The Flavor Point Diet takes a different approach to weight loss. The author Dr. David Katz bases the diet around what he calls the "flavor point." This is the point in the eating process when a person feels satisfied or fulfilled. His book helps dieters learn how to reach the flavor point and to stop eating when they do. The result is eating less without feeling deprived.
Basics
The Flavor Point Diet is based on the concept that you can combine the flavors of different foods in order to trick your brain into thinking you are full faster and the effects last longer. As a result, you eat less. On the other hand, the more flavors you combine, the more you will need to eat. This is because each flavor triggers a different sensor in the brain, and your brain is urging you to satisfy each trigger, thereby causing you to overeat.
The diet does not limit:
- Calories
- Portions
- Types of food; in other words, you do not have to give up carbohydrates, fats, etc.
Phase Dieting
Similar to the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet, the Flavor Point Diet is based on phases.
Phase 1
During the first four weeks of the diet, all the meals for an entire day will share a common flavor theme. For example, you may end up eating pineapple all day, but in a variety of dishes, like smoothies, grilled chicken, and tossed salads. The point of this phase is to "subdue your appetite center" so you will feel full faster without having to give up any of the nutrients or focusing on the size of your portions. You simply stop eating when you feel full. And, in effect, you train your brain to focus on a single trigger and satisfy it rather than multiple triggers.
Phase 2
Now that your brain is accustomed to feeding one flavor craving at a time, you can spend the next two weeks limiting your flavor themes to single meals rather than over the course of an entire day. So, for breakfast, you may be eating a banana theme, while at lunch you enjoy a basil-flavored meal.
Phase 3
Phase 3 is the maintenance phase. This is the part you carry with you throughout your lifetime. During Phase 3, you will continue to lose weight by following the principles you have learned during the previous six weeks.
What to Expect
On average, people who have followed this program report losing 9 to 16 pounds over the course of six weeks and continue to lose weight as long as they stay on the diet. And, because this diet does not drastically alter your natural eating habits by restricting certain foods, you are not as likely to put the weight back on.
The Brains Behind the Diet
With the help of his nutritionist wife, Dr. David Katz, a "Good Morning America" medical contributor, did extensive research at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center to design this revolutionary diet concept.
How to Get Started
Dr. Katz has written the Flavor Point Diet book, which can be purchased at your favorite bookstore or at Amazon.com. The book includes:
- A comprehensive explanation of how the Flavor Point Diet works
- More than 100 recipes
- More than 40 daily meal plans
- Strategies and tips for successful weight loss and weight loss maintenance
Is It Right for You?
If you are considering the Flavor Point Diet for weight loss, it does offer an affordable balanced approach to nutrition and does not require the purchase of specialty items. For those who need a structured weight loss plan, it can work. If you need more flexibility, this diet may not be right for you. Before you make your decision, talk with your doctor to get his recommendation as to whether or not this diet is right for you.
