Everything you need to know about The Plant Paradox Diet

The plant paradox diet also named after the physician who found it, Gundry diet is a type of meal-plan whereby you avoid plant protein called lectins in certain vegetables. The goal of this diet is totally to avoid lectins and processed foods that contain them.

How did the plant paradox diet come to be?

Steven Gundry, M.D. a former heart surgeon published a book 2017, which dealt with “the hidden dangers in ‘healthy’ foods that can lead to disease and weight gain.” The book which was quickly accepted especially because Singer Kelly Clarkson, credited it as being responsible for her weight loss — typically preaches about how some healthy meals can lead to inflammation, and ultimately cause disease and weight gain.

 

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Image source: notesfrommy30s.com

 

Why Gundry thinks lectins aren’t good for you

According to him, plants develop lectin as a form of protection from predators like man, insects and animal — When you take them, Gundry says your GI tract is disrupted, which invariably bacteria to enter into your immune system, causing “leaky gut” syndrome and inflammation

H also says that the ability of lectin to act like insulin to the hormone that transports glucose by your peripheral tissues (a.k.a. fat cells) for storage, also leads to weight gain.

Why lectins are bad for you

According to Dr Gundry, “A lectin is a type of protein that forces carbs (sugars, starches, and fibres) to clump together and even attach to certain cells in your body when you eat them.”  He says that it could obstruct the communication important cells which invariably results in inflammation and sometimes in symptoms like fatigue or forgetfulness.

It is important also to note that weight gain is a secondary benefit of sticking with a lectin-free diet because it primarily helps to reduce inflammation.

What you should eat instead, according to Dr Gundry

 

Oils

Olive oil
Coconut oil
Avocado oil
Sesame oil
Macadamia oil
Rice bran oil

 

Sweeteners

Stevia
Xylitol
Inulin
Erythritol
Monk fruit

 

Nuts and seeds

Macadamia
Walnuts
Pistachios
Pine nuts
Pecans
Chestnuts
Flaxseeds
Hemp seeds
Sesame seeds
Psyllium
Brazil nuts

 

Flours

Coconut flour
Almond flour
Hazelnut flour

 

Dairy

Milk
Cheese
Butter
Sour cream
Cream cheese

 

Fish and seafood

White fish
Salmon
Canned tuna
Shrimp
Crab
Lobster
Scallops
Calamari
Oysters
Mussels
Sardines
Anchovies
Fruit

Avocado
All berries

 

Vegetables

Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Bok Choi
Cabbage
Swiss chard
Arugula
Kale
Collard greens
Celery
Onion
Carrots
Artichoke
Beets
Okra
Asparagus
Spinach
Mesclun
Garlic
Romaine
Mushrooms

 

Poultry

Chicken
Turkey
Duck
Goose
Quail
Ostrich

 

Meat

Beef
Lamb
Pork
Elk
Bison
Venison

What you can’t eat on lectin-free diet

Pasta
Rice
Potatoes
Potato chips
Bread
Tortillas
Pastries
Cookies
Crackers
Cereal
Sugar
Agave
Splendid
Sweet n Low
Maltodextrin
Vegetables

Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Peas
Sugar snap peas
Bell peppers
Legumes
Green beans
Chickpeas
Zucchini
Soy
Tofu
Edamame

 

Oils

Soy oil
Grapeseed oil
Corn oil
Peanut oil
Safflower oil
Sunflower oil
Nuts and seeds

Pumpkin
Sunflower
Chia
Peanuts
Cashews
Fruits

Most fruits are off limits

 

Grains (including sprouted)

Whole grains
Oats
Quinoa
Rye
Bulgur

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A guide to getting started?

Just like any kind of eating plan, for it to be sustainable, you have to be sure it’s something you want to do. When that is sorted out, you have to draw out a meal plan then plan ahead. Consulting a registered dietitian will help you get fully on course and of course personal resolve to see that it works is not negotiable.

What other experts think of the lectin-free diet

According to some other experts, there are no research data to support claims that eating food that contains lectin foods will do your body harm you or promote weight gain. Rather there are more studies to show that eating food that are plant-based, are more beneficial for losing weight.

 

Is there any harm in avoiding foods with lectin?

Although a lectin-free diet stirs you away heavily processed foods full of artificial sugars and fat, it also takes you away from some healthy food such as vegetables and fruits — which makes your food options heavily limited.

Not necessarily unless you aggressively cut back on fibre due to restrictions on fruits, vegetables, and legumes,

Questions to ask yourself before embarking on  lectin-free diet aka the plant paradox diet

The major problem with most diets is that they are not sustainable. To be able to stick with a diet, in a way that you aren’t waiting for the day you will finally get off them, you have to be very true to yourself. Is this something I can do for the next couple of weeks and months?