This diet plan is written by Dr Manny Alvarez, a leading Ob-Gyn and senior health correspondent with Fox News. The diet is based on the doctor’s observation that many Latinos who come to America have sexy, enticing bodies – very much like JLo and Shakira. But, after a few years of the typical American diet, they begin to look more like the Simpsons. Thus, the doctor identified a few foods and eating principles that keep Latin Americans fit, healthy and trim. That is the Hot Latin Diet.
The book focuses on seven power foods – foods that are at the core of the Latin American eating experience. These include:
- Tomatillos
- Garbanzo Beans
- Cilantro
- Cinnamon
- Chile
- Garlic
- Avocado
Incidentally, each of these foods is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many of them improve digestion, metabolism and build immunity. They are low in calories but very effective nutritionally.
The emphasis of the book is to enjoy foods by making them more spicy and flavorful. When that happens, there is immense satisfaction gained from eating, which in itself will prevent overeating. Carbohydrate restriction is important and achieved through the elimination of simple carbohydrates and processed foods. Instead, foods with lower Glycemic Index are recommended.
According to the author, taking in sea foods during the mid-day meal helps cut calorie consumption by 11%. Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocados are recommended. Breakfast and dinner must be low in calories but nutrient dense.
General guidelines for exercise are provided but there are no specific rules. Suggestions include cardio workouts such as walking, hiking and dancing. The book also recommends increased physical activity for optimal calorie consumption.
Here is a video with Dr. Manny in which he talks about the 7 superfoods:
The Hot Latin Diet: A Review
The Hot Latin Diet recommends a diet plan that is healthy as well as
intelligent. Although there is no research to prove that eating spicy foods will help cut calories, this recommendation does make eating a wonderfully sensory experience. The author also stresses the importance of enjoying what you eat and paying more attention to what is on your plate – completely non-American principles.
Guidelines regarding exercise, however, are not comprehensive. So, for a raw dieter who has little to no knowledge of how to exercise, the plan may provide an incomplete picture.
Pros:
- Recommends the intake of fresh, healthy foods
- Recommends the intake of spices which not only enhance flavors but also aid digestion
- A number of delicious recipes are provided
- Recommends taking in healthy carbs and high quality proteins and fats
- The author is a certified nutritionist
Cons:
- Diet could be a cultural shock for the typical American
- Some of the recipes are time consuming
- Promises quick weight loss
- Exercise plan is not comprehensive
In Conclusion
The Hot Latin diet is a healthy way of eating – and an immensely delicious one too. It is not known whether the recommendations regarding power foods are effective. But, since these foods are nutritionally valuable, dieters only have everything to gain and nothing to lose – except excess weight of course!
