DASH Diet
DASH Diet: At a Glance
Although the DASH Diet was originally designed as a treatment for high blood pressure, it has become a popular, physician recommended weight loss plan.
DASH is actually an acronym for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension”. The product touts that changing eating habits through the use of their plan can lower a person’s blood pressure in two short weeks. The meal plan goes back to basics, having the dieter follow a low salt, low fat approach to eating in addition to developing a routine of aerobic exercise.
The DASH website does not have professional appearance and seems to target those who are middle aged or older. While some links are not too clear, the site presents a wealth of information about DASH, and also includes information on many other topics, such as nutritional issues, children’s health, dining out, and pointers to assist people in dealing with smoking and alcohol addictions. Links are provided to the websites of major entities that support the DASH diet, including The National Institute of Health, U.S. government agencies as well as the American Heart Association.
There are quite a few testimonials on the site, but most of them discuss the benefits as they pertain to controlling hypertension and cholesterol levels, with little mention of weight loss results.
DASH Diet: Facts
To get started on the DASH Diet, all you need is the DASH Diet Action Plan book, which can purchased on the website for $21.95. But it is available at many bookstores, including Amazon.com.
A 28 day meal plan is laid out in the book. Dieters can also customize their plan according to 1200, 1600 or a 2000 calorie diet. People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome can use this diet with some modifications. To obtain sample menus and excerpts from the book, visit the DASH site. Although fruits, vegetables, and low fat foods are emphasized in this diet, sample menus and recipes provide delicious meals so that the dieter will feel satisfied.
DASH Diet: Positive Features
- Credible health organizations and physicians support the DASH diet.
- It is effective in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Older dieters and diabetics can use this plan.
- Marla Heller, a registered dietician, created the DASH-diet plan.
- A registration fee or sign up is not required.
- No wild or unsubstantiated claims are made in regard to this diet.
- Regular exercise is promoted in the plan.
- All major food groups are included in the diet plan.
DASH Diet: Negative Features
- The DASH diet may be over simplified for dieters who really want to buckle down and lose weight quickly.
- Users of the DASH diet will need their own willpower to see weight loss results.
- The DASH website is boring and uninspiring.
- There are no community forums or message boards on the site.
DASH Diet: Conclusion
Marla Heller designed this plan to help lower her own blood pressure. Quite by accident, she realized that weight loss accompanied the successful control of her hypertension, all without fad dieting or any unusual methods.
Even though the diet is specifically designed for those who wish to control their hypertension or lose weight, it provides a healthy way of eating that many people could include in their lifestyle.
