The Makers Diet: Reviews and Online Resources Reading the inspirational, death defying account of young Jordan Rubin, author of the Makers Diet, reminded me of watching one of those rare holocaust survival biographies on the History channel. His on the eve of death, before and after photo's give you a chilling view of Jordan Rubin's condition just months before his miraculous "turnaround". A turnaround that (unlike every other treatment and diet at the time) could only be credited to a primitive version of the now famous Makers Diet. What does the Makers Diet claim?The Makers Diet is a health plan that is based on Biblical principles yet can be proven by science. The claims made are unlike many other diets on the market in that it's founder doesn't hypnotize you into believing that you'll easily lose 15 pounds in 8 weeks or less or your money back.According to Dr. Rubin, The Maker's Diet benefits include:
He further states, "Use this diet if..." 1.“You want to avoid disease and live as healthy as possible with abundant energy and improved physical appearance.” 2.“You are currently suffering from disease, feel hopeless, and doubt if you will ever get well, and all of the specialists you have seen offer no answers.”[1] The diet does aim to attack not just our weight problem but our whole or holistic health problem in general. In summary, the Makers Diet is designed to improve the four pillars of health--physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well being.
What's the motivation behind this diet?The motivation behind the creation of the Makers Diet is truly an inspiring story. It is a diet born out of years of pain, suffering. It started as a desperate search of a dying boy's renewed health.
During his first years of college, Jordan Rubin was a active and outgoing student. Suddenly he began noticing a loss of energy and weight. Soon, Jordan was diagnosed with an “incurable” form of Crohn's disease. Doctors medications and intravenous drugs not only didn't help they only worsened his symptoms. And that was only the beginning.
Despite months and months of ongoing treatments Jordan was tortured night and day by 18 different debilitating illnesses and side effects. Doctors were without answers claiming his condition as the worst case of Crohn's disease the had ever seen.
Without hope, Jordan was discharged from the hospital but determined along with his father to search for a natural pathway to renewed health. Jordan described his on going condition at the time:
“I can only describe my situation as experiencing the pain of a twenty-four-hour stomach virus or a bad case of food poisoning day and night for two years.” Jordan along with his father's obsessive search for help took them to 70 different health practitioners of all sorts from seven different countries. The list is exhaustive but included the late Dr. Atkins, and guru Barry Sears (Zone diet) along with many other renowned doctors and nutritionists.
Two years and $150,000 later, nothing worked and there was nothing that Jordan hadn't tried. Doctors noted his appearance similar to that of a “concentration camp victim”. Jordan requested his mother to snap a photo at his lowest point to which he reasoned, “Because no one will believe me when I get well.”
At 6 foot 1 inches Jordan was reduced to only 104 pounds and out of options. The constant travel with unfulfilled hopes left him weak and depressed. Doctors gave him little hope. His skin worsened to the point that nurses couldn't even give him an IV for fluids.
Realizing the end may be quickly approaching Jordan rededicated himself and his situation to the Lord. The nurses were able to finally insert his IV and that night he gained 10 pounds of fluids.
Later, as an alternative option to major intestinal surgery, Jordan met a nutritionist using a primitive version of what he now calls The Makers Diet. He once again dedicated himself to it only to see his symptoms worsen for a month. Later he realized it turned out to be his bodies initial detoxification reaction.
Finally, Jordan's faith was rewarded as he noticed a significant improvement in his overall health. Jordan regained 29 pounds in forty days and reached 151 pounds. In all Jordan had gained more than 50 pounds in three months. His recovery shocked doctors and was nothing short as he believes a miracle from God.
After recovery doctors were skeptical but couldn't dispute his remarkable before and after photos. Eager to learn more, Jordan went on to earn advanced degrees in nutrition and sports medicine before finally getting advanced degrees in naturopathy and nutrition. What's the theory behind the Maker's Diet?Dr. Rubin's plan isn't really a diet as much as it is a comprehensive lifestyle plan based on the Creators timeless guidelines of optimal health.According to Dr. Rubin, “By following biblically and historically proven health principles, an individual can return to a diet and lifestyle that will lead to regeneration of the entire body, mind, soul, and spirit.” The diet emphasizes optimal health via. the following two keys:
Unlike other mainstream diets the Makers puts emphasis on preventative hygiene practices. As an example it's Dr. Rubin's belief that the best way to “cure” weight, disease, or any health problem is to...”never get it”. That's helpful for a few. Unfortunately, the vast majority need a cure now for some ongoing health or weight problem.
