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Joel Fuhrman's Diet

Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

Specializes in reducing and reversing disease through natural and nutritional methods.

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What is it?

Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet is made to help delay the aging process, and help the body naturally lose weight. It’s a 6-week plan that suggests low calorie foods that are high in nutrients.

It emphasizes reducing carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta, as well as oils and sugar. Dairy and meats are avoided entirely while on this diet. There are certain food limitations as well as foods one can eat in as many amounts as one would like. Our experts reviewed all the available diets and found that the 18Shake Diet was the overall best for weight loss. To learn more about why it was rated the 2024 most effective diet click the link provided here.

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Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

No prepackaged foods or diet supplements are offered. The diet does have 4 different diet principles one has to follow that include:

         • Nutrient Density: Health is directly tied to the amounts and different types of nutrients one receives from vitamins and minerals. The diet provides a scale called the ANDI or Aggregated Nutrient Density Index. Soda ranks in at a low score of 1, while vegetables like collar greens and kale have the highest score at 1,000. A list of the ranked foods shows that dense leafy greens rank much higher, and they award more points.

An equation is offered that is H=N/C or Health equals nutrients per calorie. This is the basis for the diet, and it basically means that to achieve a healthy body, most of one’s calories should come from nutritious foods.

         • Comprehensive Nutrient Adequacy: It’s important not just to eat high nutrient foods, but have a diverse amount of foods to get important antioxidants and phytochemicals. They advise the use of certain supplements for things like Vitamin D, Zinc, Iodine, EPA and DHA, and vitamin B12.

         • Favorable Hormone Levels: The belief is that there are hormones that in high amounts can increase the risk for cancers. To reduce the risk of hormone fluctuations, a lot glycemic carbohydrate diet is advised.

It’s recommended to add berries, beans, and vegetables to keep insulin regulated.  A compiled list of the top 10 ranked diet plans is offered in the link provided here.

         • Avoidance of Toxins: Certain foods which are seen as possibly contaminated such as meats are avoided. There are toxic chemicals added to certain foods, and the diet advises to get plant rich meals to avoid carcinogens, infectious agents, and chemicals.

The foods allowed in unlimited amounts include:

  • Raw vegetables.
  • Four fresh fruits a day but no juice that’s canned, some dry fruits are allowed.
  • Minimum of a cup of beans and legumes daily.
  • Cooked or steamed eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, carrots, onions, and tomatoes.

The following are allowed in limited amounts:

  • 1 ounce of raw nuts and seeds.
  • 2 ounces of avocado.
  • 1 cup of cooked starchy or whole grains such as cereal, potatoes, corn, squash, and rice.
  • 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed.
  • One drink of alcohol per day only.

No amounts of these foods can be eaten, and special considerations are required:

  • Oil.
  • Fruit juice.
  • Dairy or animal products.
  • Processed foods.
  • Snacking between meals.

Web MD described this as:

“a very restrictive diet”

It’s strictly a vegan, low-fat, low-salt, and mostly gluten-free 6 week diet. For people who eat meat even sparingly, it can be hard to transition to this type of lifestyle as it limits many common foods.

The registered dietician Kathleen Zelman adds:

“You will absolutely lose weight on this plan, but you may not be able to do it long term”

Since it’s primarily a vegetable based diet, it’s likely to lead to some weight loss since vegetables have much less calories than meats and a heavy use of grains. There are many restrictions and Web MD adds:

“could make it very difficult to stay on”

The diet mentions that 90% of what one eats will be whole plant foods. This is a healthy approach but it can be extremely difficult to limit protein and heathy fats. Most of what one eats will be lacking in calories, and there’s no evidence that this can help suppress appetite and be used as a long term diet. The top 10 list of the highest ranked diet plans are available when you click here.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet Quality of Ingredients

 The quality of food eaten is good since it’s, mostly all natural vegetables. A review by Science-Based Medicine found that the diet is not based in science, and there’s no studies performed to show that the Eat To Live Diet is both safe and necessary.  The review adds how the creator of it is:

“trying to sell you something”

“invents what he calls his “health equation””

The health equation is reviewed and the site finds:

“can’t be qualified in any real way, this is nothing more than a parlor trick”

The overall quality of this brand cannot be accurately measured, and though a mostly plant based diet is healthy; it’s hard to upkeep and not necessary. For many people not getting sufficient protein or healthy fats can be difficult, and it’s likely one will stay hungry. A list of the top 10 highest rated diet plans is available in the link here.

The Price and Quality of Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet

There is membership to the official website offered, as well as a book that sells for $17 on Amazon.com. Most of the cost is from buying fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be pricy, as it’s suggested one should be buying only specific kinds of vegetables, with an emphasis on organic food options.

Some customers also added how the suggestions for foods are very limited, and that the book will often try to push certain brands instead of offering a general food product.

