n old adage says '... fruits are golden in the morning' and it's probably based on the fact that they are easy to digest. Nutrition and fitness experts Harvey and Marilyn Diamond, have expounded the scientific theory behind this to create a weight loss programme.

The resulting 'Diamond Theory' details the right way to eat fruits in a book written by the couple called 'Fit for life'.

The theory is based on the facts that fruits are rich in minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and amino acids. They are also high in water and fibre content and therefore flush out toxins from the body. Fruits need less energy to be digested - they do not need to be broken down into fructose, glucose and amino acids before they are absorbed, since they already consist of these simple sugars. They are therefore, easy on the stomach. They keep you feeling full for greater periods of time - with the exception of bananas, dates and dried fruits, they remain in the stomach longer.

The Diamond Theory says...

The body goes through digestion cycles.

The elimination period (from 4 am to noon) is when foods eaten the previous day are excreted. Food eaten during this period takes longer to digest. Therefore it is best to eat foods that are very easy to digest - fruits.

The appropriation period (from noon to 8 pm) is when digestion speeds up slightly. Eating right during this time is the key to remaining energetic. Eating lightly prepared vegetables, nuts and seeds is best now.

The assisimilation period (from 8 pm to 4 am) when one should eat well since this is when the body will absorb the most nturients. Eat a meal consisting of at least two of these - breads, grains, meat, chicken, fish, potatoes, dairy products.

Rules of the game

a) Consume fruits only on an empty stomach
b) Eat nothing but fruits till noon
c) Never combine fruits with any other food. The FoTN may sound like you can eat little else except fruits but that is not so. Other foods can be eaten but one must maintain a time gap between eating fruits and any other type of food eg: at least two hours after eating salads, three hours after eating a regular vegetarian meal, four hours if the meal has just one non-vegetarian dish and at least eight hours after a completely non-vegetarian meal.
d) Eat as much as you like of fresh fruits without. Don't overeat though!
e) Fruit juices are a good substitute for whole fruits and even for tea and coffee.

Does it work?

According to weight management consultant Dr Pritpal Singh from Calcutta, the processes of digestion and elimination in the human body take place throughout the day. The liver and kidney function actively even when the body is resting. The Diamond theory of an elimination, appropriation and assimilation period is therefore not reliable. Besides, eating only fruits may deprive the body of sufficient quantities of important nutrients like zinc, vitamin D and vitamin B12.