The ‘Master Your Metabolism’ diet is a diet plan designed by TV’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ fitness trainer Jillian Michaels, and focuses on the idea that it is the hormones in the body that keep our body healthy, and that by keeping a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and doing enough exercise, our bodies can become healthier.
The diet has three main components: to remove anti-nutrients and fatty foods from the user’s diet, to restore foods that encourage fat burning such as low glycemic fruits and vegetables, and to rebalance energy and hormones for effective weight loss through regular exercise.
The diet emphasises the importance of eating a balanced diet of organic carbohydrates, proteins and fats every four hours, with snacking to be avoided altogether. Green vegetables, wholemeal and low fat dairy products are all recommended foods in the daily diet, however there are many foods that the dieter is encouraged to avoid, such as fatty meats, canned foods and starchy vegetables. Whilst the diet does not encourage calorie counting, the recommended meals are all roughly a very low 1300 calories.
What is very unique about this diet is that Michaels also places importance on the restriction of toxins in the house, such as potentially dangerous chemicals which would be used in the bathroom, kitchen and garden, in order to contribute to the dieter’s wellbeing.
Exercise is also strongly and very rigorously recommended, with Michaels stating the importance of a structured exercise program including visits to the gym four or five times a week.
There are many benefits to this dietary plan derived from eating fresh organic foods. The high content of fruits and vegetables suggested are effective in reducing the risks of heart disease and cancer, and will enable the dieter to lose weight effectively, if the diet is properly followed.
Criticism has come of the ‘Master Your Metabolism’ diet however in suggesting that the calorie content of the recommended meals are much too low, and that combined with the suggested amount of exercise that Michaels suggests, could be very damaging to the dieter’s metabolism. Additionally, the diet is thought to be very restrictive and can leave the dieter feeling fatigued by the limitations this diet places on them. Whilst the ‘Master Your Metabolism’ diet might initially be exciting as a means of adjusting to a healthier lifestyle, it is largely thought to be unpractical in the long-term.
