Wheat Belly Diet

The Wheat Belly Diet, created by cardiologist William Davis, is based on the premise that wheat is one of the main culprits responsible for weight gain and a host of other issues. In his book Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health, he discusses a variety of conditions that may be alleviated or cured by eliminating wheat from the diet: autism, celiac disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, immune problems, and ADHD, among others.

According to Davis, the regular consumption of wheat causes blood sugar and insulin levels to repeatedly spike and then fall. These extremes may lead to excessive cravings and promote fat storage. He outlines the history of wheat and the way it’s been genetically modified over time. This diet is especially designed for people who wish to lose weight in the midsection, an important region since visceral fat lining the organs here has been linked to serious health risks. 

Foods to include:

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits in moderation

  • Gluten-free grains, such as quinoa and brown rice

  • Legumes in small portions

  • Meat

  • Poultry

  • Fish

  • Dairy

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Eggs

  • Olive and coconut oil

Foods to avoid:

  • All gluten

  • White potatoes

  • Processed foods

  • Sugar

Pros:

  • May alleviate lifelong ailments

  • May lead to weight loss

  • May improve cognitive function

Cons: 

  • Often is a fad diet; unnecessary for some followers

  • May lead to overconsumption of processed gluten-free products

  • May lead to weight gain

Sources: 

Wheat Belly Diet
The Wheat-Free Diet http://www.health.lifegoesstrong.com