So I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about the “Thrive Diet”, but what is it? Is it healthy? Is it for weight loss or nutrition? There’s a book, capsules, shake mixes and a patch. A patch! How does this work? Can you really absorb vitamins and mineral through your skin? This makes me think of rubbing a carrot on my face, carrots can be monotonous to chew but we need vitamin A. Is a patch the right solution?
Introduction
The Thrive diet is plant based and was created by Brendan Brazier, who is a Ironman triathlete. The goal of this diet is to help people learn healthy eating and exercise habits for life.
Thrive is a 12 week program of eating a whole food plant based diet.
Do:
- Eat whole foods.
- Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
- Eat as much as you want (within reason).
- Eat several small meals a day.
- Exercise.
- Cook.
Don’t:
- Eat animal products (meat, seafood, eggs, dairy etc.).
- Use caffeine.
- Eat refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, baked goods etc.).
- Eat carb heavy snacks (crackers etc.).
Because the diet focuses on health, exercise, and a lot of fiber rich, easy to digest and green leafy vegetables you can lose weight on the diet. The diets primary goal is to promote healthy habits. (Sara Ipatenco) (health.com)
The patch and other supplements
There is inconclusive evidence as to whether dermal absorption of vitamins and minerals is effective, so the patch may be more of a placebo effect.
As far at the capsule and shake mixes, it may be a good idea to include these or other (cheaper) products into your diet to help bridge the gaps in nutrition and protein. Though, keep in mind supplements such as vitamins, minerals protein powders etc. are not regulated by the FDA so you don’t really know what your are getting. Also the safety of supplements is inconclusive and debatable.
It is always best to get your nutrients from the food you eat. Your body understands and processes vitamins/minerals and nutrients from your food much more efficiently and you are less likely to overdose. Some vitamins are dissolved in fat and are stored in your body tissues, these are called fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are the fat-soluble vitamins, and because they are stored in your body they can accumulate over time reaching dangerous levels. (webmd.com)
Health concerns
You always want to talk to you doctor before changing your diet.
Things to keep in mind, this is a restrictive diet that cuts out entire food groups and can make it difficult to meet all your marks when it comes to nutrition. Make sure you are tracking your nutrition. This diet is only for 12 weeks, which makes it sound like a crash diet (any effective eating program will Implement a lifestyle change). (Summer Banks, Senior Reviewer)
Stimulants contained in preparations can be dangerous, especially if you have an underlying heart condition. Talk to your doctor before starting this diet.
Diabetes
This diet may be a popular choice for patients with diabetes who may be at a higher risk for weight gain. Good news, the diet incorporates many key elements of diet, as is recommended by the ADA.
Conclusion
Janet Brill, PhD, RD, the author of Cholesterol Down reports, “But the secret to good health and longevity lies not in a detox raw-food fad diet but in learning how to practice daily stress management techniques, eating a nutritious, calorie-controlled diet, and coupling those lifestyle additions with daily exercise.” (health.com)
The Thrive diet promotes healthy eating and exercise habits for life, though you’ll have to be disciplined enough after the 12 weeks to maintain these healthy habits.
This diet is restrictive and may prove too challenging for some people to maintain, extra care is needed to meet nutrition requirements.
Overall, The Thrive diet requires discipline regarding nutrition needs and commitment to stick to the restrictions. If nothing else, after the 12 weeks you should have a better idea of what a “healthy lifestyle” looks like. Keep in mind, this is different for everyone. Even if you start implementing some of the “not allowed” foods back into your diet you will be more knowledgeable and know to add them in moderation. (dietsinreview.com)
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References
Sara Ipatenco. “How to Do the Thrive Diet.” livestrong.com. Demand Media, Inc., April 24, 2015. Web. April 15, 2016.
health.com.“Review: The Thrive Diet.” health.com. Health Media Ventures, Inc., October 15 2009. Web. April 15, 2016.
Summer Banks, Senior Reviewer.“Thrive Diet Review- Does This Diet Plan Work?.” dietspotlight.com. Dietspotlight.com, March 14, 2016. Web. April 15, 2016.
dietsinreview.com. “The Thrive Diet.” dietsinreview.com. Diets in Review. Web. April 15, 2016.
webmd.com. “Know the Difference Between Fat- and Water-Soluble Nutrients.” webmd.com. WebMD, LLC. Web. April 21, 2016
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