Ornish on my plate

Choosing the right diet plan is one of the keys to living a healthy life — we have heard this all our lives. So it is no surprise that multiple sets of diet plans have become popular among fitness-freaks. And the latest addition to this ever-growing list is the Ornish diet. As per Nmami Agarwal, a dietician, the diet pattern was formulated by Dr Dean Ornish, a renowned American physician. It emphasises on an eating plan that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and limited refined carbohydrates, animal proteins, and fat. The comparatively new diet schedule is winning hearts for its prevention of heart-related disease.

Just like any other diet, Ornish is not only about eating right but has other rules to follow. The four components of this routine are eating well, efficient commotion, lesser stress and spreading love. As per experts, there was a significant improvement in the weight and BMI of the participants of the 12-week Ornish program, reporting an average 20-pound weight loss. The diet is known for reducing refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and alcohol accompanied by exercises such as aerobics and strength training bring about weight loss. The resulting weight loss reduces triglycerides, blood sugars, and blood pressure.

However, people who have opted for this type of diet have also felt that with an improperly planned menu, the diet can be very low in calories, vitamin B12, and iron. It also might not be sustainable for those who tend to feel hungry often or are more habitual of consuming high amounts of fat.

There are end number of people who have tried all the popular diet patterns to stay healthy and fit. But when it comes to weight loss, Keto diet has been the most renowned one. None of the experts deny that this diet promotes weight loss, but it may come with some health risks. This is where Ornish emerges as a winner. Dr Agarwal explains, “When you look at the arteries of people on a Keto diet, they tend to be more clogged, even though they may be losing weight.” The popular Ornish is essentially a vegan diet with very little fat and it is coupled with exercises that reduce stress and help people lose weight.

So has Keto lost its touch now? Speaking about the contrast between two of the most popular diet routines (Ornish and Keto) Agarwal explains, “A Keto diet involves eating large amounts of fat and very few carbohydrates, in a bid to get the body into ketosis — a state where it is burning fat for energy when it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to burn. But, Ornish emphasises on the fact that there can be health implications of eating too many animal products.”

Kamal Mujtaba, national head boxing coach at Cult, is all in for the contemporary diet pattern. “Ornish diet is a great way of maintaining your physique and becoming active and healthy. There are a number of athletes, celebrities and fitness influencers who follow Ornish diets to become fitter,” he testifies. On a personal level, however, he is not a fan of this diet as it takes much more effort and time to gain the level of fitness that he seeks.  

Think it is time for you to opt for Ornish yet? Or is it too risky? Divya, a model and a would-be bride assertively shares, “Your dietician goes through your medical record before suggesting you a diet plan. So, there's nothing to fear till the time you’re consulting an expert.”  So now you know the drill — research thoroughly and consult the right experts for a fit and healthy future.