Rice Diet Plan

The brainchild of the German researcher Walter Kempner, the rice diet plan also known as duke rice diet is used as a weapon to treat various diseases and of course as a way to lose weight in a safe, effective manner. The rice diet plan consists of high complex carbohydrates, low fat and low sodium, whole food diet. Dr. Kempner structured this plan in 1939 in Durnham, North Carolina, to help treat conditions such as diabetes, kidney diseases and hypertension. Although the diet does stress on healthy diet and exercises, the mainstay of the rice diet plan is high in complex carbohydrates. It also limits the intake of fat, sodium, sugar, proteins, calories and processed food. Those who are using this plan for losing weight, are promised fast weight loss of 20-30 pounds in the first month, followed by 2.5-3.5 pounds per week in the later phases. Along with this, the plan incorporates stress reduction through yoga and meditation techniques.

Rice Diet Meal Plan: Menu Plan

Phase 1 (One Week)
For 1 day, follow the basic rice diet. This includes 2 starches and 2 fruits at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The consequent 6 days are devoted to following a lacto vegetarian rice diet. In this, the breakfast would include 1 starch, 1 fruit and 1 nonfat dairy item. For the lunch and dinner, include 3 starches, 3 vegetables and 1 fruit.

Phase 2 (One week)
For 1 day use the basic rice diet. For the next 5 days the lacto vegetarian rice diet has to be followed. For the remaining 1 day in the week, use the vegetarian plus rice diet, which includes 2 starches and 1 fruit in breakfast; 3 starches, 3 vegetables and 1 fruit for lunch and for dinner include 3 starches, 3 proteins (or 2 dairy), 3 vegetables and 1 fruit.

Phase 3 (Same as Phase 2)
Similar to phase 2, the phase 3 of the rice diet plan includes 1 day of the basic rice diet, 4 days of the lacto vegetarian rice diet and 2 days of vegetarian plus rice diet.

Rice Diet Plan: How it Works

The first phase of the rice diet plan is considered the detox food plan. With the dramatic decrease in the sodium content and its replacement with the whole grains and fruits, this diet plan enables the participants to lose weight dramatically, in the first few weeks itself. This is because the severe sodium restrictions work to trigger water loss and the subsequent loss of appetite. It is however important to note, that in this phase medical supervision is needed to monitor the effects. In the the second phase the choices of vegetables, beans and other carbohydrates, in addition to whole grains and fruit are increased. Fish is served once per week. This phase is higher in sodium, due to the addition of vegetables.

According to the dietitian Jamieson-Petonic, the rice plan diet "has some good components, including exercises, stress reduction, lifestyle changes, and an emphasis on whole foods". Also, limiting the salt reduces the risk of cholesterol, blood pressure, heart size and weight. Along with this, the foods allowed in the diet contain very low fat (less than 5gm of fat) which also help in the weight loss.

Rice Diet Plan: The Downside

The success of the rice diet plan is also the reason for its own undoing. Although fad diets like this do result in weight loss due to the low calorie content, the question lies in how long you can sustain this phase. As dieters grow weary of the rules, it is difficult to sustain this in the long term. Remember that the no carb diets are not normal nor is a diet which has high carbohydrates. Some experts even warn of the potential risk of setting up a "yo-yo" pattern from the body, lowering its metabolism rate in response to the belief that it is in a starvation mode. Also, this diet is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women, or those with a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes.

However if you must follow the diets, it is advisable to continue doing so under the recommendation of a physician. For someone suffering from medical conditions or those who need to rapidly drop pounds, this may signal the way to a healthier life.