The Spectrum
0.0Created by Dr. Dean Ornish, the Spectrum is a weight loss program that focuses on changes that can be fit for any lifestyle. As the pioneer researcher who discovered that heart disease could be reversed with a low fat, low sodium, and meat-free lifestyle, Ornish’s program is intended to help individuals encounter improved physical health and reduced risks of various diseases.
What is the Spectrum?
The Spectrum is intended to help guide any dieter on the “spectrum” of wellness. According to Ornish, The Spectrum can help individuals who are seeking to burn body fat, improve fitness, reduce the risk of certain cancers, in addition to many additional interests. By providing dieters with a continuum of options, The Spectrum does not force dieters to sacrifice or avoid any foods; moreover, Ornish simply seeks to help dieters encounter their own basic guidelines for enhanced health and wellness.
How Does the Spectrum Work?
The Spectrum helps dieters assess their own physical needs and goals in order to determine which program / group is most appropriate for everyone’s unique needs. Adding to this, The Spectrum teaches dieters how to understand the various ways in which foods interact with unique genetic systems.
For example, while some individuals can eat a great deal without gaining weight, other individuals must adhere to a more rigid dietary program in order to experience weight loss results. Furthermore, a low carbohydrate diet may benefit one dieter’s genetic needs and circumstances; however, this approach may not be helpful for another body with its own genetic structures.
With Ornish’s program, dieters will be classified into 1 of 5 groups. Group 1 is the healthiest of the options, while Group 5 is the most lenient. Examples of food options for each group include:
- Group 1 – Consume mostly whole grains, fruits, vegetables, egg whites, soy, and nonfat dairy
- Group 2 – Fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, decaffeinated beverages, nuts, and oils
- Group 3 – Seafood, non whole grain carbohydrates, concentrated sweetened foods, oils with higher saturated fats
- Group 4 – Higher fat animal product options, whole fat dairy, increased dessert options
- Group 5 – Red meat, butter, cream, egg yolks, fried foods
To guide each dieter through any of the 5 groups, The Spectrum includes 100 easy to follow recipes created by the famous and award-winning chef, Art Smith.
Pros of the Spectrum
- The Spectrum is created by a renowned and experienced medical expert
- The diet strives to help individuals lose weight while improving their overall health, vitality, and well being
- All interested individuals can find a unique and customized plan
- The diet does not force individuals to give up their favorite foods or adhere to strict dietary guidelines
- The Spectrum provides individuals with guided recipes and meal ideas
- The Spectrum acknowledges the fact that one diet does not work for everyone, as dieters are able to pick, choose, and assess their own weight loss plan









