The Volumetrics diet is based on volume and making sure followers stay full, since many diets fail when people feel continuous hunger pangs. Volumetrics was created in 2000 by expert nutritionist, Barbara Rolls, PhD, a professor of nutrition and director of the Laboratory for the Study of Human Ingestive Behavior at Penn State University. The Volumetrics weight loss program is explained in her book, “The Volumetrics Eating Plan” which contains many recipes too.
How does the Volumetrics Diet work?
Volumetrics is designed to pack plenty of food in – but food of the right type. Some foods have a high energy density, packing lots of calories into small un-filling protions (e.g. cookies), while others have a low energy density – just a few calories in a large filling amount. Foods are not divided into good and bad and there is no calorie counting or portion control. Volumetrics simply aims to keep you focused on eating low energy density foods – more or less as much as you like – so that you feel constantly full without having consumed lots of calories, and lose weight in the process. Moderate regular exercise is recommended too.
What foods can I eat on the Volumetrics Diet?
With Volumetrics you can eat your fill of low energy density foods such as non-starchy vegetables, non-fat milk and foods with a high water content such as soups, casseroles, stews and fruit-based desserts. High fiber foods are also recommended. High energy density foods like cookies and candy bars or alcoholic beverages are not “forbidden” but should be eaten sparingly.
How much weight will I lose?
With Volumetrics weight loss is slow and steady – expect to lose about 1 to 2 lbs a week.
Pros and Cons of Volumetrics
The Good:
Volumetrics is very simple. It allows you to prepare your own food and does not require calorie counting or complicated menus. There is plenty of food at all times and it is rare to suffer hunger when on this diet. It also teaches life-long lessons for long term weight control and is an easy diet to follow with other members of the family.
The Bad:
Volumetrics can get boring. Even though you will have enough food to feel full, there is not a great deal of variety and the restricted fat and sugar might make you have some flavor cravings that are hard to overcome. However both these problems can be overcome by becoming more creative in the kitchen, and allowing yourself the occasional treat – they are not forbidden.
How much does Volumetrics cost?
List price for The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls, PhD, is $15.95.
For more diet plans options, return to the List of Weight Loss Programs