There are also recipes, a health tracking app, member groups, and a blog with updates. Though the creator is a Doctor, there’s no evidence that limiting proteins and eating mostly vegetables is a sustainable weight loss diet approach.  Our experts ranked the highest rated diet plans in a top 10 list found here.

Business of Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet

The diet was created by a Dr. Joel Fuhrman who specializes in family medicine. Although a Doctor, there is no evidence that proves the Eat To Live Diet is effective for long-term weight loss.

His background in nutrition is limited, he is part of a nutrition board, however, there is no research developed nor do they provide proof.

The basis for the business is that a 90% plant based diet is effective for promoting many health benefits. It’s not ideal for all body types, as it’s lacking in protein need to run important body functions.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet

Here are some reviews from people who tried the diet:

“because of vast amounts of produce required, we had to utilize a second refrigerator”

“whole lot of guessing and cherry-picking”

“very hard to follow and I think unrealistic for the vast majority”

“He’s a medical doctor; not a nutrition researcher”

A total of 562 people gave it a critical review on their Amazon.com page. People have argued it takes a lot of time having to prep one’s own foods, since it doesn’t allow for many packaged foods. These people described this as being an impractical way to live one’s life, as many hours need to be spent prepping and cooking.

Often there were issues with people being unable to fit all the food they need in their refrigerators.

There were also problems with a lack of appetite suppression. Though there are unlimited amounts of vegetables, many were bored and wanting to eat more protein and fats. The highest rated diet plans have been compiled in a top 10 list found here.

Conclusion - Does Joel Fuhrman’s Eat To Live Diet Work?

There are many things to keep in mind about the Eat To Live Diet. This plan has no evidence to back up its use, and many users say they were left hungry and wanting to eat something besides mostly vegetables. Customers also mentioned how the diet tries to get people to buy certain brands, and that it’s incredibly restricted. Web MD also adds how the diet is unlikely to support long term weight loss. A lot of time has to be spent prepping and cooking foods as well.

The highest rated diet plan of 2024 was found to be the 18Shake Diet Plan. It offers a natural, metabolism boosting supplement free of stimulants alongside a high protein, appetite suppressing meal replacement. Testimonials and reviews are available from customers who say the meal replacement is filling, mixes easy, and tastes good. Users of the supplement add how they’ve noticed metabolism boosting effects without any stimulant related side effects.

Both of the supplements are backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee for any reason. Returns are all offered risk free for a total of 30 days.  Learn more about the 18Shake Diet Plan by clicking on the link provided here.

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User Feedback

(Page 5 of 5, 97 total comments)

Kimberly

+

I have been eating vegertarian now for 5 days... I love it, I feel great and have a lot of energy !!! There are times I crave chocolate or pasta but I am sure that will pass with time... Thanks Dr Fuhrman

posted Feb 28th, 2012 10:48 am

Cindi

+

This is the only diet that I believe works for people with Hypothyroidism.
I have had it for years and gained weight because of it, I found this diet, when done right will cause significant los of weight. I lost 24 lbs, and I feel and look great.
I have also had to restrict my calories lower to adjust for the thyroid problems. Since I am not overweight due to overeating it is easy because I do not mind eating less.

posted Jan 5th, 2012 5:13 pm

Emily

+

Great lifestyle. The weight loss is effortless and, more importantly, the health benefits are astounding.

posted Dec 28th, 2011 9:48 pm

Rhona

+

I have been only following Dr. Fuhrmans plan for 1 week and I can't believe how good I feel!
I feel energetic, clarity of mind and happier!
I can't wait to see what kind of weight I loose... But, I feel so good I don't care about the weight loss!

posted Dec 16th, 2011 7:13 pm

Robert Burns

Do you know of any studies which indicate a positive effect upon peripheral neuropathy as a result of using your whole food, plant based, high nutrition diet?

posted Dec 5th, 2011 6:31 pm

Jim

+

Great diet, lose 20lbs and counting. I feel great! The diet is the first that I have use that is sustainable over a long time period.

posted Nov 7th, 2011 6:53 pm

Susan Trickel

I am an epileptic and have lost 13 lbs. for the first month of dieting. I have not had any adverse effects from this diet.

You can really feel the toxins leaving your body in the first week. I found it best to wash my hair and scrub my skin down every day in the first week to rid myself of the toxins that had deposited on the skin.

