The Zoomer Report: Mayo Clinic Diet

For the first time in its 120-year history, the famed Mayo Clinic has come out with a diet book. The Mayo Clinic Diet is divided into two phases: The “Lose It!” phase is a quick jump-start designed to let dieters drop 6 to 10 pounds in two weeks. During this time they add five habits — including eating a healthy breakfast, break five habits, like eating in front of the TV, and adopt five bonus habits such as keeping food and activity records. The second phase, “Live It,” is a lifetime plan that will lead to weight loss of a pound or 2 a week until dieters reach their goal.

The book proposes its own healthy weight pyramid, making fruits and vegetables the foundation. So you can eat an unlimited amount of the fruits and vegetables at the bottom of the pyramid, but only 75 calories worth of sweets at the tiny top of the pyramid. Exercise is at the center. The book says that people who lose more than 30 pounds and keep it off for five years exercise an hour each day, mostly by walking. The book also has strategies for getting through weight-loss plateaus and relapses, sticking to the diet when eating out, and there’s a photo spread with pictures showing typical portion sizes compared with Mayo Clinic-suggested servings — starting at that healthy breakfast where the Mayo says you should drink 4 ounces of orange juice instead of eight.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Stephanie Horrocks

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About The Zoomer Report


Libby ZnaimerLibby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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