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The So-Called
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The New Mayo Clinic Diet?
No such thing.
Now don't get me wrong...
...you can certainly follow a diet called the New Mayo Clinic Diet, but don't get confused and think it's something that originated from or is recommended by the prestigous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
(I only provided the link above so that you can see how silly the diet is. This is NOT good science!!!)
The so-called Mayo Clinic Diet (sometimes referred to as "The Grapefruit Diet") has been circulating for decades. While there are numerous versions floating around, they all reek of the same theme: Eat lots of grapefruit along with unlimited amounts of meat and butter (hmmm....maybe this is where Atkins got his ideas...).
The diet promises pounds will melt away quickly as a result of this unique combination of foods.
How (and who) originated this plan and how it continues to hang around to this day befuddles me.
It befuddles The Mayo Clinic too! They have stated they did not create this diet, nor do they recommend it. In fact, they state that for some people, the diet can be dangerous.
So I'm sorry to report The New Mayo Clinic Diet is really just a myth, because there really was never an "old" Mayo Clinic Diet that needed revising!
What does the real Mayo Clinic recommend?
A lifestyle approach to weight loss.
No severe restrictions and no gut wrenching hunger is necessary. However, good planning and consistency are.
Components of The (Real) Mayo Clinic Diet and Approach To Weight Management:
1. Choose foods according to the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid:
- 7 servings fruits and vegetables (minimum): 3 fruits + 4 vegetables
- 4-8 servings of carbohydrates
- 3-7 servings of protein/dairy
- 3-5 servings of fats
- up to 75 calories in sweets
The pyramid emphasizes lower-calorie foods that make you feel full because they contain fiber and/or water. It's along the Volumetrics line of thinking!
2. Increase Your Physical Activity
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. Both physical activity and formal exercise programs are considered acceptable.
3. Set Behavioral Goals, Not Weight Goals
Make sure your goals are:
- specific
- measurable
- realistic
Don't say, "I want to lose 10 pounds." Say, "I commit to eating at least one piece of fruit with every meal." Or, "I commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise each day."
4. Get Started and Stay Motivated
Well sure, isn't this what we all hope for?! However, these are Mayo's suggestions for achieving success in this area:
- Emphasize the positive
- Prioritize
- Steer clear of gimmicky diets
- Seek out support
- Remind yourself you're not looking for a quick fix
The (Real) Mayo Clinic Diet PROS
- Comprehensive, sensible, credible program based on research and experience.
- Long-term lifestyle approach.
- Realistic.
The Mayo Clinic Diet CONS
The real Mayo Clinic diet is often confused with the unhealthy, "New Mayo Clinic Diet." Please don't YOU make that mistake!
My Professional Opinion
I'm a strong supporter of the lifestyle approach that Mayo preaches. However, I understand it can be difficult to implement and frustrating to stick with because the results aren't fast. Everyone loves to see quick weight loss!
If you need help getting started or staying motivated with your lifestyle changes, please feel free to contact me for professional nutrition help!
More reading on health and food from the Mayo Clinic
Do you have experience with Mayo Clinic Dieting?
Was your experience with the "New" (Fake) Mayo Clinic Diet, or have you tried the real Mayo Clinic's lifestyle approach to weight loss?
The best sources of information on either one are the people who have tried them. If you're one of them...
Which did you use? Did you lose weight? Were you able to keep it off? Are you still on it? How did you feel when you were on it? Would you recommend it to others?
Give Your Opinion On This Person's Experience!
Here's what others think about this person's weight loss experience.
Real or Not,
Mayo Clinic Diet Can Work Not rated yet
My husband and I tried this "diet" about 3 years ago and both lost the weight we wanted. We each wanted to lose 20 lbs and succeeded, rather quickly I …
More diet reviews.
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