Naturopathic Diets

Naturopathic diets are based on eating nutritious foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and gastrointestinal issues are common results of how eating the wrong foods can impact our bodies. Naturopathic diets integrate aspects such as reducing stress, eliminating waste, eating easily digestible foods and consuming organic foods into successful diet plans. Naturopathic diets are often credited with reversing many illnesses and restoring the body to good health.

Benefits of Naturopathic Diets

• Naturopathic regimens are beneficial to dieters because the menu and exercise plans treat the cause of the health problem. Naturopathic diets focus on eating whole foods such as raw fruits, vegetables and organic meats, which are free of artificial ingredients, additives and preservatives. Naturopathic diet coaches show patients how eating the right food can improve current health issues; they also instruct dieters in how to prevent future sickness by staying on a natural exercise and diet plan that is regimented specifically for them. When dieters remain diligent about their naturopathic diet plan, they sleep better, are more active, overcome stressful issues faster and assist the body in healing itself.

Detox and Vitality

• Eliminating the body of excess waste helps revitalize it. Naturopathic diets that focus on detoxing and rejuvenating the body and mind base their diet plans on consuming foods and liquids that purge and replenish the body. Wholesome foods that are gentle on the body's digestive system include eliminative juices such as lemon juice and coconut water, while examples of soothing foods include vegetable soups, fruits and salads, as well as filling foods such as whole wheat flour, brown rice and organic meats and dairy products, which all sustain the body and give it the energy it needs. One such naturopathic detox and vitality diet that encourages weight loss and increases energy levels is a three-week detox and vitality plan designed by naturopathic practitioner Dr. Karlo Mauro.

Weight Loss

• Many dieters assume that exercising and minimizing what they eat will help them to lose weight. When this method of dieting is unsuccessful, however, many dieters lose hope. Naturopathic doctors and naturopathic health coaches believe that many factors contribute to a person's inability to lose weight, and each factor must be addressed in order for a dieter to regain a healthy metabolism. Stress level, diet and exercise history, sleep exposure, toxic chemical intake, hormonal balance and a whole-foods diet all must be controlled to support a positive metabolism. For example, naturopathic doctor Elizabeth Sutherland and endocrinologist Diana Schwarzbein propose that a successful naturopathic diet improves insulin absorption and muscle tissue mass, and encourage patients to get sufficient sleep, incorporate stress-coping methods and take nutrient supplements.

Diet Plan and Strategies

• Naturopathic diet plans include three balanced meals and at least one snack a day. Portions are also important because overeating leads to weight gain. Dieters should eat the suggested serving size indicated on the product's packaging. Naturopathic dieters must control their salt and sugar intake, avoid high calorie foods, avoid eating at non-designated times, exercise and avoid foods high in carbohydrates. Suggested breakfast meals are a combination of any two of these foods, fiber-based cereals, whole-grain breads, yogurt or eggs. Recommended lunch foods include raw vegetables, whole-grain pastas, steamed or stir-fried vegetables and green leafy salads. Dinner suggestions include sweet potatoes, brown rice, baked meats, steamed or raw vegetables and miso soups. Snacks should consist of raw fruits or vegetables and nuts.