The Hamptons Diet: Detailed Review

Authored by Dr. Fred Pescatore, the former medical director of the Atkins Center, "The Hamptons Diet" will grab you with the tagline "Diet Secrets of the Rich, Famous and Thin". Like other glamourously named diet programs, this one aims to conjure images (straight from the paparazzi pages of "People" and "Us") of willowy, sun-kissed celebs and socialites looking fit and fabulous on the tony beaches of New York's Long Island. Talk about a tabloid-y shot across the bough....does it deliver?

The Hamptons Diet is a low carbohydrate, moderate fat nutritional plan that's a hybrid (some would say a knock-off) of the Mediterranean Diet and the South Beach Diet. Its staples are fish, lean meats, monounsaturated (good) fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables (preferably organic). Hamptons places significant emphasis on the consumption of healthy fats and balancing fat ratios in the diet and the hook - you know nearly every commercial diet program has a hook - is what Pescatore identifies as a nutritional secret weapon: Australian (it must be Australian) Macadamia Nut Oil.

According to Pescatore, Australian macadamia nut oil has a better balanced proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as a higher percentage of monounsaturated fats than nut oils or olive oil - and it's the jewel in the Hamptons Diet crown. But bear in mind that we are not talking about any old grocery store house brand oil here - Pescatore insists on a certain brand, MacNut Oil - for its specific formulation. Be warned: just like The Hamptons themselves, this Aussie MacNut Oil doesn't come cheap.

So what is the diet itself? It's a 30-day plan centered around three meals and a snack every day. But before you embark on the plan, you must first define your weight loss goals. Pescatore has devised three different paths on the Hamptons Diet - one for losing more than 10 pounds, one for losing fewer than 10 pounds and one for maintaining the weight you're at. These are the "A, B and C" lists - A is the starting phase (10 lbs+), B is the transition phase (less than 10 lbs) and C is the maintenance phase (you're thin - yay!). (Does it seem backwards to you that a program invoking the playground of the rich, famous and fabulous would label its maintenance/you're thin phase as "C List" and its you're 10+ lbs overweight phase as "A List"?)

In any event, the lists are broken out with the allowed and banned foods, allowable carb counts and corresponding menu plans - and there are literally hundreds of (many fine dining) macadamia nut oil-rich recipes. Everyone can eat A List foods without restriction, and B and C Listers are allowed expanded selections. Packaged and processed foods are out. Lean proteins (fish, poultry meats) and good fats (MacNut Oil!) are nearly unlimited on all lists, but carb levels are restricted to 30 grams max for A listers, and 40-60 grams max for B and C listers. Substitutions are allowed, with suggestions for such provided. Alcohol is allowed - restricted for A and B Listers, less restricted for C Listers. Vitamin and minderal supplements - fish oils, a multivitamin, chromium, glutamine, green tea extract, and alpha lipoic acid, among others - are recommended, and we have no problem with that. It's also recommended that you take a Hamptons Diet proprietary supplement - something called "Lean Mystique" - an unknown appetite suppressant only available from the Hamptons website which, to us, amounts to pimping product. Additional (worthwhile) guidance is offered on why you should eat slowly, why never to skip meals, planning your meals before dining out, and why should you should eat organic.

Pescatore claims that strict adherence to the Hamptons Diet can result in losing 14 pounds in the first two weeks. Is that possible? Perhaps. Though Pescatore acknowledges the importance of exercise, he provides no guidance on the subject - so you're on your own there. But if you get moving on a regular basis and stick to what is, essentially, a healthy nutritional plan here you will improve your health and your weight. Criticism? The silliness with the Australian macadamia nut oil. Yes it is a healthy addition to your diet - but no, it will not by the power of its own fabulousness melt off the pounds. You can follow this nutritional plan and substitute for MacNut Oil with no ill effect.