The Coconut Diet

The Coconut Diet claims that tropical diets high in saturated fats (like coconut oil) are why island natives have remained trim and healthy for centuries. This program asserts that coconut oils are absorbed differently than other oils – instead of being stored as fat, they are immediately used for energy and can assist in weight loss by increasing metabolism.

This low carb, lean protein, and high fat diet has four phases designed to relieve dieters from their carbohydrate “addiction,” their weight gain, and the accumulation of toxins in their body that may be contributing to poor health.

This diet is based on diet principles practiced in tropical climates, as well as mainstream medicine. Unlike many other diets which claim that the healthiest fats are olive and canola oil, the Coconut Diet recommends coconut oil, which is high in saturated fats, as the primary source of fat. Dieters are instructed to use coconut oil for cooking and special recipes are included.

Overall, this low carb plan includes many foods that are considered low by the glycemic index. The glycemic index measures how quickly the foods you eat are absorbed. According to this diet, low carb foods are recommended to help avoid “swings” in blood sugar that can affect the body in negative ways, including insulin resistance and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

This phase consists of three meals, and one or two snacks per day. Dieters are allowed to eat lean proteins and vegetables, and must avoid all grains, sweets, and most fruits. A regular day’s meal might include eggs and bacon with vegetables and herbal tea, chicken salad and a stuffed tomato, and grilled lamb with tomato basil soup.

Dieters may choose to avoid this phase or return to it after Phase 3. It prescribes various vegetable and fiber drinks that aim to help cleanse various organ systems, such as the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. Each organ system has its own seven day cleansing routine. Various colonic supplements are also recommended in this phase.

Phase 3: Introducing Healthy Carbs

In this phase, dieters are allowed to eat whole grains, some fruits, and starchy vegetables (only sparingly). Plans are included for three meals and two snacks daily. A typical day’s meals might consist of hard boiled eggs with ham, 6-10 macadamia nuts, spinach salad with pine nuts and avocado, and broiled fish with brown rice and salad with coconut-ranch dressing.

Once weight loss has been achieved, dieters remain in this phase. Meals are similar to those in phase 3, but dieters are given more freedom to choose what to eat. Most grains, sweets, alcohol, and some fruits are still never allowed.

These phases do not include recommendations for eating at restaurants and leave little opportunity for modification, because they are so specific.

What are the weight loss expectations?

The diet claims that dieters can expect to lose “10 pounds or more” during Phase 1, which lasts twenty-one days.

Is exercise promoted?

Regular aerobic and strength training exercise is promoted on this plan. Dieters who have not exercised in the past are urged to start slowly. Dieters are promised that even as little as fifteen minutes of exercise a day can help increase energy levels and improve overall health

Numerous supplements are recommended on this plan to help improve your health, detoxify your body, and increase your metabolism. Supplement recommendations vary depending on dieter’s needs, but include various minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. Specific supplements recommendations include: kelp, selenium, chromium, digestive enzymes, probiotics, L-tyrosine, and multivitamins.