What is LEARN Diet? Myths & Facts About the LEARN Diet

Introductionother diets are. As mentioned earlier, this diet does not
The LEARN diet is a diet developed by Dr. Kellyjust focus on the food that a person eats, but focuses
Brownell of Yale University, a nationally recognizedon five fundamental components. This diet requires
obesity research expert. The LEARN diet is low in fat,dedication and commitment.
is high in carbohydrates and is often recommended byThe LEARN Diet
health professionals. LEARN is an acronym thatThe first thing the LEARN program teaches you is
stands for the five fundamental components of thehow to identify possible health risks. It covers topics
program: Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationshipsfrom binge eating, reading nutritional labels to knowing
and Nutrition. This is one of the most comprehensiveone's Body Mass Index. It also determines how ready
behavioral approaches for weight control and dieting.and willing a person is to lose weight. Topics discussed
The LEARN diet, commonly known as the LEARNin this program can help you understand the current
program, is not only for people interested in weightstatus of your health and your own personal food
loss. This diet can also be helpful when it comes toissues.
addressing other concerns such as stressIt is ideal for people who have previously struggled with
management, physical exercise and healthy eating.weight gain. This diet helps people understand their
The program consists of sixteen weekly lessons thathabits better. The lessons from the LEARN program
work on how a person's lifestyle, exercises, attitudes,teach you how to deal with situations wherein you are
relationships and nutrition can impact one's overallpressured to eat and how to handle eating away from
health and weight. The weekly lessons are followedhome. It lets you know how to use the Food Guide
by eight monthly lessons. The program ends with onePyramid and teaches you how your attitude can help
concluding lesson.you achieve weight loss.
LEARN Diet Myths and FactsThe LEARN diet also points out why exercise is
It is commonly believed that carbohydrates make aimportant for one's well being, both mentally and
person fat. The truth is that carbohydrates aren'tphysically. Exercise plays a great part in one's weight
always bad for you. In fact, carbohydrates are aloss. Many people find it difficult to stay motivated and
necessary part of a person's diet. You simply need toor cannot include exercise in their busy schedules. The
learn how to differentiate the good carbohydratesLEARN program teaches you how to stay motivated
from the bad ones. The good carbohydrates areand how to make time for physical activity. This diet
nutritious and filling, but do not contain added fat andrecommends physical activity or exercise on most
sugar.days of the week.
The LEARN is based on the USDA food pyramid andIf you're interested in the LEARN diet, you can find a
recommends that participants get 55 to 60 percent ofcertified LEARN instructor around the country who
their calories from carbohydrates. A diet that is low incan guide you throughout the process. The LEAN diet
carbohydrates can at times make a person feelcan also be self-taught. You may choose to do the
irritable, tired and constipated.program on your own by simply following the LEARN
Many other diets suggest fat free foods. The LEARNmanual and guidebook.
diet does not completely restrict one from consumingThis diet allows you to take control of your health by
food with fat. Fat is good for you because it is neededchanging your eating habits and letting you understand
for energy and tissue repair. This diet recommendswhat proper nutrition really means. If you are willing to
that a person get about 10 percent of calories fromcommit to changing your life and the way you
saturated fat.perceive both your body and food, then the LEARN
Although the LEARN diet is an effective solution fordiet is the ideal diet for you.
long-term weight loss, this diet is not a quick solution like