Food Combining Diets

This type of diet is based on the belief that health problems are the result of eating foods in the wrong combinations. Disciples claim that eating foods together confuses the body into producing the wrong digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are chemicals in your body that break food down into particles that can be absorbed and utilized. They believe that because of this confusion, thorough enzymatic breakdown is lacking and undigested food is left to rot in your gut and turn into poisons.

The books: Suzanne Sommers" Eat Great, Lose Weight" / Harvey and Marilyn " Fit for Life"

The Hype

If you stop combining- you will start digesting - lose weight- increase energy and even reverse food allergies.

The Diet

Eat fruit only by itself and only in the morning. Eat protein and fat with vegetables, but not with carbohydrates. Eat carbs only with vegetables, never with fat or protein.

The Truth

There are very few foods on the planet that are pure carbohydrate, protein or fat. Foods are combined in nature and processing. Whole wheat bread is a combination of all three micronutrients. Confusing the enzymes is impossible- each enzyme has one job to do- one food component to break down. The digestive system is capable of making enzymes on order depending on the foot dumping into the gut.

Weight Loss

Strict rules imposed by the diet will likely limit the size of meals. The diet emphasizes low calorie fruits and vegetables. No sugar and smaller meals are both good ways to lose weight.

Dangers

Limits calcium rich and allows foods high in saturated fat. Setting the stage for osteoporosis, high blood pressure and heart disease. If you have a life-threatening allergy, by all means, avoid that food.

Updated August 2000

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.