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The Coconut Diet by Cherie Calbom (Thorsons, £5.99)
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1/10
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REVIEW By
WLR Dietitian
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What’s the theory?
Despite being rich in saturates, coconut oil helps to boost
metabolism because it’s made of medium chain triglycerides
(rather than long chain triglycerides), which burn more
quickly in the body. This helps speed up weight loss when
combined with a low-carb diet. In addition, coconut oil
enhances thyroid function and can help to treat candida.
What does the diet involve?
It’s a bit like Atkins with the addition of 2-3tbsp of
coconut oil every day. As with many popular diets, there are
four phases. Phase 1 is the strictest part of the diet and is
most limited in terms of the carbs you can eat. Phase 2 is an
optional 4-week cleansing programme that focuses on a weekly
detox for the colon, liver, gallbladder and kidneys. Phase 3
sees the reintroduction of carbs and phase 4 is a maintenance
plan.
What can I eat?
For the first three weeks, carbs are off limits and you can
only eat lean protein-rich foods like fish, chicken, turkey,
lamb, beef, eggs, nuts and cheese, vegetables, up to 10
glasses of water daily – and 2-3tbsp coconut oil. The
cleansing phase differs depending on the organ you want to
detox – but there are some unpleasant recommendations such as
drinking a glass of water mixed with lemon juice and olive
oil. Phase three allows more carbs such as wholegrains,
potatoes and fruit, while phase 4 sees the further
reintroduction of carbs. Sadly there’s not a Bounty Bar to be
seen!
What else does the book include?
There’s information on the health benefits of coconut oil,
including the role it can play in treating thyroid problems,
candida and other medical conditions. Plus there’s an
extensive section on fats, which flies in the face of
conventional scientific knowledge and suggests that saturates
are actually good for health.
How much weight will I lose?
A staggering 10lb or more in the first 3 weeks, which slows
to 1-2lb a week after this.
Juliette’s verdict on the Coconut Diet
This book is muddled, confused and based on science fiction
rather than science fact. In addition to weight loss, it
covers many other health issues – and it’s not always easy to
find the link with coconut oil. Furthermore, despite the
author’s theory that saturated fats are good for us, there’s a
wealth of evidence to suggest otherwise. Most diet experts are
still in agreement that coconut should be limited as it’s rich
in saturates. Meanwhile, until more research is carried out,
there’s little proof that coconut oil will aid weight loss.
Definitely one to avoid, unless you’re desperate to try the
latest faddy diet, regardless of the impact it might have on
your health.
1/10
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