The Virgin Diet

1. Food intolerance is the hidden cause of weight gain and premature aging

Your fat is not your fault. It's your body's way of responding to the foods it can't handle—foods you may have been eating precisely because you thought they were good for you!

Food intolerance explained. Food intolerance is a series of physiological responses to certain types of food. Unlike allergies, food intolerance symptoms are often subtle and delayed, making them difficult to identify. Common symptoms include bloating, gas, indigestion, fatigue, mental fog, irritability, and weight gain.

Impact on weight and health. Food intolerance can lead to:

• Inflammation in the body
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Disrupted digestion and nutrient absorption
• Hormonal imbalances
• Increased stress on the immune system

These factors collectively contribute to weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and premature aging. By identifying and eliminating problem foods, many people experience significant improvements in their health, energy levels, and ability to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Eliminate the top 7 high-FI foods for 21 days to reset your body

For 21 days, let go of the foods that are most likely to cause food intolerance, inflammation and unbalanced blood sugar.

The top 7 high-FI foods:

1. Gluten
2. Soy
3. Dairy
4. Eggs
5. Corn
6. Peanuts
7. Sugar and artificial sweeteners

The elimination process. Removing these foods completely for 21 days allows your body to reset and heal. This period gives your digestive system a break, reduces inflammation, and helps identify which foods may be causing problems. Many people experience rapid weight loss, improved energy levels, and clearer skin during this elimination phase.

Overcoming challenges. The first few days of elimination can be challenging as your body adjusts and cravings subside. Preparation is key:

• Clear your kitchen of high-FI foods
• Stock up on approved foods and ingredients
• Plan meals in advance
• Seek support from friends, family, or online communities

3. Replace meals with Virgin Diet Shakes for optimal nutrition and weight loss

Make a Virgin Diet Shake. Then I know you are getting everything you need.

Benefits of meal replacement shakes:

• Balanced nutrition
• Controlled portions
• Convenience
• Reduced decision fatigue
• Supports rapid weight loss

Virgin Diet Shake basics. A typical shake includes:

• Vegan pea-rice protein powder
• Fiber (chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flaxseed meal)
• Organic frozen berries
• Unsweetened coconut milk or water
• Optional: spinach or kale for added nutrients

Replace one or two meals per day with a Virgin Diet Shake, especially during the first week of the program. This approach jumpstarts weight loss and provides essential nutrients while eliminating potentially problematic foods.

4. Follow the Golden Rules of meal timing and hydration

What you measure, you can improve.

Golden Rules of meal timing:

1. Eat within an hour of waking up
2. Consume meals every 4-6 hours
3. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed

Hydration guidelines:

• Drink 16 ounces of water upon waking
• Consume 16 ounces of water 30-60 minutes before each meal
• Limit fluids to 4-8 ounces during meals
• Drink 8 ounces before bed
• Aim for a daily total of 64 ounces minimum

Importance of timing and hydration. Proper meal timing helps regulate blood sugar, maintain energy levels, and support weight loss. Adequate hydration is crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Tracking both meal timing and water intake in a food journal can help identify patterns and areas for improvement.

5. Load up on healing foods and supplements to repair your system

Food is here to nourish us. It's here to rebuild us. And it's here to heal.

Key healing foods:

• Leafy greens (kale, spinach, collards)
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
• Berries
• Wild-caught fish
• Coconut products
• Fermented foods
• Bone broth

Beneficial supplements:

• Digestive enzymes
• Probiotics
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• L-glutamine

Healing the gut. Focus on consuming foods and supplements that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and provide essential nutrients. This approach helps repair damage caused by food intolerances and supports overall health and weight loss. Incorporate a variety of healing foods into your daily diet and consult with a healthcare professional about appropriate supplement regimens.

6. Reintroduce potentially healthy foods one at a time to identify intolerances

You might be able to tolerate small amounts of organic fermented soy, but you certainly shouldn't be eating soy in large amounts—and, like Bryn, you might not be able to tolerate any soy at all.

Reintroduction process:

1. Choose one potentially healthy food (gluten, soy, eggs, or dairy)
2. Consume the food for 4 days
3. Observe and record any symptoms or reactions
4. Return to the elimination diet for 3 days
5. Repeat with the next food

Interpreting results. Pay attention to both immediate and delayed reactions. Common symptoms of food intolerance include:

• Digestive issues (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Skin problems (acne, rashes)
• Fatigue or brain fog
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Mood changes

Based on your reactions, determine which foods can be safely reintroduced and which should remain eliminated. Some foods may need to be avoided long-term, while others might be tolerated in small amounts or on a rotational basis.

7. Maintain your ideal weight with exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes

When you are your best self emotionally, physically and spiritually, you can achieve your life's purpose.

Exercise recommendations:

• Move more throughout the day (aim for 10,000 steps)
• Incorporate burst-style training (high-intensity intervals)
• Add resistance training to build muscle and boost metabolism

Stress management techniques:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Cultivate supportive relationships

Lifestyle changes for long-term success:

• Continue to avoid or limit high-FI foods
• Plan meals and snacks in advance
• Stay hydrated
• Monitor portion sizes
• Regularly reassess food tolerances
• Find non-food rewards and pleasures

Maintaining your ideal weight requires a holistic approach that addresses not only diet but also exercise, stress management, and overall lifestyle. By incorporating these elements and staying committed to the principles of the Virgin Diet, you can achieve lasting health and weight loss success.

Last updated: December 15, 2024