Four weeks have passed on this diet and I haven't had so much energy since i was a teenager. Thank you Dr. Fuhrman for this natural diet.

posted May 1st, 2011 8:50 am

Michael

+

I've been doing Eat to Live since February (3 months) and have lost 35 lbs. I'm no longer diabetic and all my blood numbers are dramatically improved. Better nutrition = better health.

posted Apr 27th, 2011 7:52 pm

Denise

+

This is really working for me and for my husband. It is far more enjoyable and satisfying than we thought it would be. Desire for foods not included in his program is nearly non-existent. We feel energetic and clear in mind.

posted Mar 18th, 2011 7:30 pm

lucasboden

+

Botsal, I recall that Dr Furhman states that if you are going to eat meat, then eat it in one meal per day. That is not extreme vegetarianism. What carbs are you referring to? Carbs in fresh fruits, veggies, and beans? You are brainwashed into Atkins high protein low carb garbage which may work temporarily. Dr F endorses foods for their high micronutrient value and discourages looking at foods solely as carbs, protein, and fat.

posted Aug 19th, 2010 1:29 pm

Danielle

+

I have never felt better than how I feel on this diet!

posted Aug 15th, 2010 10:27 pm

CrazyCat

+

@Bostal
Dr. Furham doesn't preach meat as "absolutely harmful", just that the proportions of meat that Americans currently eat as absolutely harmful. You can eat meat, just limit the times you eat it. His argument is that for the calories packed into a meat serving you get hardly any nutrition from it. Spend your calories on more nutrient dense food.
You are also only supposed to have 2 ounces of nuts a day.
Please try the diet yourself or at least read up on it fully before you post something.

posted Jul 25th, 2010 11:12 am

Botsal

-

Dr. Furhman believes that meat is absolutely harmful and pushes his extreme vegetarianism. Believe me, you can fail to lose weight on this diet given all the carbs and nuts. It's a waste of time.

posted Jul 21st, 2010 11:05 pm

sylvia provenza

Would you be interested in speaking to our Freedom of Choice in Cancer Therapy Org. on Thursday, March 25? All I would need is a short bio from you and I'll do the rest. Please call me at 412-828-9542 as soon as possible. I will also get you radio time if you like. Look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Sylvia, Director

posted Mar 10th, 2010 1:34 pm

christine

+

I found this to be really exciting and satifying,its a way to live not to diet.

posted Jan 26th, 2010 12:56 pm

Rob

+

Eat to Live probably saved my life. I lost 81 pounds in six months. It's been a year now since I started Eat to Live, and my weight seems to have stabilized at 70 pounds down from what I started at. No injections, eat as much food as you like as long as it's veggies or fruits, you can still eat meat and nuts, and occasionally break the rules; you really can't beat that.

posted Dec 6th, 2009 2:28 pm

Tina

+

Wonderful, life-changing, and so worth it.

posted Nov 14th, 2009 1:28 pm


 

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

Dr. Joel Fuhrman is a well-known doctor who provides diet and nutrition advice to help patients lose weight and improve their health with a nutritional approach. Dr. Fuhrman has written several books on nutritional weight loss such as Eat to Live and Eat for Health, and has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC and many other media outlets promoting the importance of sound nutrition to achieve optimal health.

Dr. Fuhrman specializes in reducing and reversing disease through natural and nutritional methods. For weight loss measures, the recommended plan from Dr. Fuhrman is his Eat to Live book. By following the plan in this book, you can lose weight naturally and permanently. You can also reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol and prevent heart disease without the use of medications.

The premise of Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat for Health program is that the more nutrient dense foods you eat, the quicker your health will improve. He proposes a largely plant-based diet void of refined products, meat and dairy.

Through the web site Dr. Fuhrman offers not only his books, but also online medical and nutritional advice.

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PROPRO
  • Natural and nutritional approach to weight loss
  • Emphasis on long-term results
  • Created by a medical doctor
  • Successful results by others
  • Vegetarian-friendly
CONCON
  • Programs may be somewhat restrictive and difficult for those used to easing into a diet program
  • Food preparation time can be lengthy
  • Little to no meat is allowed
DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

Dr. Joel Fuhrman promotes a plant-based diet comprised of vegetables, fruits, legumes, raw nuts, seeds and some whole grains. Avoided are sugar, refined flours, salt, and severely limiting all animal products include meat and dairy.

A sample day of meals may include:

  • Breakfast: Two cups cooked oatmeal with one tablespoon ground flax seed, one banana, one oz. raisins, 1/2 cup soy milk or skim milk.
  • Lunch: Green salad with balsamic vinegar and one teaspoon olive oil, one cup of chickpeas or vegetable soup and fresh fruit.
  • Dinner: Stir-fried vegetables with tofu or steamed string beans with onions and mushrooms.

The basic premise of Fuhrman's diets are consuming foods that are nutrient-rich but low in calories. These foods, like vegetables, fruits and legumes, will satiate the appetite because of their water and fiber content.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

Because many of Dr. Fuhrman’s plans are designed for those with health issues, moderate exercise is recommended. Typical exercise might include 30-45 minutes of moderate intensity walking, five to six days per week.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Using Dr. Fuhrman’s recommendations, you can easily lose weight, reduce your current diseases and prevent contracting future diseases. Although it seems that most of the plans are very restrictive, they do garner results.

If you are looking for a plan that will finally give you the health and weight loss benefits you are looking for, Dr. Fuhrman can provide that. Be prepared for dramatically reducing your meat intake, but on the flip side you don’t have to count calories. As long as you follow the plan, you can be on your way to your ideal weight and optimal health.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

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