14 Diet and Weight Loss Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them
What Is the Alkaline Diet, and How Does the Plan Work?
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Who Should Avoid the Alkaline Diet and Why?
For people without preexisting health conditions, the alkaline diet is generally safe, but some people might be left feeling hungry or not getting enough protein for their needs. In addition to restricting many unhealthy foods, some healthy foods are left out as well.
“Some of the acidic foods are quite healthy, like eggs and walnuts,” says Tracy Lockwood, RD, the owner of the private nutrition practice Tracy Lockwood Nutrition in New York City. Eliminating these can cause people to become obsessive and stray away from nutrient-dense foods we need, she adds.
Although the focus is on healthy plant-based foods, the alkaline diet is not designed for weight loss, and there are no guides for portion control or fitness routines, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for disease prevention. Also, if you aren’t sure how to get enough protein using plant sources, you could be left feeling very hungry.
In any case, you should talk with your healthcare team before trying the alkaline diet. Because the eating approach can be relatively restrictive, you want to make sure you’re not cutting out important nutrients or unintentionally harming your health.
