Hay Diet

The Hay Diet was introduced in the 1930s by Dr William Hay, who believed that eliminating refined foods from the diet and avoiding eating protein and starch at the same meal allows the body to heal itself. Loss of excess weight is an additional benefit.

How the Hay Diet claims to work

• Fruits and vegetables are alkali-forming foods and are good for us.
• Most protein foods (meats, fish, eggs, poultry, and cheese) are acid-forming foods and should be limited.
• Starchy foods are also considered to be acid-forming and, as with protein foods, should be limited.

The Hay Diet regimen

This diet prescribes completely natural whole foods, with at least 50 per cent from fresh fruit, vegetables, and salad. No processed foods, such as white flour and sugar, are permitted. The “food combining” element of the diet means that concentrated proteins, such as meat and cheese, should be eaten at separate meals from carbohydrates.

The rules for a healthy diet include eliminating processed and refined foods, eating only whole grains, minimizing milk intake, and avoiding combinations that clash. Neutral foods, which include vegetables, nuts, seeds, and oils, form the foundation of the diet. These can be eaten with either proteins or starches.

Is the Hay Diet healthy?

While there is no scientific basis for the claim that an acidic condition counteracts the body's healthy alkaline state, this diet promotes weight loss by decreasing your intake of calories. Eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains rather than refined and processed foods, and limiting protein intake is a healthy idea.

Lisa Hark, PhD RD & Dr Darwin Deen

Nutrition for Life Copyright © 2005 Dorling Kindersley Text copyright © 2005 Lisa Hark and Darwin Deen

Posted 30.06.2010

Get more on this subject…