The Hilton Head Diet was developed by Dr. Peter Miller, a professor in the Department of of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of South Carolina. In 1979, Dr. Miller founded what was known as the Institute on Hilton Head Island for the purpose of helping people lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle. Based on his experiences, he wrote a book titled "The Hilton Head Metabolism Diet" in 1983, which laid the groundwork for his diet plan.He has since written other books, including "The Hilton Head Over-35 Diet" and "The Hilton Head Diet for Children and Teenagers."
Concept
Dr. Miller's belief is that 70 percent of calories are burned by the body's metabolism, and only 30 percent through exercise. As a result, the best way to reduce calories is by increasing metabolism. A specific regimen of diet and exercise are the main components of the plan. The diet consists of two phases that are repeated as necessary. The first phase involves weight reduction, while the second phase consists of maintaining weight.
Weight Reduction
During the weight reduction phase, which lasts for six weeks, the dieter consumes five meals a day, totaling 1,000 calories. The foods eaten contain high amounts of carbohydrates and are low in fat, with only 20 percent of the calories coming from the latter. An additional 250 calories are allowed on weekends, and the dieter must drink a minimum of five glasses of water a day. The diet also requires 20 minutes of exercise daily.
Weight Maintenance
The weight maintenance phase of the diet lasts for two weeks. The amount of calories consumed is determined by the dieter's individual needs. Although the number of calories is allowed to increase, the dieter may need to adjust during the course of the two weeks if weight gain begins to occur. In both phases, meal portions are precisely measured and controlled.
Benefits
Because of the low-calorie limits of the Hilton Head Diet, the dieter should not have difficulty losing weight as long as the weight maintenance portion is conducted properly. Because of the exercise component, it may also motivate people to exercise who normally would not. The dieter is provided with a specific meal plan that allows the dieter some choices in food selection, so it may be easier for some to adhere to the plan.
Drawbacks
The low-calorie limit during the reduction phase may result in some dieters not being able to resist hunger pangs. There also is the risk of the proper amount of nutrients not being consumed to meet the needs of an individual, resulting in undernourishment. It also may be a difficult diet for active people to follow because of the low amount of calories allowed. Before starting the diet, a doctor should be consulted to ensure that the dieter's nutritional needs are being met.
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