Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.
The Brain Body diet was invented by Dr. Sara Gottfried and was created for women. The diet lasts for 40 days and aims to tackle the causes of weight gain (or not being able to lose weight). This is done using protocols that should make a difference within 1-2 weeks, according to the author.
On the homepage you can compare this diet with other diets.
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In the book, Gottfried talks about the connection of the brain with the rest of the body and the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. If these connections are not 'healthy' (or in balance) various negative consequences, including weight gain, can be a consequence, according to the book.
The book lists 7 causes of weight gain (or nor being able to lose weight). These causes lead to an imbalance, according to Gottfried, and are referred to in the book as the ''damaged seven'':
Your weight is fixed at a 'set point' in your brain, says Gottfried. Your set point can be 70 kg, for example, and your brain ensures that this weight is maintained. You can see it as a thermostat, but for your weight.
According to Gottfried, your genes, your hormones, your environment and how much you exercise all influence the set point. One of the goals of this diet is to get your 'set point' at the right (your desired) weight.
The book provides a protocol for each of the 7 causes. The protocol should help you fight the cause or prevent it from bothering you. Depending on the points that bother you, you follow 1 to 7 of these protocols.
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The diet includes intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting means that you do not eat for certain parts of the day (or complete days). The brain body diet uses an 8-16 method for this: you eat 8 hours of the day and fast for 16 hours. Here, you are advised to do this at least 5 days a week.
Because the Brain Body Diet focuses on detoxifying the body, it can be categorised as a detox diet.
While following the diet you drink shakes with protein, fibres and vegetables on a daily basis. You can take supplements with the diet as well. According to the creators some supplements can help with the diet.
You can find more information about this diet in the Brain Body diet book. The book contains many different recipes that can be used while following the diet.
Besides this book, Gottfried has written several other books.
Examples of other diets that use intermittent fasting are the Dubrow diet, the Longevity diet, the 4-hour body plan and the Pioppi diet.
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As you see fit
With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.
Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.