Unlike other diets, the Makers diet goes to the Bible first (in Dr. Rubin's case it was his last resort) for it's ideas on proper diet which to the surprise of many is supported by scientific study.
Dr. Rubin accepts and puts faith in the timelessness of God's “primitive” dietary laws as he does the law of gravity and any other law that governs human nature. The ten commandments are often looked upon as a timeless set of guidelines that were given to the nation of Israel.
Most don't realize however, that his dietary commands were given at the same time. I must admit that until reading Dr. Rubin's book, I never took seriously God's dietary laws given to Israel. As Dr. Rubin correctly observes: “God gave His moral law and His dietary guidelines to the Jews at the same time...Just as the moral guidelines preserved the culture of Israel, so the dietary guidelines preserved their physical health. [These dietary guidelines] were given by a loving God to save His people from physical devastation long before scientific principles of hygiene, viral transmission, bacterial infection, or molecular cell physiology were understood!”
It's interesting to note that God's hygiene laws for Israel are in no way old school or archaic. In fact hospitals to this day follow nearly every guideline that God laid out originally in the Bible.
In addition to hygiene the dietary guidelines God gave to Israel is recorded in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Their diet is divided into those foods that God calls clean versus that which is unclean.
Clean meat would include meat from cows, goats, sheep, oxen, deer, buffalo, etc. To the contrary unclean mean comes from pigs, horses, crocodiles, lizards, rats, skunks, dogs, cats squirrels, mice and possums. Not a difficult thing for most Americans so far.
Also the meat of fish with fins and scales is approved. While fish with smooth skin -- catfish, eel, and hard shell crustaceans like crab, lobster, and clams are to be avoided. That could be a little tougher.
Finally all poultry is acceptable except for any birds that eat meat--an extensive list is laid out in Leviticus 11:13-19. How do I follow the Makers Diet?The Makers diet is a 40-day program based on a "turnaround” pattern found in scripture. Many times when God instituted a major change or turnaround on earth he instituted a forty-day plan.The diet consists of three two-week phases where the dieter can participate at a basic, intermediate or an advanced level. Each level simply increases the number of “products” you use. The basic using the core products and the advanced all the products. The level you start at is dependent upon your available finances, discipline, desire, schedule etc. Those who have serious health issues are encouraged to begin with the advanced level. Phase 1 There's never any outrageous claims for monumental weight loss following phase 1. That's not to say you don't because some do. What most receive is a sudden surge in energy, improved digestion, and improved skin appearance, and craving control. What I admire is the authors down to earth, no-hype expectations supported by testimonials.
Like other phase diets the first 2 week phase is the most challenging. The aim during the phase is to deal with what Dr. Rubin calls the “three i's” i.e. insulin, inflammation, and infection.
The phase calls for temporary food limitations, particularly rich carbohydrate foods such as grains, pastas, breads, sugar, potatoes, corn beans, and legumes. Fruits, nuts, and seeds are also temporarily cut.
Also, it has been noted that during the detoxification phase you're body may react with temporary withdrawal symptoms such as headache or flu-like symptoms, cravings, mood swings, or mood swings.
This is actually considered positive reinforcement that the program is working.
You can expect a balanced diet of carbs, proteins, and fats...even saturated fats. Meats allowed are those considered “clean” by biblical standards. The emphasis however, is on organic fruits, vegetables and meats.
Each week you're recommended a “partial fast” for two meals (breakfast and lunch) allowing the body to cleanse and rebuild. Even though you abstain from food you still drink the cleansing drinks and supplements.
Phase 2
As a result of the healing process in phase 1, you are now reintroduced a greater variety of “foods to enjoy”, namely fruits and nuts. During this 2 week time period weight loss although not dramatic should be ongoing. You should continue to lose weight throughout each phase until your body naturally returns to its ideal weight and shape.
