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Introduction: What is Dr. Now’s Diet Plan?

What is dr now’s 1200-calorie diet? A very stringent low-carb, low-calorie diet, the Dr. Now Diet. Dr. Nowzaradan is a bariatric surgeon with a practice in Houston who focuses on weight loss surgery for patients with morbid obesity.

His reality television series “My 600-Lb. Life,” which follows the lives of his patients who weigh more than 600 pounds, helped him achieve fame (272 kg). The program chronicles their journey leading up to, during, and following weight loss surgery.

Dr. Now was a founder of laparoscopic surgery and a strong advocate for it. He thought that bariatric surgery could be performed using laparoscopic techniques, among other surgical procedures. Because he operates on patients that many other surgeons consider to be too dangerous, Dr. Now is highly recognized.

Dr. Nowzaradan recommends a rigorous 1,200-calorie diet as part of his weight loss strategy. The strategy’s primary goal is to consume fewer calories while maintaining a balanced diet. One can lose weight quickly by adhering to Dr. Nowzaradan’s stringent nutritional recommendations.

This low-calorie diet plan focuses on eating a portion of food that is high in protein, low in fat, low in carbohydrates, and high in vitamins to help your body get the nutrition it needs to be healthy.

Also, read – The Top 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water Every Day

Is Dr. Now’s Diet Keto?

This stringent diet plan consists primarily of low-fat, low-calorie, high-protein, and low-carb foods. At first look, this eating pattern appears entirely impossible and unsustainable because patients are only allowed to consume about 1200 calories each day, which is significantly less than the recommended amount of an average daily calorie intake.

With the exception of sugar, Dr. Nowzaradan’s diet does not claim to be a healthy strategy to lose weight while keeping a low-calorie consumption.

Additionally, if you want to see results quickly on the dr nowzaradan diet, you can only wing it and consume less than 1200 calories a day because doing so will deprive your body of vital vitamins and energy-producing macronutrients.

What Is Dr Now’s Diet

In that regard, Dr. Now recommends a diet with a high protein intake and an extremely low carbohydrate intake, specifically a low-carb diet that is appropriate for presurgery weight loss since every surgeon’s intention is to help her clients achieve drastic weight loss within a short period. However, he does not recommend they stick to a strict ketogenic diet plan as popularised by some nutritionists today.

The keto diet, otherwise understood as the ketogenic diet regimen, normally entails an incredibly high consumption of fats as well as extremely little consumption of carbs. However, it is crucial that these fats can contain sizable amounts of calories, and as such, this diet plan is almost never described as low calorie (and if not, the keto diet does not even require an understanding of calories).

Moreover, several healthcare workers have contradicting opinions concerning the ketogenic diet. While there are numerous positive effects of implementing the keto diet programs, one does not know what the repercussions of demanding large quantities of fats in the body will be in the future. Patients with morbid obesity are also advised not to take the drug due to its potential side effects and because the patients fall under a group with a higher propensity to heart disease in the first place.

Benefits of the Dr. Now Diet Plan

The Dr. Now diet’s great benefit is that it’s particularly successful for quick weight loss. However, apart from the fact that it is low in calories, the diet for weight loss per se doesn’t provide anything remarkable.

  • Remember that losing weight only happens when you consume fewer calories than you require to maintain your normal biological functions and any physical exercise. Therefore, you will lose more weight more quickly the more prominent the calorie deficit is.

Patients who follow Dr. Now’s diet recommendations may require between 3,000 and 4,000 calories daily to maintain their weight simply. However, as you may expect, the patients will lose weight quickly on a 1,000–1,200 calorie diet due to the significant calorie shortfall.

However, the 1,000–1,200 calories that the dr nowzaradan diet plan permits is well below the caloric demands of the majority of individuals, even if your calorie needs are lower than those of the patients on “My 600–lb. Life.”

Reduce the Risk of Post-surgical Complications

Weight loss before bariatric surgery, according to the Dr. Now diet proponents, can help lower the chance of complications following the procedure.

Research on this subject needs to be more consistent. For instance, a study conducted in 2020 discovered that even a slight weight decrease before bariatric surgery was linked to a lower 30-day risk of mortality.

However, the research found that many bariatric centers insist that patients lose a certain amount of weight before surgery; however, many recent high-quality reviews need to be more conclusive of the evidence supporting this practice. This research was published in 2020 in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.

