DIET

Someone once asked me, "What kind of diet are you doing?"
I simply replied, "I'm not doing any specific diet, just trying to eat cleanly/healthily."

But thinking back, I have done (or at least tried) several kinds of diets.
So this post is going to be about my experience doing those diets, and might as well sharing about some other well-known diets.

Mind you that "diet" does not mean that you are not eating or skipping meals.

In my own definition, it is 

the way of eating or consuming food, that may include certain boundaries and/or preferences.  

I'll start with those I've done previously..

Vegan Diet

Included in the "Vegetarian" group, basically vegan diet is eliminating all animal products consumption.
A person that is on vegan diet eats nothing that came from animals, in any kind. 
This includes: milk (cow, goat, etc.), cheese, eggs, and butter.

Furthermore, Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. 

I did 21-days King Daniel Fast, which is similar to vegan diet, only stricter. 
21-days King Daniel Fast is a biblical based partial fast, used as a person enters into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.

I ate only fruits and vegetables, and drink only water as beverage for 21 days.
No sugar or any sweetener, and no rice, breads, or any kind of carbohydrate.

I did this because I was seeking for an answer to my prayers at that time (end of 2013), and not only that I've got my prayers answered, but I also feel great and lighter (shed some kgs).

Vegan diet is challenging, and honestly it is difficult to be done in Indonesia, since there aren't many vegan-friendly restaurants. 
But if I could do it, you could too.

Mayo Clinic Diet

The Mayo Clinic Diet is a weight loss and lifestyle program designed by Mayo Clinic health experts. It's a lifelong approach to help you improve your health and maintain a healthy weight. It aims to teach you how to choose healthy foods and portions and to develop healthy lifestyle habits so that you can maintain a healthy weight for life. 

This diet encourages us in selecting whole-grain carbohydrates, lean sources of protein such as legumes, fish and low-fat dairy, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. 

I have mentioned in my previous posts, that I did a 13-days Blekros Diet program. This is basically mayo clinic diet based. 
I spent 13 days without no rice and salt.
Trust me this is very challenging, since we're used to eating tasty or salty food. 
Not to mention Indonesians are rice-freaks! Luckily I'm not..

But I did the whole program, lost approximately 4 kgs and able to fit better in my clothes. 


The followings are the other well-known diets that I've never tried before.

Vegetarian 

The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as: "Someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with, or without, the use of dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish* or by-products of slaughter." 

Types of vegetarian:

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat both dairy products and eggs; this is the most common type of vegetarian diet
• Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but avoid eggs
• Vegans do not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals.

Most frequently asked questions towards vegetarians are including: 

"Where do you get the calcium and iron?"
Dark green leafy vegetables are the example of calcium and iron source. Tofu is also the source of calcium, while beans are a good source of iron.
Dried fruits (such as apricots, prunes and raisins), broccoli, wheat, and peas are also sources of iron.

"What are the benefits of being a vegetarian?"

You may eat more food and lose weight, since vegetables and fruits contain less calories.

You may be less constipated.

You might have more energy.

You will feel better knowing that your diet is not contributing to animal suffering and environmental destruction.

You are also protecting your own health.

Atkins Diet

Atkins Diet, officially called the Atkins Nutritional Approach, is a low-carbohydrate diet promoted by Dr. Atkins.

He found out that eating the right foods and limiting refined carbohydrates could change a person’s body from a carb-burning to a fat-burning machine. This could be useful for weight loss as well as improvements in many weight-related health issues.

Never tried this kind of diet before, but I understand that carbs such as: pasta, rice, white bread, donuts are not allowed to be consumed.

Paleo Diet

Paleo diet, or also known as "Cavemen Diet", is considered as world's healthiest diet. 

It is based upon the fundamental concept that the optimal diet is the one to which we are genetically adapted. 

It is basically adapting the way human used to eat in the paleolithic era, which does not include 'new food' (e.g. grain, dairy) nor the highly-processed and high-calorie processed foods. 

The diet includes: fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seafood, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats; and excludes: dairy, grains, processed food and sugars, legumes, starches, and alcohol.

I am actually considering to adopt Paleo Diet.

My biggest challenge would be eliminating oatmeal, yogurt (even the plain one is not allowed) and gluten-free pasta/pancakes (hiks).

Maybe one day I could do it.

Or for now, I'll go "Paleo-friendly" :))

Anyway..

It is not my part to say which diet is the best and which one you should implement in your life.

Each one has it's own benefits, challenges, and pros & cons. 

But all I can say, before you pick a diet, is..

Know your body first!

Each and every one of us is unique.

You and I might react differently towards certain food, and your body needs are definitely different than mine. "Genetic factors" (from family/ancestors) should also be considered.

Find the most suitable diet that will help you achieve your goals (weight loss, weight gain, muscle gain, or simply "Healthy"), and be committed!

Sources:
Vegan Society
The Daniel Fast
The Mayo Clinic Diet
Vegetarian Society
Compassionate Action Institute
The Paleo Diet