Wheat Belly DietBy Jake Bennett

What is the Wheat Belly Diet?

• The Wheat Belly Diet comes from cardiologist William Davis.• Davis started his own wheat-free experiment and asked his

overweight, diabetes-prone patients to do the same.• The diet includes simply cutting out wheat based foods, and replacing

them with foods low on the glycemic index.

What can you eat?

• The meat and organs of animals, fish, shellfish, vegetables, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, berries and other fruits. • Anything not wheat based!

What can’t you eat?

• You eliminate all wheat, including bread, pasta, cereal, pretzels, doughnuts, etc.• You may not eat anything made with

wheat, barley, rye, spelt, or certain oats.

Pros of the Wheat Belly Diet

• If you adhere strictly to the diet, you will lose weight. Over three to six months, you can lose 25 to 30 pounds depending on your age, gender, and physical activity.

• The diet is simple. There’s no need to count calories, limit portions, or calculate fat grams. All you have to do is eliminate foods that contain wheat.

• The diet is rich in vegetables, which are full of vitamins and fiber. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce the inflammation that can cause conditions from acne to arthritis.

• Weight loss can affect more than just your appearance: Study after study has shown it can boost heart health, reduce pain, improve your energy levels, and more. For example, someone who is pre-diabetic and loses just 15 pounds can reduce the risk for diabetes over three years by 58 percent.

• Source: Everyday Health Magazine

Cons of the Wheat Belly Diet

• You could be missing out on some important nutrients. “Whenever you limit whole types of foods, you have to make sure you’re eating healthfully,” Mr. Blake from Everyday Heath Magazine says. “This isn’t a well-balanced diet. You should sit down with a registered dietitian to be sure you’re meeting all your nutrient needs if you choose this diet.” • The diet is restrictive, and it may be hard to maintain for the long-

term, especially if foods such as bread, cookies, and pasta are among your favorites.• Source: Everyday Health Magazine

Is the diet healthy for teenagers?

• Based on my research, the Wheat Belly Diet would not be unhealthy for teenagers. • However, as a teen, you need to stay on a well

rounded diet, and should avoid cutting out entire food groups so you don’t eliminate key nutrients for growth and development. Save dieting for when your older! • Also, before starting any diet you should first consult a

dietitian to make sure you are receiving all the proper nutrients and staying healthy during your diet.

A presentation by Jake bennett