Fast Weight Loss

Many of Dr. Now’s patients, many of whom weigh more than 600 pounds (272 kg), attempt to shed 30 pounds (14 kg) in just 30 days, and many of them succeed.

The Dr Nowzaradan diet is often utilized for patients undergoing preoperative bariatric surgery, not just at Dr. Now’s office. For example, in a study involving 24 obese women, participants shed a considerable amount of weight in just 13 days with and without exercise.

For people treated with bariatric surgery, doctors frequently advise preoperative weight loss because it seems to help prevent difficulties following the procedure. 

In one study, the results of the excess of over 480,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were examined. Even when participants lost less than 5% of their overall weight, the researchers discovered that weight loss before surgery helped lower the risk of death within 30 days of surgery.

Studies have also shown that patients who were compelled to lose weight to be authorized for weight reduction surgery tended to experience better weight outcomes.

How Does Dr. Now’s Diet Plan Work – Dr. Now’s Diet Menu

What is dr now’s diet plan? Real food and limited portions are the two fundamental tenets of Dr. Now’s diet plan. The diet can be challenging to stick to, but anyone who has witnessed the tremendous improvements in his patients can attest that the effort is ultimately worthwhile.

  1. Only two to three meals should be consumed each day, with no snacks in between.
  2. There is a daily cap of 1,200 calories. Therefore, two 600-calorie meals or three 400-calorie meals can be made out of them.
  3. Species: The Dr. The modern diet places emphasis on eating foods high in fiber and protein while limiting carbohydrates and fats.
  4. For breakfast, he suggests whole-grain bread, low-fat cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, beans, turkey sausage, oats, and egg whites.
  5. You can barbecue, broil, or bake a lean protein for lunch. You could also have tofu, canned tuna, deli meat, non-starchy veggies, or a salad with vinaigrette dressing. Three ounces, or around the size of a deck of cards, should make up a serving of beef.
  6. The same kinds of cuisine might be served for lunch and dinner
  7. Snack options include plain Greek yogurt without added sugar and turkey or ham roll-ups.
What Is Dr Now Diet

What Foods Can I Eat while Following Dr Nowzaradan Diet Plan to Lose Weight?

By following the diet plan outlined by Dr. Nowzaradan in the video it becomes simple to lose those pounds. Including protein, in every meal is crucial for achieving a body mass. The plan also allows for fat or fat-free dairy products like yogurt and cheese. Healthy fats serve as an energy source. Should only be consumed from the approved list of items provided by Dr. Nowzaradan’s diet plan, which includes fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Nows’s diet plan permits these foods, along with others that are rich in fiber, and protein, low in fat, and free of sugar:

  • Lean protein: eggs, lean meats including beef, chicken and turkey, low-fat beans, tofu, and fish.

Proteins from lean sources should be consumed when following Dr. Nowzaradan’s diet as they help in the rapid loss of weight. Lean proteins are essential for the muscles, and the good thing is that they make you feel fuller after meals.

In the light of Dr. Nowzaradan’s insight, the preferred amount of lean protein is between 0. 36-0. 1.4 grams of protein per pound body weight and should comprise 20-35% of daily energy requirements. As a result, it is perfect to include a good source of lean protein in every meal in order to achieve this goal.

Combined with low glycemic vegetables these high-quality sources will be very helpful in order to provide your weight loss plan an extra push.

  • Fats and oils: small amounts of oil for cooking.

Following a dedicated weight-loss diet plan such as Dr. Nowzaradan’s can help shed excess pounds, but it is essential to remember that not all fats and oils are unhealthy. 

Specifically, with the Dr. Nowzaradan plan, certain fats and oils should be included in meals to ensure healthy nutrient intake that supports prosperous and sustainable weight loss. 

Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fish are particularly beneficial for weight loss because of their protective antioxidant properties. 

Adding these items in measured amounts to the everyday diet will add flavor and nutrition to help you reach fitness goals faster.

  • Lower sugar fruits: except watermelon, cantaloupe, banana, and mango.

Lower-sugar fruits such as berries, apples, and barley are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals while causing less blood sugar spike when compared with higher-sugar fruits like mangos, pineapples, and watermelons. 