Dr. Rubin never makes the claim that your figure or shape will rival the latest trend or fads. That was never God's design to begin with. Instead you can expect to return to what he terms “the Manufacturer's specifications”. God designed you to a unique set of spec's that may not parallel how everyone else is “supposed” to look.
Phase 3
Also called the maintenance phase, phase 3 encourages healthy eating from each food group. You are again reintroduced to healthy grain foods and some of those carbs higher in starch and sugar that you haven't eaten in a while.
The diet is quiet liberal yet balanced without restriction of a specific food group...except those foods deemed unacceptable i.e. junk food, unclean meat, fish, and poultry. During this phase your weight should stabilize while your overall health continues to improve. What are the Pros?Overall improved health, increased energy, improved digestion and appearance are just as important as weight loss with the Maker's diet. Most diets focus primarily and exclusively on fast and dramatic weight loss but at the expense of your health.
The Makers diet is refreshing in that it's not a 'get thin quick' diet plan. You won't find any outrageous claims or celebrity testimonials like many diets propagate.
The Makers Diet book may be one of the most inspiring diet books I've ever read. Dr. Rubin's unrelenting, pursuit of truth to save his own life and the lives of others is as pure a motivation as well as a revelation to the healing power of God's Word. Whether you believe his diet or not, Dr. Rubin can only say that God's Word prevailed when everything and everyone else utterly failed
Finally, the Makers Diet can be subscribed to online. Dr. Rubin has realized what research has recently proven. Those who subscribe and frequently use the provided tools, forums, menus, recipes and support groups online almost double their odds of success. That goes with any diet by the way. The Cons?I don't think Dr. Rubin would disagree when I say that God (the Maker) is really who gets credit for this diet. If the King James Version Bible had a copyright Dr. Rubin may find himself in serious legal trouble.
Having said that I find myself treading on thin ice by criticizing in all reality...God's diet plan. God's laws truly are unchanging and timeless and in my opinion no less effective today than they were 2,500 years ago. So if there is something “wrong” it can only be to my own ignorance or unbelief.
Nonetheless, a challenge that I think many (including myself) have reasoned is that the Maker's diet could be a bit expensive. Fresh organic meats, vegetables, fruits, and “cage free” dairy products are gaining in popularity but can be expensive. However, there is some relief in that the “basic” level allows you to participate without breaking your pocket book.
But in all reality that really isn't God's fault but rather a problem we ourselves have created in America . Our man-made-in-America diet focuses on convenience, pleasure, and affordability. The Maker's Diet doesn't try to fit into the American way of life. Sacrifices will need to be made for those who choose to eat wholesome and healthy. What are the Experts saying regarding the Makers Diet?Most health professionals may not agree with some of the claims Dr. Rubin makes. Particularly the benefits of soil microbes or what he terms HSO's (homeostatic soil organisms) that essentially helped turn around his personal health problems.
Overall professional opinion may raise an eyebrow yet they can't help but notice the significant changes people have made in not only their weight but overall health as well. A thriving community of online dieters helping to encourage one another to biblical health continues to grow at makersdiet.com.
UPDATE: A 10 member medical review board consisting of prominent doctors and health experts recently ranked the Makers Diet one of the top 10 diets in June of 2007. Details can be read at about.com (click below) The Makers Diet Medical Reviews Directions?This was initially branded a Christian diet yet the secular community have embraced the principles of the Makers Diet. In spite of a few harsh critics the diet continues to be popular seller. The diet lends itself to support. I would strongly advise not going this diet alone.
Remember the Makers Diet aim is to reclaim the same sort of health enjoyed by those old barbaric, numbskull ancient ancestors of ours. That's what the stereotype is anyway. But in reality they never did have the health issues that our modern day SAD (standard American Diet) offers.
The argument is that if we lived back then we wouldn't have to contend with the addictive modern day S.A.D. that weighs on us all daily. Of course we don't live back then so we must resist it's pull.
The Makers diet aims to counteract that pull but it's not an easy turnaround. Yet it's much easier and rewarding to serve, encourage, and to receive encouragement of other dieters along the way. For the Makers Diet online meal plans, fellowship center, testimonials, as well as answers from Jordan himself go to:
The Makers Diet online guide and resources website (non-affiliated link)
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