Dr. Now Diet Plan: Sample Menu, Approved Foods, and Weight Loss Tips

Overview of Dr. Nowzaradan's Weight Loss Diet Plan

Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, commonly known as "Dr. Now", is a surgeon featured on the hit TLC show "My 600-lb Life" who helps morbidly obese patients lose dramatic amounts of weight through diet, exercise and surgery. His customized diet plans lay the foundation for life-changing transformation.

Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Foods

The Dr. Now diet focuses on high protein, low carb meals under 1200 calories per day to promote fast but healthy weight loss in his bariatric patients. Foods are chosen to provide maximum nutrition within strict calorie limits.

No Sugar, No Fried Foods

As a heart-healthy eating plan, Dr. Now strictly eliminates all added sugar and prohibits fried, fatty foods. Referring to them as "empty calories", he advises patients to avoid these diet pitfalls.

Portion Control Guidance

Getting portion sizes under control is key. Dr. Now coaches patients away from bad habits of overeating by guiding them on proper serving sizes to stay satisfied while dropping pounds.

Foods to Eat on Dr. Now's Diet Plan

Here are the main categories of foods to focus on for success following the Dr. Nowzaradan diet plan:

Non-Starchy Vegetables

These vitamin and mineral-rich picks provide bulk and satiation with minimal calories. Load up on leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, carrots, green beans, etc.

Lean Protein

High protein foods like poultry, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt and reduced fat cottage cheese help preserve muscle while burning fat during rapid weight loss.

Smart Carbohydrates

Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, farro and quinoa offer filling fiber. Some root veggies like potatoes and corn can be enjoyed in moderation too.

Plant-Based Fats

Nuts, seeds, olives, avocado and their oils make heart-healthy fat sources for the Dr. Now diet. They satisfy between meals.

Low-Fat Dairy

Fat-free milk, light yogurt and reduced-fat cheese provide bone-building calcium and protein without unnecessary saturated fats.

Foods to Avoid on Dr. Now's Eating Plan

For optimum health transformations, here are the foods Dr. Now completely cuts from meal plans:

Fried Foods

Fried items like fast food, chips and bacon sabotage fat loss goals and cardiovascular health, so Dr. Now bans these tempting treats.

Fatty Meats

Sausage, cold cuts, ribs and dark poultry meat are prohibited on the program for their high cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium levels.

Full-Fat Dairy

Whole milk, full-fat ice cream, cream cheese and sour cream get removed from diets until weight loss goals are met.

Sugary Treats

There’s no room for soda, juice, candy, baked goods, jams or syrups due to empty calories that encourage fat storage.

Simple Carbs

White rice, bread, pasta and starchy veggies like peas and corn don’t adequately nourish for calorie counts.

Alcoholic Beverages

The empty calories, lowered inhibitions and impaired judgment from alcoholic drinks conflict with the diet.

Phases of Dr. Now's Diet Program

Patients following Dr. Now’s customized plans progress through three main dietary phases on their weight loss journeys. These include:

Phase 1: Pre-Surgery

Before weight loss surgery, extreme low-calorie diets of under 1000 calories daily promote dramatic fat burning so patients can qualify for bariatric procedures once hitting weight thresholds.

Phase 2: Post-Surgery

After surgery, stomach capacities are strictly limited. Low-fat protein liquids and purees transitioning to soft solids meet strict portion guidelines. Sugars and fats introduce unpleasant side effects.

Phase 3: Stabilization

In the long-term maintenance phase, food choices expand into heart-healthy fats, fresh produce and whole grains but proper nutrition and control of sweets remains key.

Sample Menu on Dr. Now's Eating Plan

Here's what a typical day of meals could look like when following Dr. Nowzaradan's diet program for optimal health:

Breakfast

Egg white vegetable omelet with low-fat cheese plus grapes and nonfat Greek yogurt on the side

Lunch

Turkey breast sandwich on whole grain bread with lettuce, tomato and mustard with carrot and celery sticks

Dinner

Grilled chicken breast with roasted Brussels sprouts and a small sweet potato

Snacks

Cottage cheese with pineapple, protein smoothie with almond milk and chia seeds, a small handful of almonds

Top Tips for Success on Dr. Now's Diet

To help you achieve optimal weight loss success and fitness on Dr. Now's plan, here are some top diet tips to keep in mind:

Drink Water

Stay well hydrated with plain water to control hunger, flush toxins and aid metabolism.

Keep a Food Journal

Log all meals and snacks to stay accountable to your daily calorie goals.

Meal Prep

Preparegrab-and-go healthy snacks and meals in advance to prevent impulse selections.

Monitor Triggers

Notice situations, moods or social cues that derail your commitment and adapt behaviors.

Don't Skip Meals

Eat regular, balanced low-calorie meals every 3-4 hours to prevent overeating later.

Add Exercise

Incorporate brisk walking, swimming or activities you enjoy for added calorie burn.

Maintaining Weight Loss Long-Term

Like most diets, the hardest part about Dr. Now's plan is keeping weight off for good. Stay on track with these maintenance tips:

Check In With Your Doctor

Follow your family physician or bariatric clinic’s advice for healthy, sustainable lifelong habits.

Continue Nutrition Tracking

Self-monitor your food intake, hunger cues, exercise and mood connections for awareness.

Plan for Setbacks

Accept that lapses happen. Have backup plans to quickly get back on course.

Practice Mindful Eating

Slow down, savor meals, assess fullness and avoid distractions to support healthy food relationships without restrictions.

By sticking to the guiding principles of Dr. Nowzaradan's diet under medical support, you're set up for an incredible weight loss transformation and better lifelong health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.