Eating lower-sugar fruits is beneficial for healthy weight loss that can be sustained over time – something that Dr. Nowzaradan’s diet plan encourages. 

Making the switch to lower-sugar fruits means satisfying your sweet tooth without sacrificing health or progress toward your weight loss goals.

  • Most vegetables: except potatoes.

All foods containing vegetables are allowed while on the Dr Nowzaradan diet plan if you are in the process of losing weight you should consume the proper kind of greens.

Everyone loves to take their plate of vegetables. Frequently, vegetables are regarded as the most healthy food known to mankind since they are manufacturers of vitamins, helpful for digestion due to the presence of fiber, and are antioxidant-rich. Consuming a lot of them would make it easier to regulate energy levels during the day and add to the effort toward weight loss by making sure the body obtains all the essential nutrients required for its proper functioning.

The greens that one is recommended to take when on this specific diet include Kale, spinach, and lettuce; The key cruciferous are broccoli and cauliflower greens; The starch includes beets and carrots.

Make sure to balance a variety of vegetables in each meal to get maximum nutritional benefits!

One sure way to reduce your current caloric intake while gradually cutting on the sweet fruits is to change to lower-sugar fruits, this way you get to satisfy your craving and stick to your weight loss goal.

This way you’ll achieve the best nutritional values and it would be good if you try to include as many different types of vegetables in a meal as possible.

  • Some specific nuts and seeds to consider are flaxseeds and chia seeds

These items are packed with fiber nutrients and contain fatty acids that not only boost general well-being but also support weight loss efforts.

When included as part of a balanced meal plan, these foods can go a long way toward improving both satiety levels and overall nutrition. Additionally, they add flavor, texture, and variety, which can help meal times stay interesting and promote better compliance with the diet plan. 

Incorporating nuts and seeds into your daily routine is a simple but highly beneficial action to take along the path to weight loss success!

  • Fat-free dairy options: yogurt, low-fat milk, and nonfat cheeses, are sources of protein and calcium

Including these in your diet can help curb hunger and provide nutrients. 

Opting for low-fat products during meals can keep you feeling satisfied, for longer and support your body’s needs during weight loss efforts.

  • Whole-grain carbs: wheat bread, wheat or corn tortillas, and whole-wheat pasta in moderation.

Whole-grain carbs are a great source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, as well as providing needed energy throughout the day. Additionally, complex carbohydrates have been shown to lower harmful cholesterol levels and improve heart health. 

When integrated into Dr Nowzaradan diet plan to lose weight, such carbs can efficiently fuel one’s body and help one reach their weight loss goals faster than if they simply cut calories without adding healthy sources of energy. 

Adopting this type of eating pattern can empower individuals to take command of their own diets with confidence and enthusiasm!

  • Zero-calorie sweeteners.

Using zero-calorie sweeteners is part of this strategy to help you stick to your calorie-cutting objectives. While it might seem counterintuitive to include sweeteners, they can actually be quite useful in reaching your weight targets without compromising on taste or satisfaction when used in moderation and the right way. 

Moreover, incorporating zero-calorie sweeteners into your routine aids in digestion by encouraging regular bowel movements and reducing bloating. These sweeteners not only support weight management but also contribute to metabolic well-being.

Also, read – The Gut Microbiome and Mental Health

How Much Weight Can You Lose on the Dr. Now Diet?

The Dr. Now Diet has been heralded as one of the most successful diets in the world, and many people have reported significant weight loss since taking up this diet plan. 

The success rate is bolstered by the intense monitoring and following of the diet’s regime, which puts a focus on eating foods with fewer unnecessary carbohydrates combined with extra protein and fruits. 

Studies suggest that regular adherence to the Dr. Now Diet can result in average monthly weight loss rates ranging from 10-20 pounds for a majority of individuals. However, results may vary depending on individual metabolism and lifestyle habits.

This kind of diet is ideal for those looking to lose a lot of excess weight and maintain their new weight levels over time due to its sustainable principles that build upon healthier eating habits rather than extreme restrictions or approaches.

Dr. Nowzaradan Food List: What Should You Avoid on the Diet?

