Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet

What is Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

This diet has been reviewed by U.S. News' team of expert panelists.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet is based on a daily intake of 2,000 to 3,000 calories, depending on your gender, size and activity level. About 40 to 50% of your calories will come from carbs, 30% from fat and 20 to 30% from protein. The creator of the diet, Andrew Weil, the Harvard-educated doctor and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, suggests striving for a mix of all three nutrients at each meal.

It's based on the Mediterranean diet, Weil says, with a few extras such as green tea and dark chocolate. The program calls for a variety of fresh foods, with a heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables, which Weil says provide phytonutrients that fight cancer and other degenerative diseases. In addition, he recommends routine consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and avoiding fast and fried foods at all costs.

The guidelines get more specific by dietary component. For example, when it comes to carbs, you want the kind that will keep your blood sugar low and stable. Toward that end, opt for less processed foods, filling up on healthy carbs such as whole grains, beans, squashes and berries.

Balanced Diet
These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons
 Nutritionally sound (YES)            Moderately priced (NO)
 You shape your diet (YES)            Can be lots of work (NO)