The Hormonal Diet is an eating regimen based on Natasha Turner’s book on “naturopathy,” an alternative kind of medicine based on the idea that not all aspects of living things can be explained by science.
This diet seeks to regulate hormonal changes that lead to weight gain and other health issues.
The six-week diet is divided into three phases.
The body should supposedly return to normal after the hormonal diet is over.
In addition to offering nutritional guidance, the diet also offers a physical activity schedule and suggestions for taking vitamins and dietary supplements.
In any event, talk to your doctor, an endocrinologist, or a nutritionist beforehand if you are certain that you have a hormone imbalance or just wish to keep to this diet.
What is the hormonal diet like to use?
The first stage entails a two-week detox period during which a variety of foods are cut out.
These include simple carbs with a high glycemic index, alcohol, caffeine, peanuts, sugar, artificial sweeteners, red meat, and sugar.
You are permitted to consume lentils, brown rice, quinoa, chicken breast, eggs, recently caught wild seafood, most fruits and vegetables, chia seeds, and most nuts at this time.
Probiotics, fish oil, and anti-inflammatory vitamins should all be used at this point.
The body gets rid of extra hormones like cortisol and estrogen during this phase.
The worst part of the diet is the beginning, when headaches, lethargy, and irritability are common.
Some foods should be progressively added back into the diet during the second phase of the hormonal diet while keeping track of how each one affects the body.
You might need to eliminate yogurt from your diet, for instance, if you eat it and discover that it makes you feel bloated.
You will be aware of the foods you should permanently give up by the conclusion of the fourth week of the diet.
In this stage, foods that are thought to affect hormone synthesis are to be avoided.
High fructose corn syrup, non-organic meat, coffee, dried fruits like raisins and dates, and mercury-rich fish are among these.
Additionally, stay away from refined grains, artificial sweeteners, nitrate-containing meals, and processed foods.
In the third phase, it is preferable to continue the second phase’s diet while also increasing physical activity, such as cardio, weight training, and yoga.
The hormonal diet has the added benefit of allowing for a once-per-week “cheat meal” or “cheat day.”
You are permitted to eat the things you normally avoid but really enjoy on this day. You are also permitted to eat extra carbohydrates.
Here are some tips to help you boost your metabolism and start a diet:
- When you eat fruit, always eat it with a piece of cheese or nuts.
- Eat protein for breakfast. For example, eggs or a protein shake.
- Drink lots of water.
- Start your meals with soups or salads to fill you up faster.
- Protein shakes, especially those based on whey protein, will help you control your appetite and keep you from overeating at night, as they lower insulin levels.
Is the hormonal diet safe?
The most crucial consideration is your health, so you must confirm that this diet is safe for you. In this situation, nothing can replace consulting a doctor.
Losing 0.5–1 kg per week through a mix of food adjustments and exercise is considered safe weight reduction.
The first phase of the hormonal diet promises weight loss of up to 5.5 kg in two weeks, which is too quickly to be regarded as safe.
Additionally, since exercise is only triggered in the third phase, weight reduction in the first phase solely happens as a result of dietary adjustments.
The loss of extra water is probably responsible for the majority of the first weight loss.
This is a result of cutting back on carbohydrates and other foods.
The weight can easily be gained again after the initial phase or if you resume your regular diet, however this outcome is not long-lasting.
Benefits of a hormonal diet
But there are additional benefits to this diet.
First, it entails avoiding highly processed meals and refined sugars, which are, in theory, hazardous to everyone.
The majority of the foods that are permitted in the hormonal diet are also high in fiber and unsaturated fat.
This meal plan includes foods like beans and lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats.
They have been thoroughly examined and are known to have positive benefits on health.
Third, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes high-protein foods, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, is a foundation for the hormonal diet plan.
The Mediterranean diet is extremely effective for weight loss, according to study.
adverse effects of the hormonal diet
The first disadvantage is an excessively quick weight loss in the first two weeks, as we’ve already mentioned.
Second, there is no scientific proof that hormonal nutrition helps maintain a healthy sleep cycle or enhances skin and hair quality.
Finally, because it will demand you to prepare more meals and organize them, which most people simply cannot afford given their lifestyles, it can be very taxing.
You will have to forget about it if you are accustomed to purchasing prepared foods and munching on a variety of foods.
For people who adore meat and can’t imagine a day without coffee, this diet has still another huge negative.
It is expected that people can only consume organic coffee and meat, which may not be feasible for many people’s budgets.
Check to see if your hormones are the root of any weight gain or health issues before you begin this type of diet that claims to normalize them.
Do a little more research, examine it, and don’t forget to see your doctor.
