No Grains, No Dairy, No Fruit Diet

Many diet plans or programs may eliminate certain foods or food groups to help you reduce calories for quick weight loss. Restricting food groups from the diet can be unhealthy, however, with the risk of nutrient deficiencies and poor food intake. Still, there are increasing numbers of people who must avoid certain foods or food groups due to dietary intolerances or allergies. Such a diet may consist of no grains, no dairy and no fruits. It is imperative that you consult with a physician and dietitian before initiating any dietary regimen to ensure you are meeting your individual needs.

A no grains, no dairy, no fruit diet must eliminate grains from the diet from all sources. In his book, "The No Grain Diet", Dr. Joseph Mercola explains that meals high in refined, processed carbohydrates, including grains, boost insulin production that increases hunger cravings shortly after eating. This leads to excess calorie consumption and possible weight gain. Mercola believes that the over-consumption of breads, pasta, rice and sweets has lead to rising obesity rates, diabetes, depression and cancer. Eating too many carbs typically results in symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, low blood sugar, difficulty concentrating and high blood pressure.

A no-dairy diet requires that you eliminate all dairy-based foods and products from your diet. This includes milk, cheese, yogurts, cream cheeses and ice cream. Lactose, a naturally-occurring sugar in dairy, often causes digestive upset in those unable to break down the sugar properly. Furthermore, many people may be intolerant of whey or casein, two milk proteins. You may be unaware that dairy often hides in many products. Read nutrition labels carefully to identify if milk or dairy-related ingredients are in them. For instance, many canned soups, sauces or frozen meals may have a form of dairy or whey used as a thickening agent.

A no-grains, no dairy, no fruit diet must finally eliminate fruit from its daily meal plan. Fruit is generally a nutritious food rich in nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals needed for normal body functions and protection against disease. It is low in calories, has little to no fat, and is a source of dietary fiber. However, fruit is also high in sugar. Although these sugars are naturally-occurring and not added refined sugars, found in candy or cookies, excess sugar intake in any form may lead to obesity, diabetes, lethargy and depression. High-sugar foods also cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, leading to increased hunger cravings for more foods high in sugar or fat.

Consult with a physician or dietitian who can help you determine a healthy meal plan that meets all of your nutrient requirements. You may need to supplement with appropriate vitamins and minerals as well to ensure you are not at risk of any nutrient deficiencies. Most people on diets that eliminate food groups do so for a trial of no more than two weeks, after which they reintroduce these foods into their diets gradually to see if any symptoms recur. A healthy diet outside of the eliminated foods should consist of plenty of vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken and fish, and healthy fats including olive oil, nuts and seeds.