An Introduction to the Hamptons Diet
The Hamptons Diet is a merger and improvement of the Atkins diet
and the Mediterranean diet. The basic premise of the Hamptons
Diet is to eat more vegetables, fish, and omega-3 fatty acids and to consume fats in the form of
monounsaturates.
Hamptons Diet Details
The Hamptons Diet introduces new food pyramids as well as a separate pyramid for each of the
standard USDA food groups. Separate pyramids provide for basic food choices positioned in
levels of desirability. In the protein pyramid, for example, processed and fried meats are not
actually prohibited, but they are undesirable in comparison to the other choices, so they appear
at the peak of the pyramid, with a recommendation to limit their consumption. There are separate
pyramids for vegetables, grains, fruit and sugars, fats and oils.
Who created the Hamptons Diet?
Fred Pescatore, MD, was the Associate Medical Director at the Atkins Center for Complementary
Medicine for five years. To pursue his vision of a more personalized and healthful program Dr.
Fred opened Partners in Integrative Medicine and wrote three important books, Feed Your Kids Well,
Thin for Good and The Allergy and Asthma Cure.
Medical Research
A
study published in February 2004 by Dr. Christine Pelkman in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition, reported that moderate-fat diets, rich in monounsaturated fats,
were better at reducing weight and lowering risks for cardiovascular disease. The study
also indicated that these diets were easier, than others, to follow.
Cautionary Notes
The Hamptons Diet encourages the use of macadamia nut oil from Australia. This oil may not be
readily available and can be relatively expensive. As an alternative, the more easily accessible
extra virgin olive oil is encouraged. This oil can be just as, if not more, expensive.
Additional Resources
The Hamptons Diet : Lose Weight Quickly and Safely with the Doctor's Delicious Meal Plans by Fred Pescatore
How to Help Your Child Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Fred Pescatore, M.D.
