The Hamptons Diet: Mediterranean with a Twist

The Hamptons Diet: Mediterranean with a Twist

The Hamptons diet plan is basically the Mediterranean diet dressed up for a fancy weekend. The core components are those of the Mediterranean diet: eat lots of vegetables, as well as fish and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed and walnuts) and be sure that most of your fat intake comes from monounsaturated fats.

The heart-healthy benefits associated with a Mediterranean-style diet have been documented and the principles of a diet with moderate carbs, many veggies and healthy omega-3's are sound. The diet encourages eating more whole foods and fewer processed foods.

What sets the Hamptons diet apart is the emphasis on monounsaturated fats as being particularly beneficial for losing weight and reducing one's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The author of the Hamptons diet, Dr. Fred Pescatore, once worked with Dr. Atkins. Dr. Pescatore decided that the Atkins attitude that “all fat is OK” was too general and that a focus on monounsaturated fats would be even more beneficial.

According to Dr. Pescatore, macadamia nut oil contains more monounsaturated fats than extra virgin olive oil, so it's even healthier. The Hamptons Diet extols the virtues of macadamia nut oil, although no significant studies have been done to show any benefit beyond that of any other food that is high in monounsaturated fats. Dr. Pescatore does acknowledge that you can follow the Hamptons Diet plan using extra virgin olive oil if you are allergic to nuts or if macadamia nut oil is not readily available or too expensive for you.

The specifics of the diet plan are outlined in the Hamptons Diet book. This diet doesn't have much of an online component — no message boards or exercise charts here — but there is an online newsletter with nutrition news, recipe ideas and suggestions for following the plan and embracing the laid-back indulgent lifestyle of the Hamptons.

DietTV.com has your best and full review for each diet plan with pictures of what you can/can't eat.