AARP New American Diet

AARP New American Diet

Created by John Whyte, MD, MPH, the AARP New American Diet is based upon the National Institute of Health (NIH) AARP Diet and Health Study. This particular study is the largest one ever conducted in the field of diet and health, for it has over 500,000 participants.

The AARP New American Diet uses tips and advice drawn from the NIH study to help readers lose up to 10 pounds in just 2 weeks. The eating plan combines concepts from both the Standard American Diet and the Mediterranean diet.

Foods to include:

• Whole wheat breads and/or pitas
• Fruits
• Natural peanut butters
• Hummus
• Vegetables, in particular leafy greens
• Fatty fish
• Coffee

Foods to reduce:

• Added sugars
• Processed foods and snacks
• Fried foods
• White starchy foods
• Soft drinks

Pros:                                                              

• Promotes balanced intake of many healthy food groups
• Includes a helpful 30-day meal plan
• Based on scientific research
• Promotes lifestyle changes rather than standard dieting to lose weight

Cons:

• Readers who don’t like fish may not do well with recipes
• Coffee as a health-promoting beverage is controversial
• Dieters may experience weight gain after the 30 days
• No ‘new’ unique approach – just practical advice

Sources:

1. NIH-AARP Diet & Health Study.
2. AARP New American Diet – Lose Weight, Live Longer. John Whyte, MD, MPH