Maker’s Diet

The Maker’s Diet is based on Biblical principles, and addresses not only nutrition, but focuses on the four pillars of health; physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional. The Makers Diet was written by Jordan Rubin – who suffered considerable health problems (Crohns disease). He was able to reverse the symptoms by incorporating a whole foods diet regimen – and a faith in the Maker Himself.

Maker’s Diet – Nutrition

The nutritional aspect of the diet is based on ancient Jewish dietary laws. Pork and bacon are to be avoided, as are fish without fins or scales (i.e. shellfish). Food in it’s most pure and natural form is to be eaten.

There are also a considerable list of ‘required’ supplements on the list.

More Than A Diet

The Makers Diet is a holistic 40 day program that encompasses many aspects – not just healthy eating. The daily regimens include prayer and exercise, as well as meal plans.

One of the most popular faith-based diets in recent years.

To quote the diet:

• Eliminate your consumption of processed foods and chemicals in Phase 1. This will likely cause a reaction similar to detoxification, but this is expected and healthy. INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE AND REST AS OFTEN AS YOUR BODY NEEDS.
• Remember that if you stray, you’re always only one meal away from regaining success. MINIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAILURE BY AVOIDING SITUATIONS WHERE YOU CANNOT FOLLOW THE DIET.
• DON’T EAT WHEN YOU’RE ANGRY, SAD, SCARED or ANXIOUS. These emotions shut down digestion and depress your immune system.
• GET OUT IN THE SUN. Exposure to sunlight is very beneficial to your health, and can aid in balancing hormones, enhancing mood and building strong bones.

There appears to be no scientific basis for some of the medical claims of the diet. However a diet richer in unprocessed foods is certain to have some benefits.

Supplements – Buyer Beware

The Maker’s Diet also has a line of supplements – under the brand name “Garden of Life”. Beware of these – in 2004 the FDA ordered the company to “stop making unsubstantiated claims for it’s products” (reference). Author Jordan Rubin’s credentials have also been questioned.

However despite this there are many positive comments from adherents to the diet.

Beyond Organic

Jordan Rubin also has a new line of foods called Beyond Organic. They are marketed as, “NO Pesticides, NO chemical fertilizers, NO hormones, NO antibiotics, NO GMOs, NO grain, NO high heat processing, NO industrial shortcuts, NO milk pooled from hundreds of farms, NO fat skimmed, NO synthetic nutrients, and food from animals that are treated humanely”. At this point they mainly look like some meat, dairy, oil, and spring water products.

Feedback

“I have followed the Maker’s Diet for going on three months now because I had some very serious digestive problems and am now feeling great, plus in the process have lost 12 pounds. I could have gone to the doctor and got a prescription for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but decided I would spend my money on healthy foods. I am so glad that I chose this path” – Jeri

References

The Maker’s Diet by Jordan Rubin – 4 star review at Amazon.

Find kosher recipes here.