Rice diet

The Rice Diet is a lifestyle diet to improve blood pressure, weight, and kidney problems The diet is low-sodium and low-saturated fats including low-protein, with a focus on moderate portions and becoming a more mindful eater. A simplified daily guideline is 4 to 6 vegetables, 3 to 5 fruits, 6 to 11 starch, 1 to 2 dairy, and 1 to 3 ounces animal protein plus 0 to 4 tablespoons olive oil. A day's example could be breakfast of 1 starch, 1 nonfat dairy, and 1 fruit; lunch and dinner being 3 starches, 3 vegetables and 1 fruit.

The Rice Diet Program was founded in 1939 by Dr. Walter Kempner, who was at that time associated with Duke University. He initially treated many kidney and high blood-pressure patients using a nutrition plan based on rice and fruit. Dr. Kempner's practice and research then went on to further develop the diet and show its results in treating different health problems.

Currently the diet has been popularized by the Rice Diet Program based in Durham, North Carolina, and a series of books by Kitty Gurkin Rosati.