If you want to incorporate more alkaline-forming foods into your diet for improved overall health then this 7 day alkaline meal plan is perfect for you. Begin to feel more comfortable and content in your own skin and radiate confidence. You can reap the health benefits of an alkaline diet and may experience weight loss and become the best version of yourself you’ve ever been.
The premise of this diet is to swap out acidic foods with alkaline foods for better overall health and weight loss, with some proponents suggesting it can combat health conditions like heart disease, joint pain, and lower cancer risk.
While it encourages healthy eating habits, some say the diet lacks solid scientific backing.
In this article, we’ll delve into the theory behind the alkaline ash diet, and its food recommendations, and provide a sample 7-day alkaline meal plan to follow.
Table Of Contents
- What is an alkaline diet
- 7 Day Alkaline Meal Plan
- Alkaline Diet Foods
- Acidic Foods
- Neutral Foods
- Free Acid Alkaline Food Chart Printable PDF
- Problems with the alkaline diet?
- Overcoming the problems
- Alkaline Meal Plan Example
What is an alkaline diet
The alkaline diet is based on the idea that certain foods can affect the pH balance (acidity or alkalinity) of the body. It suggests that consuming more alkaline foods and less acidic foods can have a positive impact on your body. Alkaline foods are typically plant-based foods and include fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, nuts, and legumes. These foods are believed to have an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to balance your body’s pH level.
Conversely, acidic foods such as animal protein, dairy, refined sugar, and junk food are said to create an acidic environment in the body, which is believed to contribute to health problems. The alkaline diet aims to reduce the consumption of these acidic options in favor of more alkaline foods to create an alkaline balance.
Some proponents of the alkaline diet claim it can improve energy levels, aid in weight loss, and even prevent chronic diseases like high blood pressure and aid in cancer prevention. However, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
This diet suggests that what you eat can change the pH balance (a measure of acidity and alkalinity) in your body. By choosing more alkaline foods recommended in this diet, you aim to make your body more alkaline, which is believed to improve health.
- 0 to 7 is acidic (with 0 being the most acidic) – examples – meat, dairy, and processed foods
- 7 is neutral – example – water
- 7 to 14 is alkaline (with 14 being the most alkaline) – examples fresh produce, nuts, and seeds
This diet was originally designed to help prevent kidney stones, and urine infections and combat chronic kidney disease, however, there is not enough evidence to support these claims.
Regardless, incorporating more fresh produce and eliminating acid-forming foods like processed foods is typically deemed beneficial and can lead to improved health and well-being.
Alkaline Diet Foods
If you’re adhering to the diet, the goal is to consume more alkaline foods while reducing your intake of neutral and acidic options. Foods with higher acidity typically have increased levels of protein, phosphate, and sulfur, while alkaline foods are richer in potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
The following foods are commonly included in the alkaline diet for their alkaline effects:
- Fruits: apples, berries, watermelon, grapes, oranges, and kiwi.
- Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and cauliflower.
- Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans, mung bean, and peas.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and flaxseed oil.
- Whole Grains: Quinoa, millet, amaranth, and buckwheat.
- Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Beverages: Alkaline water, herbal teas, green tea, and fresh vegetable juices.
These foods are believed to have an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to balance blood pH and promote overall health.
Acidic Foods
These acid-forming foods are believed to contribute to acidity in the body and are typically limited on an alkaline diet:
- Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, and processed meats like bacon and sausage.
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and cream.
- Grains: Wheat, oats, rice, and products made from white flour.
- Processed Foods: Fast food, processed snacks, and sugary treats.
- Alcohol: Beer, wine, and spirits.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.
- Caffeine: Coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
- Soft Drinks: Soda and other carbonated beverages.
These foods are believed to contribute to acidity in the body and are typically limited on an alkaline diet.
ADD TO CART
Neutral Foods
These foods fall in the neutral range on the pH scale, meaning they neither increase acidity nor alkalinity in the body:
- Water: Pure water has a pH of 7, making it neutral.
- Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
- Oils: Olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are pH-neutral.
- Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are typically neutral.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is also considered to be pH neutral.
It needs to be noted that several other foods are subject to debate regarding their alkalizing or acidifying effects on the body. Some of these include:
- Lemons and Limes: While these citrus fruits are acidic, they are often considered alkaline-forming when metabolized in the body.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are acidic, but some argue that they have an alkalizing effect due to their high mineral content.
