Jessica Turner No fat. No fruit. A week-long vegetable juice detox …
Many Australians sacrifice nutrition in an effort to lose weight. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 15 percent of females aged 15 or over are on a diet. Around half of these described their type of diet as calorie restrictive. These kind of programs are described as fad diets‘and are generally not recommended by medical professionals.
According to Segen’s Medical Dictionary a fad diet encompasses any number of weight reduction techniques that eliminate one or more of the essential food groups, or recommend excess consumption of one type of food, at the expense of others.
Personally, I’ve never been much of a dieter. Until last week, my idea of a health-kick was switching the morning croissant to a huge bowl of oatmeal with lashings of honey or brown sugar.
But I do care about wellness and strongly believe in the power of holistic healing. As well as seeing a plethora health professionals ranging from physiotherapists to ayurvedic healers, I make regular visits to a TCM practitioner. I’ll be forever grateful to him because he resolved my hair loss problem.
However, my current health issues just weren’t resolving. They seemed to be worsening by the day. So, I shopped around, looking to trial a new TCM go-to guru.
Because of his reputation for “being different”, I booked in a consultation with Dr Christopher Booth.
He clarifies his unique approach to Chinese medicine …
“Most TCM practitioners (taught in the West) learn “bits and pieces” from different eras.
“The style of Chinese medicine I practice is classical. I have focused on the period of ancient techniques from the Han Dynasty.
“From the herbal prescriptions to the style of acupuncture, I feel medicine during this time was the most complete and the most pure.”
So, with tired eyes, a dull sore throat and chronic shoulder pain, I slouched into my first appointment with Dr Booth last Tuesday. My points of pain plagued me so intensely, I was willing to give anything recommended a shot – even the “diet” he vehemently suggested I embark on.
Following a 70percent plant/30 percent protein model The Omni Diet, conceived by nurse, health and fitness expert Tana Amen, is designed to fight inflammation, reverse disease, and “change your life forever”.
Sound cheesy? That’s the catch. It restricts dairy. Also, most grains, simple carbs and soy.
On the other hand, organic, plant-based, probiotic supplements, such as in the Bestow Beauty range, are essential.
“The Omni Diet not so much a diet but a prescriptive approach to wellness,” explains Dr Booth. “For example, the book includes mindfulness techniques, physical exercises and recipes. I like the way it’s laid out so logically and explained very clearly.”
My “default self” gives into sugar cravings, and loves a hefty daily dose of soft cheese.
Therefore I was blown away by how easy sticking to the plan was over the week that followed. My resolve did not waver. I’m sure it would have if I’d actually yearned for my normal 4pm Snickers treat. But somehow, I’ve stopped craving sugar. I look forward to avocado salads at lunch, and have become obsessed with cherry tomatoes.
When I returned to the clinic for my follow-up appointment the next week, I felt abundantly energetic, sore throat-free and out of pain.
Checking my pulse and comparing it to the prior week, Dr Booth confirmed: “You’re on track to a stronger immune system and better health.”
Here is one of my favourite recipes from the Omni Diet:
Ingredients: Serves 6
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 leeks cut in half moon shapes
- 700g of Brussels sprouts, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Method:
- Heat the coconut oil in a pan over a medium heat.
- Add leeks and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add brussels sprouts and cook for 5 minutes, or until nicely roasted on the outside and tender inside, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill and serve.
