William Hay, an American doctor introduced The Hay Diet in the early 1900s. He believed that carbohydrates and proteins should not be eaten at the same time. Different conditions of indigestion develop when carbs and protein are consumed together.
The Hay Diet
The diet is based on the phenomena to eat either carbs or protein at one time. Dr. Hay classified foods in 3 major categories for efficient absorption and digestion.
- Foods that form Alkali such as vegetables and fruits
- Concentrated proteins such as meat, cheese, eggs, and fish
- Concentrated carbs or starchy food, bread, grain and other foods containing flour and sugar
Here is the list of foods ranked according to their importance in The Hay Diet:
- Fruits
- Leafy green vegetables and raw salad
- Root veggies
- Grains
- Proteins
Guidelines of The Hay Diet
- Carbs must not be consumed with acidic fruits and proteins.
- Salads, fruits and vegetables must be considered as the main portion of your diet.
- Fats, starches and proteins should be consumed in low quantities.
- Processed and refined foods like sausages must be ignored. Sugar, flour and highly processed fat containing foods like drinks and margarine should not be included in this diet.
- Gap of 4hours between each meal is important.
Dieter must follow the guidelines of this diet to gain maximum health benefits. Balance of the foods you eat is also important in ensuring improved digestion. Here is a sample of The Hay Diet Plan for you to have a better understanding of the diet.
Breakfast Alkaline
- Have fresh fruit along with natural yogurt with mixed nuts, herbal tea, fruit juice, and wheat germ.
Lunch Protein
- Have fish, cheese, meat or eggs for the lunch. You may cook vegetables or have the fresh raw salad. Don’t include potatoes in any of the meals. Enjoy the treat of any fresh acidic fruit such as orange, pear, or apple.
Dinner Starch
- Enjoy jacket potato along with wholemeal bread and butter. Have a salad or cooked vegetables along with the dish. For dessert, you may have fruit.