Diet Plans And Menus - The Apfeldorfer Diet

The Apfeldorfer Diet was created by Gerard Apfeldorfer, a psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders. This diet is directed at overeaters, especially people suffering from bulimia. Unlike many other diets, this one is life long. The first step in this diet is asking yourself fundamental questions such as: why am I dieting? This diet requires you to keep a log of what you eat. Among the information to be noted are what and how much you eat, and also with whom you consumed the meal or snack. And perhaps most importantly, you have to note the emotions associated with each meal.

Instead of totally avoiding those special foods that you're just dying to eat enjoy them, perhaps in very small quantities, especially if they are calorie rich. The trick is to take those proscribed foods, cut them into unequal portions, throw out the larger portion and eat the rest. Another major principle of the Apfeldorfer Diet is listening to your body's hunger signals. Only eat when you are hungry. Spend twenty to thirty minutes a day pampering yourself, maybe a massage. Other principles include not letting others get you down and practicing a sport that pleases you.

A major advantage of this diet is your ability to eat what you want. A disadvantage is the need to change your behavior and Apfeldorfer is not just talking about food. No wonder that this diet takes a fair bit of time to be effective.

Here are two sample menus: Menu 1 Breakfast: Corn flakes, milk, a slice of bread with honey and a cup of coffee. Lunch: Tomato and garlic salad, cod, a slice of camembert cheese and a slice of bread. The mid-afternoon snack is cafe au lait. Supper: Spaghetti in meat sauce and a bowl of strawberries.

Menu 2 Breakfast: Two slices of bread with jam and a cup of tea. Lunch: Vegetarian lasagna and one fruit yogurt. The mid-afternoon snack is an apple and a tangerine. Supper: Sliced raw vegetables, roast chicken, broccoli and for dessert a scoop of lemon sherbert.

Some of the information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes more than 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and a whole lot more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French. For more information consult the publisher's website.

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Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.