Kind Diet

The Kind Diet is an eating approach created by Alicia Silverstone based on veganism. Her approach suggests this way of eating will help improve energy, health, and physical appearance.

This diet excludes all animal products, including meat, eggs, fish, and dairy. Alicia thinks of this approach as a lifestyle rather than a diet, but firmly asserts that it will help you lose weight if that’s your goal. In her book, The Kind Diet, she also includes a Superhero phase, which bans all packaged and processed foods and leans toward a more macrobiotic approach. She says that this improves the likelihood of weight loss.

Alicia recommends whole and in-season foods including whole grains, vegetables, and beans. Followers are encouraged to minimize fruit and desserts and to be conscious of the type of sweetener used in such items. She encourages followers to opt for brown rice syrup or maple syrup and avoid honey, white sugar, and cane products of any sort.

She calls the first phase of her approach Flirting, where she guides followers to slowly transition into a vegan diet. The second phase, Going Vegan, is where devotees commit to a full-time vegan lifestyle. In the third phase, Superhero, she teaches to mainly eat unprocessed plant-based foods, and limit fruit, nuts, sweets, and nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers). In addition, she recommends minimizing alcohol, caffeine, and tea, as the increase in energy from eating plant-based replaces the need for stimulants.

Foods to include:

  • Most vegetables

  • Some fruits

  • Whole grains

  • Beans

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Healthy oils

Foods to avoid: 

  • Nightshade vegetables

  • All animal products

  • Processed foods

  • Refined grains

  • Sugar

  • Trans fats

  • Caffeine

  • Alcohol

Pros:

  • May lower risk of heart disease and diabetes

  • Emphasizes whole foods

  • Quick weight loss in some cases

  • Can be a lifestyle rather than a diet

  • Wide range of nutrients and flavors

Cons:

  • Does not honor bio-individuality

  • Some thrive on animal protein and/or dairy

  • Anemia is common in vegans

  • May lead to extreme, unwanted weight loss

  • May cause weight gain for some

Sources:

Alicia Silverstone and Victoria Pearson’s The Kind Diet