Rosedale Diet

The Rosedale Diet is a book authored by Doctor and 'Metabolic Specialist' Ron Rosedale. It promises to help us... "lose weight fast... live longer"

The Rosedale diet is simply this:

• Avoid most starchy carbs and sugars.
• Eat good fats rather than saturated or trans-fats.
• Eat the 'right' amount of protein.
• Eat slowly and don't eat 3 hours before bedtime.
• Eat when you are hungry (rather than counting carbs/calories).
• It is effectively a high fat, low nonfibrous carb, moderate/low protein diet.

The author blames many weight problems on a hormone called leptin - which seems to be a lot like people blaming all weight problems on insulin. New research has shown that the hormone leptin has some control on how the brain regulates hunger - and it may be that some of us are leptin-resistant.

The essence of the diet plan is a 3 week phase where certain carbs are reduced/eliminated ("the A List"). In this phase you eat the 'cleanest' foods. After this phase, other foods are added back in ("the B List").

Rosedale Diet

The Rosedale diet deliberately avoids carb or calorie counting, and instead provides guidelines (i.e. foods to eat, foods to avoid). However the protein recommendations seem low (between 50-75 grams per day) - for a male eating 2000 calories per day this equates to only 10-14% of daily intake. If you engaging in vigorous exercise or weight training - this will not be enough.

The book seems yet another twist on Atkins (and Hamptons, and South Beach) - by getting rid of the 'bad' fats and introducing a more 'good' fats.

NOTE: To date we have received a number of emails from people who have had great success using Dr Rosedales plan. See a full and frank outline of someone doing the Rosedale diet.

Rosedale Supplements

The Rosedale Diet has a large section on supplementation. Not surprisingly, many of these supplements are manufactured by Rosedale's company. This is not to say that all supplements are bad - but it's amazing the number of commercial diet books that also have a supplement business on the side - which makes us question loyalties.

If you are on a reduced-calorie diet you should generally be taking a multivitamin-mineral. However, fat loss can and does occur without any supplements. The basis of any good fat loss program is the right diet and exercise. Supplements can only give you that extra edge.

The Final Word

Low Fat will not suit all of us. Low Carb will not suit all of us. The Rosedale Diet may suit some that may have failed elsewhere - but it is not the prescription for everyone. The book seems a little 'carbo-phobic' -- e.g. 'Even broccoli contains some sugar!' It has some excellent sensible advice - but is a diet that has some extremes (e.g. avoid bananas, melon, dried fruit, etc, etc).

It may be especially helpful for Type II diabetics.

Alternative - have a look at our Top 5 Diet recommendations.