10/03/2023
Everything You Need to Know About the Galveston Diet
The Galveston Diet has gained a lot of popularity in the menopause community. But what is it, and does it work for you?
The Galveston diet is a self-paced weight loss program designed by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist. It aims to combat menopausal weight gain through a combination of anti-inflammatory foods and intermittent fasting. The diet emphasizes whole foods and limits processed foods, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. You need to pay to get access to the curriculum, meal plans, recipes, and other tools.
Having said that, there are indeed general guidelines you can follow. We will go over them one by one.
What Can You Eat?
You should have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative whole foods. Specifically, you should take:
Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu.
Fruits like berries, apples, oranges, and bananas.
Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, and bell peppers.
Legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole grain bread.
Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Full-fat dairy like Greek yogurt, cheese, and milk.
What to Avoid?
Processed foods, especially those with added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Artificial additives such as colors and flavors.
High fructose corn syrup that is often found in sodas and some processed foods.
Processed meats like bacon and certain sausages.
Fried foods like deep-fried snacks and dishes.
Inflammatory oils like canola or vegetable oil.
Refined flours and grains like white bread, pastries, and certain cereals.
What About the 16:8 Intermittent Fasting?
The 16:8 method is a form of intermittent fasting. It includes 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating. The idea behind this method is to give your body a longer break between meals, allowing it to burn stored fat more effectively. It's also believed to have various health benefits, including improved metabolism and better blood sugar control.
16 Hours of Fasting: For 16 continuous hours, you abstain from eating. This includes the time you're asleep. For instance, if you finish dinner at 8 PM, you won't eat again until 12 PM the next day.
8 Hours of Eating: After the 16-hour fasting window, you have an 8-hour window where you can eat. Using the previous example, you'd eat between 12 PM and 8 PM. During this time, you can have your meals and snacks, ensuring they align with the Galveston Diet's guidelines.
The Galveston diet has its advantages compared with other diet programs. First, the diet doesn't require you to count calories or macros, making it more sustainable. Secondly, instead of restricting, the emphasis of the diet is on adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. Thirdly, it encourages meal planning, prepping, and balancing hormones for fat loss.
However, the Galveston diet has its cons. First, there's no specific research on the Galveston Diet's long-term effects or success rate. Secondly, while intermittent fasting has benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or a history of eating disorders. Thirdly, you need to purchase the program to have full access, which might be a limitation for some.
In conclusion, the Galveston diet might help reverse menopausal weight gain by combining a whole foods diet with intermittent fasting. However, specific research on the Galveston Diet is still lacking. If you're considering this diet, it's essential to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to ensure it's the right fit for you. Happy dieting!