COOKIE DIET

Introduction: COOKIE DIET

The COOKIE DIET® is a commercial weight loss diet based on the philosophy that hunger keeps people from sticking to weight loss diets. The Cookie Diet was developed by Sanford Siegal, D.O., M.D., who created Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® hunger-controlling foods. These foods include cookies and shakes developed to help satisfy a sweet tooth and control hunger. They are also designed as meal replacements and contain a blend of amino acids (food proteins) that Siegal claims curb appetite without drugs and helps dieters to stick to a diet plan supervised by their own physician. Cookie and shake ingredients include milk, soy, wheat, and non-vegetable protein. Siegal also says that since 1975, more than 500,000 people have used his products to help them reach their weight loss goals.

When considering the COOKIE DIET® and before purchasing products, it is important to remember that good, effective weight loss plans encourage the consumption of a wide variety of fresh foods from all the foods groups that are low in saturated fats and trans fats and added sugars. These include fresh fruit, vegetables, lean sources of protein, low fat-dairy products, whole grain carbohydrates, and healthy fats, such as olive oil. Good diet plans also advocate for an overall healthy lifestyle, support services to help people stay on track, and regular exercise. Rapid weight loss is not recommended and the most effective and safe weight loss diets include enough calories to allow dieters to lose about one to two pounds per week. Diets that restrict calorie and or carbohydrates severely can also lead to rebound weight gain. This is due to the fact that severe calorie restriction results in the body going into "starvation" mode, which leads to a lower metabolism, the body's way to try to prevent complete starvation. This often leads to gaining even more weight then was lost after the diet plan has been discontinued. This encourages "yo-yo" dieting patterns that are unhealthy and do not result in effective weight control. Severe calorie and nutrient restriction can also lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness. They can also result in ketoacidosis, a condition in which severe restriction of calories or carbohydrates leads to dangerously high levels of acids called ketones build up in the blood and can poison the body.

Any diet may have the potential to be harmful, so consultation with a health care provider before starting the Eat-Clean Diet or any diet plan and exercise program is recommended.

Conditions Associated with COOKIE DIET

Conditions associated with COOKIE DIET include:

Foods Excluded Or Restricted From COOKIE DIET

The following foods may be restricted or excluded from COOKIE DIET:

Varies based on weight loss plan used in conjunction with Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® cookies and shake mixes

Foods Focused On For COOKIE DIET

The following foods may be focused on as part of COOKIE DIET:

Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® cookies and shake mixes
Varies based on weight loss plan used in conjunction with Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® cookies and shake mixes

COOKIE DIET: Potential Risks Or Complications

The following are potential risks or complications of the diet (COOKIE DIET):

Ketoacidosis may result from extreme calorie and/or carbohydrate restricted diets, which can lead to dangerously high levels of acids called ketones that build up in the blood and can poison the body
Rebound weight gain after rapid weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies
Weight loss diets are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women
Consultation with a health care provider before starting any diet plan and exercise program is recommended