Cohen Diet - Food for Health and Healing

CEBU, Philippines - In the modern times, food is mainly considered as an obstacle to maintaining health. Improper food preferences combine with unhealthy lifestyle and genetics among  a number of factors blamed for the rapid rise in obesity cases, even among the very young. It is upon this fact that a program was born - to make food not an obstacle to weight loss, but the solution to it. 

Cardiologist Dr. Rami Cohen had discovered that certain hormones were involved in obesity. Being also a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Cohen saw the relationship between obesity and infertility. He led the internationally recognized Wits Medical School's first Test-Tube Program (in-vitro fertilization) in South Africa for four years and brought happiness to many infertile couples by giving them the joy of becoming parents to healthy 'test tube' babies.

Then he got into years of international nutritional research that resulted in his famous "Dr. Cohen Diet." Thousands of customers from all over the world, many of whom are showbiz celebrities, claimed the diet worked. For a time Dr. Cohen was involved in preparing international candidates for the "Miss Universe" beauty pageant.

The doctor's research pointed out that obesity involved a disruption in the functions of Human Growth Hormone, HGH (that which preserves muscle tissue and breaks down fat), Insulin (to regulate blood and sugar levels), and Serotonin (released in the brain to control the craving for food, especially starches). It was observed that when HGH went down, insulin went up, and serotonin dropped, the disruption resulting to food craving, weight gain, and obesity.

Dr. Cohen assessed the blood test results, created individual programs, monitored and dealt with each of his client's Eating Plan personally. The Eating Plan stimulated the three hormones, using specific food combinations and quantities to assist the body in burning its own fat. No artificial substances, drugs, or injections were necessary; the body corrected the chemical balance naturally.

Dr. Angela Rodriguez-Bandola, an obstetrician-gynecologist and one of three founders of the Cohen's Lifestyle Center-Philippines, speaking at the Center's launch in Cebu, points out that there is rapid fat loss with Cohen program. She specifies fat loss, not loss of muscle and water.

There are no hunger pangs and no food cravings, either. Instead, Dr. Bandola assures, there's going to be increased energy and vitality. This is made possible through the "refeeding" program, to help individuals attain ideal body weight and follow maintenance guidelines to help them keep the excess weight off for life.

The other benefits to be experienced by clients of the lifestyle program include lowering of high blood pressure, improvement of blood sugar levels, cholesterol and cellulite reduction, reshaping of problem body areas (especially the belly and the thighs), improved elasticity of the skin, increased general sense of wellbeing, and better ability to cope with stress.

Dr. Bandola also emphasizes that the lifestyle program is not just any diet. It advocates a complete, positive and proactive lifestyle change. She reveals that she herself used to be 172 pounds, and had fertility problems due to her excess weight. Her co-founders Maria Regina R. Chuavon - her sister - who is chief financial officer of the Center, and Barbara Young, chief executive officer, have had struggled with weight issues, too, and went through diets of all sorts - South Beach, Atkins, the 3-day, Scarsdale. They even admit having resorted to medications to help melt away unwanted fats - which only brought more frustration than concrete solution, because of complications like nausea and palpitations. In the first few weeks, they say, there was noticeable weight loss, but which was eventually regained.

"We found the right answer in Cohen," Dr. Bandola declares. "It is an individually-tailored program based on a person's specific profile and blood test results. The program allows the body to precisely correct the hormonal imbalance that causes obesity."

Again, the Cohen program is based on one's specific blood chemistry. The program starts with an eating plan to activate the body's natural ability to shed off fat safely and, best of all, rapidly. Cohen followers attest to losing an average of eight to 10 pounds a month.

During the launch of the Cohen's Lifestyle Center in Cebu, attendees sampled fruits like mango, star apple, papaya, apple and pomelo. Also served were crackers and chicken, blanched shrimps, beef with tomatoes, tofu with mushroom, all good sources of protein. There were cheeses and yoghurt as well. Everybody was free to try everything - but only in the proper food servings (of several grams each) per food group.

The Cohen program is not for everyone, though. It is not for those who already have hormonal issues like diabetes mellitus and kidney problems, those 15 years old and below, those beyond 55 years old, and those who have serious heart conditions. Also, it is not advised for pregnant and lactating women.

Cohen's Lifestyle Centre Philippines in Cebu is at Suite 105 Oakridge Business Center A, Oakridge Business Park, 880 A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City. (FREEMAN)