Fit for Life

Fit for Life is a diet and lifestyle program that emphasizes eating only fruit in the morning and consuming predominantly "live" and "high-water-content" food. The diet was popularized by the book Fit for Life, written by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond in the 1980s. The core philosophy of the program is based on the principles of natural hygiene, an alternative health movement. The Diamonds argue that improper combinations of foods can lead to disease and that a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables is most conducive to health.

Principles

The Fit for Life program is built around several key principles:

• Food Combining: The diet distinguishes between different types of foods and suggests that proteins and carbohydrates should not be eaten in the same meal. Fruits are to be eaten alone and on an empty stomach.
• High Water Content Foods: It emphasizes the consumption of foods with high water content (fruits, vegetables) to maintain hydration and facilitate digestion.
• Eating Raw Foods: A significant portion of the diet should consist of raw fruits and vegetables, based on the belief that cooking destroys much of the nutritional value of food.
• Fasting: The program encourages periodic fasting or consuming only fruit until noon to allow the body time to detoxify.

Criticism

The Fit for Life diet has faced criticism from dietitians and health professionals. Critics argue that the diet's principles are not supported by scientific evidence and that the restrictive nature of the diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies. The concept of food combining, in particular, has been debunked by numerous studies showing that the body is capable of digesting mixed meals efficiently.

Impact

Despite the criticisms, Fit for Life has enjoyed considerable popularity. It sparked a series of books and inspired many to adopt a more plant-based diet. The diet's emphasis on raw fruits and vegetables and its holistic approach to health have been influential in the development of other dietary movements and philosophies.

See Also

• Natural Hygiene
• Raw Food Diet
• Detoxification (alternative medicine)
• Vegetarianism