The St. Tropez Diet Plan

Along with its gorgeous sea and beaches, Saint-Tropez has become known for amazing fresh fruits and vegetables, and its tasty fusion of Mediterranean and French cuisines. The culinary staples of Saint-Tropez are fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. The St. Tropez diet is predicated on the healthy balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats, the former of which can boost your energy level and enable weight loss. A golden rule on this plan is that in order to maximize the fat burning benefits of omega-3 fats, you need to consume them with foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, pumpkins, red bell peppers and mangos.

What makes the Saint-Tropez Diet a different weight loss plan?

The St Tropez Diet plan focuses on enjoying fresh, natural foods that are high in omega-3 fats ("the good fats"). The diet states that combining these "good fats" with foods high in vitamin A (like carrots and mangos) will maximize your weight loss efforts. The diet also differentiates itself, in that it stresses having a passion for food and savoring every bite, especially if meals are accompanied with a glass of wine.

What is the St Tropez Diet plan?

The Saint-Tropez Diet argues that the American diet is lacking in "good fats," such as those found in fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. Instead, Americans are overconsuming omega-6 fats, such as those found in corn, safflower, sunflower, sesame, and peanuts oils, which are often found in highly processed foods. On the St Tropez Diet plan, you must increase the omega-3 fats ("good fats") while decreasing your omega-6 fats, in order to lose weight, protect against disease and decrease inflammation. Moderation is the key, so there is no need to go overboard on these "good fats," as no additional benefits will ensue.

There are four principles on the St Tropez plan:

• Eat more foods that contain omega-3 fats, such as wild salmon, sardines, walnuts, and olive oil.
• Whenever possible, eat foods high in vitamin A in combination with omega-3 fats.
• Eliminate foods where the omega-6 content is too high, such as all convenience foods, vending machine foods, and baked goods made from refined white flour and sugar.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and other beneficial components.

The four phases on the St Tropez Diet are:

Phase 1: Introducing Good Fats and Fresh Ingredients - During week 1, you consume 1,600 calories per day. This phase focuses on replacing your saturated fats (such as butter) with omega-3 fats.

Phase 2: Balancing Diet and Lifestyle - During week 2, you consume about 1,450 calories per day. Here, you will continue to increase your omega-3 fats while reducing your caloric intake. Beginning an exercise regimen in this phase is also encouraged.

Phase 3: Reaching Your Ideal Weight - During weeks 3 through 6, you consume approximately 1,300 to 1,400 calories per day. Here, you decrease calories, while increasing your exercise regimen. You may find that a few more calories are necessary, especially if you are exercising more.

Phase 4: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle - During weeks 7 and 8, you consume approximately 1,500 to 1,600 calories per day. You learn how to increase your omega-3 fats and combine them with vitamin A foods. You also learn to maintain a calorie level that is appropriate for the rest of your life.

A typical day on the strictest phase of the St Tropez Diet plan would consist of the following menu. Keep in mind that individual needs differ, and you can add a few hundred extra calories if you deem necessary.

Breakfast: Muesli with dried apricots and almonds.

Lunch: Chicken salad with celery and apples.

Snack: Mix a 1/2 cup of low-fat plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds.

Dinner: Salmon with orange sauce.

Dessert: Marie's oatmeal cookies (recipe included in book).

The St Tropez Diet plan stresses the enjoyment of not only eating food, but also cooking it. A wide variety of recipes are available in the book (though not online). Recipes are scaled easy, medium and difficult, depending on the level of difficulty and time involved. The website does not provide any additional recipes - it is only designed to give you a basic overview of the diet and the ability to purchase the book.

What are the weight loss expectations?

The St Tropez Diet does not directly address an expected rate of weight loss. However, the structure of the phases suggests that you should reach your ideal weight in approximately six weeks. If you feel you need a bit more time, you are allowed to remain in phase 3 for a few extra weeks.

Is exercise promoted?

Yes, exercise is promoted in the third and fourth phase of this diet. If you live in Saint-Tropez, you would do much more walking and it is the preferred exercise to begin your regimen. Eventually, aerobic, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balancing exercises should be included into your routine. The St Tropez Diet plan suggested you aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity 3 to 5 days per week, and 20 to 60 minutes of strength training 2 to 6 days per week.

Are supplements recommended?

The St Tropez Diet plan believes that nature is the best formulator of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so supplements are discouraged. All necessary nutrients can be obtained while eating Saint-Tropez style with whole and natural foods.