy and very lean protein sources.
Nutritional Pros and Cons:
A diet of less than 1,200 calories per day may promote rapid weight loss as suggested, but should be followed with medical supervision to reduce possible health risks. Complications of a low-calorie diet may include fainting due to low blood pressure, increased risk of formation of gallstones, fatigue or changes in gastrointestinal habits. Low-calorie diets may also reduce basal metabolic rate by putting the body into a starvation mode. The authors are aware the diet is too low in calcium and Vitamin D and 600 to 1,000 milligrams of calcium and a multivitamin are recommended.
Bottom Line:
If you are completely committed to making drastic changes in your eating patterns, this program will help you meet your weight loss goals. The diet is very restrictive and may be difficult to follow or find products that are required. Clinical as well as psychological support is always helpful when making changes. Among the highlights of the diet are lifestyle changes to maintain the weight loss long term, such as the need for making time for you a priority. It offers a variety of methods to deal with stress and help lead a life of balance, including keeping a food journal, physical activity, yoga, tai chi, breathing and meditation. If these tools are missing from any life change, long-term success will be difficult.