Along with a list of foods to eat, the diet plan also includes a list of foods that should be carefully avoided:

  • Sugar (artificial sweeteners)
  • Chocolates and candies
  • Jams and Jellies
  • Deserts (cookies, pie, brownies, doughnuts, ice creams, etc.)
  • Fruits with high sugar content (mangoes, watermelon, pears, cherries, cantaloupe, bananas, figs)
  • Starchy vegetables (peas, beans)
  • Potatoes (mashed, fried, baked, chips, etc.)
  • Rice (white and brown)
  • Bread (eat only whole grain)
  • Pasta 
  • Shakes and Meal supplements
  • Crackers
  • Dried and Candied fruits
  • Nuts
  • Popcorn
  • Cereals
  • Honey
  • Soda
  • Juice
  • Sports and Energy Beverages
  • Alcohol

Dr Now Diet Plan 1200 Calories for Successful Weight Loss

The meal plan typically consists of the following components:

  •  1.5 to 2 ounces of protein
  •  1/2 cup of starchy vegetables
  •  1/2 cup of nonstarchy vegetables
  •  A serving of fat ( to 5 grams)

Moreover, skim milk with added protein is allowed for breakfast, and a one-ounce protein snack is permitted in the evening. It is recommended to prepare proteins using heat cooking methods like broiling, grilling, or baking.

Here’s an example of a menu on Dr. Now’s diet plan: 

BreakfastTwo eggs, a slice of whole grain bread with a tablespoon of margarine, cup of skim milk
LunchTwo eggs, a slice of whole grain bread with a tablespoon of margarine, a cup of skim milk
DinnerSalad with white beans, arugula, and 3 ounces of canned tuna in water seasoned with balsamic vinaigrette (2 tablespoons)
Snack1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese

Conclusion: Why Is The Dr. Now Diet So Effective, And How Can It Help You Lose Weight Faster?

To sum up, the Dr. Nowzaradan diet plan to lose weight was created by an acclaimed doctor, fitness guru, and reality television star Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. This diet offers an effective way to kickstart your journey to weight loss with a combination of cutting-edge nutritional principles and certified physical activity guidelines. 

The program is practical and sustainable in that it advises healthy lifestyle modifications such as consuming nutrient-dense meals and engaging in regular exercise instead of crash diets or rigid meal plans. 

Additionally, the program provides clear goals for the long road ahead and enables people to feel empowered through accountability within their individualized programs. 

If you are looking for an efficient approach to succeeding with weight management from a qualified physician, then consider incorporating the Dr. Now Diet into your health routine today!

FAQ

What foods are allowed on Dr. Now’s diet?

Dr. Now’s diet typically includes lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and portion control. Specific food choices may vary depending on individual dietary needs and weight loss goals.

What foods to avoid on Dr Now’s diet?

If one is following the rules of the diet set by Dr. Now, then one should try not to consume high-calorie and processed foods, particularly foods containing sugar. These are typically associated with food items such as fried foods, foods rich in sugar, fast foods, and excessive intake of carbohydrates. This means being mindful of the new foods one consumes and avoiding most processed foods and foods high in calories.

How long will it take to lose 30 pounds on a 1200-calorie diet?

It’s thus possible to lose 30 pounds in 3 months on a 1200-calorie diet depending on your current weight, metabolism, activity level, and health among other factors. Specifically, a 1200-calorie diet would mean that an individual can lose between one to two pounds weekly because such a diet is low in calorie intake.

Can you eat oatmeal on Dr. Now diet?

Oatmeal may be included on the list of foods to avoid in Dr. Nowzaradan’s diet plan due to its calorie and carbohydrate content, as well as the potential difficulty in controlling portion sizes.

Who is Dr. Nowzaradan?

Dr. Nowzaradan, often referred to as Dr. Now, is a renowned bariatric surgeon who specializes in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss through surgical and medical interventions. He gained widespread recognition for his appearances on the reality TV show “My 600-Lb Life,” where he guides patients on their weight loss journeys.

Manahil Afzal

Manahil Afzal is a seasoned clinical nutritionist with a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, boasting three years of extensive experience in the field. With a passion for promoting health and wellness globally, Manahil has cultivated a thriving career as a freelance dietitian, guiding clients worldwide to achieve their fitness goals through personalized nutrition plans. As a testament to her expertise, she has also co-authored a cookbook aimed at fostering healthier eating habits. Now, Manahil lends her expertise as a nutritionist to [website's name], where she diligently reviews articles, providing valuable insights and ensuring accurate, evidence-based nutrition information for the platform's audience.