- Fermented Foods: Foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are acidic, but proponents suggest they have alkalizing effects due to their probiotic content.
- Apple cider vinegar: While acidic, it typically has a pH between 2.5 and 3.5. Despite its acidic properties, some believe that consuming apple cider vinegar can have alkalizing effects on the body after digestion
- Almonds: Almonds are typically considered alkaline-forming, but some debate exists due to their fat and protein content.
- Herbal Teas: Certain herbal teas, like peppermint and chamomile, are acidic but may have alkalizing effects on the body.
It’s important to note that individual responses to these foods can vary, and the debate often centers around how the body metabolizes these foods and their impact on pH balance.
Free Acid Alkaline Food Chart Printable PDF
Problems with the alkaline diet?
Many people ask if the alkaline diet is healthy and the overall diet has some healthy aspects, despite the lack of evidence supporting its theories about altering body pH.
This is because it promotes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, all of which have been proven to improve various health markers.
However, following a restrictive diet can pose several challenges and difficulties that you need to prepare for:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Restricting certain food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially if the diet lacks variety. Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber may be lacking, which can impact overall health.
- Social Isolation: Restrictive diets can make social situations challenging. Eating out with friends or family may become stressful as finding suitable options becomes more difficult. This can lead to feelings of isolation or exclusion.
- Cravings and Binge Eating: Depriving yourself of certain foods may lead to intense cravings, making it harder to stick to the diet long-term. This cycle of restriction and subsequent binge eating can be emotionally and physically taxing.
- Sustainability: Many restrictive diets are difficult to maintain over the long term. The strict rules and limitations may be unsustainable for a lifetime, leading to cycles of starting and stopping the diet.
- Impact on Mental Health: Constantly monitoring food intake and restrictions can lead to obsessive thoughts about food and body image. This can contribute to anxiety, guilt, and a negative relationship with food.
Overcoming the problems
- Plan Meals: Plan meals and snacks to ensure you have appropriate foods available, especially when dining out.
- Find Support: Connect with others who are also following a similar diet for motivation and advice. Online communities or support groups can be helpful.
- Experiment with New Recipes: Try out new recipes and get creative with the allowed foods to keep meals interesting.
- Focus on the Positive: Remind yourself of the health benefits and reasons why you chose this diet. Positive reinforcement can help maintain motivation.
- Allow for Flexibility: Being too rigid can lead to feelings of deprivation. Allow yourself occasional treats or modifications to the diet for special occasions.
- Consult a Physician: If concerned about nutrient deficiencies, seek guidance from your physician to see if you need supplements to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
By implementing these strategies, individuals can navigate the challenges of a restrictive diet more effectively and maintain their health and well-being.
- Breakfast: Vegan Tofu Scramble
- Lunch: Tomato Soup
- Dinner: Kale Salad With Creamy Seed Dressing
- Snacks: Fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, this hummus dip
- Breakfast: Apple Pie Smoothie
- Lunch: Easy Mandarin Salad or this French Leek Soup
- Dinner: Vegan Lentil and Seed Roast without Nuts
- Snacks: Veggies, nuts, seeds, this fruit salad
- Breakfast: Grapefruit juice and a bowl of Plant-Based Granola
- Lunch: Refreshing Mango Cucumber Salad
- Dinner: Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup
- Snacks: Fruit, veggies, nuts, or these Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Incorporating more alkaline-forming foods into your daily diet can lead to significant health improvements and this 7 day alkaline meal plan can help you see those improvements.
You’ll get 21 easy-to-make recipes for breakfast, lunches, and dinners, PLUS 3 delicious dessert recipes.
Get ready for a week of tasty meals that will make you feel amazing! This 7-Day Alkaline Meal Plan gives you the energy to live life fully.
Imagine waking up to an energizing smoothie bursting with vitamin C and giving you all the good stuff your body needs. Dig into fresh salads chocked full of veggies and yummy grains at lunchtime. Then, at dinner, enjoy tasty stir-fries and grain bowls that will keep you and your taste buds satisfied.
Don’t miss this chance to try new foods and feel fantastic! You’ll have more energy, and better digestion, and discover how tasty healthy eating can be.
