Developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet is based on the idea that some food cause inflammation, which leads to cardiovascular disease and weight gain, while other fight it and can help you lose weight while also keeping you healthier in the long run.
Outlined in Weil’s book, including “Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being” and “True Food: Seasonal, Sustainable, Simple, Pure”, this diet includes plenty of fiber and healthy fats, while limiting the consumption of animal protein. Learn the pros and cons of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet before deciding if this diet is the right fit for your weight loss goals.
Pros of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Easy to understand and to follow regardless of any dietary restrictions, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet has a goal of improved health, but it also delivers when it comes to helping you shed the extra pounds.
Offers Both Short-Term and Long-Term Weight Loss Benefits
One of the biggest pros of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet is that it works equally well for both quick weight loss goals and as a sustainable diet in the long run. Ranked at no 13 on US Health News’ list of best overall diets, Dr. Andrew Weil’s diet resembles both the Flexitarian Diet and the Vegetarian one (with the addition of oily fish).
Can Improve Your Overall Health
While inflammation has been linked to diseases that are also associated with obesity, there’s not a lot of scientifical evidence that the reverse (reducing inflammation to lose weight and prevent disease) is accurate. However, plenty of fresh produce, lots of fiber and healthy omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet can certainly deliver when it comes to weight loss.
It’s Versatile
Flexibility is certainly one of the pros of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. You can adapt it to a vegetarian diet and you can plan your own meals while keeping in mind your maximum calorie intake for every day. It’s also easily adaptable for people who don’t tolerate gluten.
It Can Be Followed by Anyone
With no restrictions, not even for children or pregnant women, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet can also help prevent and control diabetes. However, if you suffer from any chronic conditions, discuss it with your doctor before diving in.
Includes Plenty of Resources and Recipes
Even if you don’t buy the “True Food” cookbook, one of the pros of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet is that you can find plenty of free resources and recipes online.
See also: Best Lean Meats for Weight Loss
Cons of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Taking out most animal protein from your diet can lead to some nutritional deficiencies, and some of this diet’s recipes are also time consuming, making it less suitable for busy dieters.
It Could Be More Time Consuming Than Other Diets
Cooking your own meals with severe restrictions on ingredients is definitely one of the cons of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. However, unlike other weight loss plans, it doesn’t discourage eating out, even recommending Japanese food as a good starting point.
You’ll Need to Take Dietary Supplements
Following this diet means also taking supplements. Weil recommends daily multivitamins, along with calcium, coenzyme Q10 and fish oils, if you don’t manage to eat oily fish at least twice a week.
Lack of Structure May Prove Difficult
One of the most glaring cons of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet is the lack of a precise meal plan. You can adapt the diet to your dietary needs, but you’ll also have to stay away from meat, along with dairy and many types of vegetable oils.
Doesn’t Provide Workout Tips
Since you’re not supposed to eat less than 2,000 calories per day on the Anti-Inflammatory Diet, working out is definitely important for losing weight quickly. Dr. Andrew Weil doesn’t recommend any routines, instead recommending walking, along with yoga and swimming.
Can Get Expensive
Since healthy food is usually more expensive, one of the cons of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet is that you might end up spending more on your grocery bills. However, buying the cookbook is optional, and you can find recipes online for free, so you won’t have any big expenses on this end.