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Meal Plan for an Alkaline Diet

Scholasticus K
Alkaline diet plan is followed to maintain the pH levels of fluids produced in the body, and is fast coming into prominence as a way of reducing weight. Various concepts related to this diet have been provided in this write-up.
Alkaline diet is the latest remedy being used by those aspiring to lose weight, or follow a healthy diet. The basic objective of this diet is to maintain the health of body cells and therefore, the organs.
Medical practitioners often recommend this diet for a rapid weight loss, and prevention of various medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, kidney stones, osteoporosis, muscle wasting disease, sinusitis, etc. However, the results of the diet have not been clinically tried out or documented.

Concept of the Diet

The diet is based on the belief that the human body is built for a specific structure of diet. It suggests that 75% of the human diet, in actuality, is supposed to be vegetables, plain carbohydrates, and simple proteins (easily digestible foods).
The other 25% is supposed to be fats, complex nutrients, and acid-forming substances. The alkaline diet chart is chalked out such that it maintains a balance between these simple foods and complex foods.

How the Diet Works

As mentioned earlier, this diet is based on classification of foods into simple and complex foods. This proves to be beneficial, since the body gets all the needed nutrients and the person does not end up staying hungry. This helps in maintaining a pH level of 7.4, which helps the digestive system to break down fatty and acidic substances efficiently.
The intake of fibrous substances is also increased which, thereby, proves to be of benefit during digestion. Hence, the overall calorie intake is reduced, and the proportionate consumption of other nutrients is also maintained.

The Meal Plan
One can easily plan their diet based on a list of foods that are low in acidic content. A simple way to keep the proportions in check is to follow the "2 to 1" rule which states that you eat two alkaline foods for every one acidic food.

Vegetables and Grain

An alkaline diet plan basically concentrates on consumption of vegetables, as they are a storehouse of various nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and fiber. It is better to consume fresh and raw vegetables.
Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, eggplant, mushrooms, turnips, and cauliflower should be a part of everyday meals. Cooking the vegetables in low calorie cooking oils such as olive oil is recommended.
While following the plan, one should make it a point to have plenty of salad when eating meat. One may choose to substitute the meat and cheese in the diet with vegetables.

Fruits

Fruits are an integral part of this diet as all the nutrients in the fruits are in perfect balance, to suit the prescribed proportions of the plan. All kinds of fruits can be consumed raw, or in the form of juices.

Grain, Pulses, and Cereals

All the grains, pulses, and cereals contain a good amount of complex proteins. Hence, consumption of grains like wheat and rice should be moderate. It's suggested that one consumes simpler forms of grains such as whole wheat bread.

Meat and Dairy Products

Meat and dairy products consist of an enormous range of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Thus, it is important to cut down on the consumption of meat and eggs, and substitute it with grains or vegetables.
Drinking milk is certainly beneficial for the health, but consuming too much milk is again, not a very good option. Switching to healthy cooking options is another good way to cut down on fat.
It is important that one has consulted a health professional before switching to this diet. One can notice the results of the diet within a week. A feeling of freshness in the morning, better bowel movement, less body pain, and a more peaceful sleep are some of the signs which indicate that the body has accepted the diet well.
Disclaimer: This item is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by a dietitian.