The Suzanne Somers Diet

The Philosophy

Avoid eating fats with carbohydrates. When eating fruit, wait at least 20 minutes before consuming more carbohydrates. Diet principles are based on the book "Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food''.

Our View

Does it meet the basic food groups? No. This diet includes very little of all the food groups with the exception of meat & alternates group. There are very little grain products (1 serving/ day), some fruits and vegetables (1-2 servings / day) and only 1 serving of dairy products.

What about balance and variety? No balance or variety in food choices is promoted here. Combination diets especially lack balance in the meal plans since certain food groups are not to be eaten together in the same meal.

Risks? Poor intake of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, antioxidants, potassium and calcium, just to name a few. This diet may not meet daily energy (calorie) requirements. The body needs the appropriate amount of energy, even for weight loss.

Our Comments

• Weight loss on this diet is due to a calorie restriction from limiting carbohydrates. In fact, weight loss is not due to the food combination theory.
• This diet also promotes increased protein and fat choices, which do not favor heart health.
• Limited dietary fiber intake may cause intestinal disorders such as constipation.
• Keeping track of the right combinations of food at the right time can become tedious making this diet difficult to follow.