The coconut diet is a complex diet drawing on the belief that indigenous, tropical people survive on coconuts as their staple food. They have fewer disorders, health problems and obesity issues than the western world. The diet actually doesn't involve eating coconuts: you'll consume the oil while following a very specific diet regimen. Though there are plenty of success stories, the coconut diet has many pros and cons that need to be considered before choosing to attempt it.
How Does it Work?
The coconut diet operates under the belief that we consume many harmful fats. These fats, such as the notorious trans-fatty acid, contribute to many of the health problems we see today. Cutting out these fats and restricting our intake of certain substances thus will enable a healthier digestive system and cause us to lose weight.
The diet itself has four main phases. In the first phase, which lasts 21 days, meals are constricted to contain pretty much only lean protein and vegetables. You aren't allowed to eat sweets, grains and most fruits. You're also instructed to consume up to 3 tbsp. of coconut oil daily, and recipes are given to add it to your meals. The second phase is a cleansing phase which focuses on different vegetable and fiber-based juices that will cleanse your internal organs. In phase three, you're allowed to introduce whole grains, some fruits and a few starchy vegetables. The fourth stage is a maintenance stage, which you begin after you have reached your weight-loss goal. It shows you maintain your weight, though certain foods such as alcohol, candy and some fruits are still prohibited.
Arguments in Favor
The main argument in favor of the coconut diet is that it is in fact an all-natural diet. Testimonials are available on the official website to substantiate its efficacy. As a dieter, you can expect to receive high-quality protein, while consuming low-glycemic-index carbs. In addition, this particular diet is also known to be beneficial to those with thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The diet will possibly force you to change your dietary habits in a more health-conscious direction.
Arguments Opposed
Most critics of this particular diet cite that it is a highly constricting and complex diet. This is true, and the recipes (which can be found on the official website), are not for beginner cooks. You can also find yourself more or less restricted from eating out, as the diet requires you to cook your food and doesn't give you any guidelines for choosing food from restaurants. Lastly, though coconuts themselves are fairly cheap, you can expect to shovel up quite a bit of cash for the pure coconut oil that the diet requires. Many critics also point out that this diet is for a highly motivated dieter with the self-discipline necessary to surrender certain foods for good and handle the cravings appropriately. Though the authors do promise that the oil will eliminate most sweet tooth cravings, this can pose a challenge for many individuals.
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