Here we are at the start of a New Year where many of us have resolutions for better health and weight management…in particular weight loss. More people seem to be in the gym lately and eating healthy.
This is a great time to consider an elimination food plan. It really cleanses the palate and helps us detox some of our indulgences of the season. It can reduce inflammation and help us lose those unwanted pounds we may have put on with all those holiday parties.
The elimination diet has been around for a while and is especially helpful for those feeling sluggish, fatigued or for those who have chronic health problems. It allows people to identify foods that cause symptoms or reactions. The sensitivities to common foods such as wheat, dairy, eggs and corn has gained much attention, especially when it comes to its association with weight gain. British doctor John Mansfield in his book Six Secrets of Successful Weight Loss asserts that food sensitivities are “by far the commonest single cause of weight gain…” and besides the above food list, Mansfield also adds yeast, coffee, tea, potatoes, chocolate, oranges, onions, beef and pork to the list of intolerant foods by some people.
Certified nutritionist, J. J. Virgin has written a book entitled The Virgin Diet. She believes food intolerances are the real cause of weight gain. Her program has 7 foods to avoid that causes weight gain which include gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, corn, peanuts and most sweeteners.
Food intolerances contributing to weight gain may be theoretical for some since there just hasn’t been enough research studies, but I see it consistently being a big contributor with most of my patients.
According to nutritionist Lyn-Genet Recitas in her book, The Plan, some of the most common foods revered as “healthy” are the biggest factors in causing toxic reactions and weight gain. Other symptoms and health problems such as premature aging, inflammation, constipation, migraines, joint pain and depression also become more obvious. She says, “…that same 100-calorie food acts like 700 calories if it’s reactive to you. ” Recitas has a way of walking you through a step-by-step elimination diet explaining how a food (even healthy food) can be reactive for 80% of people but not necessarily for you. It’s about individualizing which foods are inflammatory to you so with avoidance, you can feel better and lose that excess weight.
If you suffer from frustrating weight gain and other inflammatory symptoms, consider looking into one of these elimination food plans.