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What is an alkaline diet? -

Essentially, an alkaline diet entails the consumption of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts that when digested imparts a pH balance anywhere between 7.35 and 7.45. The pH level basically measures how acidic or how alkaline something is. For example, a pH of 0 is very acidic, while a pH of 14 is very alkaline. Supporters of the alkaline diet believe it can prevent certain diseases like cancer and other conditions that deteriorate one's health.

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Details about pH levels -

To be clear, pH levels vary in your stomach, blood, and throughout your entire body. For example, your stomach has a pH level of 3.5 or below, which allows for food to break down and metabolize in your body.

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Is the alkaline diet worth the hype? -

Victoria Beckham thinks so. Beckham has championed the alkaline diet for years. Her celebrity has made this diet something many fans are curious enough to give a try.

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What foods must you avoid? -

The list of foods to avoid if you follow an alkaline diet include: dairy, eggs, certain grains, meat, canned and packaged snacks, and processed foods. These food items if consumed lead to high acidity levels on the pH chart.

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No caffeine -

The biggest challenges for a person following an alkaline diet might be the hesitancy to avoid consuming caffeine. In Western diets, starting your day with a fresh cup of coffee is the norm. So it takes serious consideration if one wants to dive into an all-alkaline lifestyle.

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No alcohol -

Another restriction of the alkaline diet is the removal of alcohol from your diet. So you’ll have to find non-alcoholic options if you want to celebrate an anniversary or wedding!

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Will the alkaline diet help with weight loss? -

The proponents of the alkaline diet do not claim it’s a cure-all, but it is a step in the right direction as far as your overall health is concerned. By eliminating processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine, the benefits can add years to one’s life.

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Consult a medical professional -

Every year, countless individuals set personal goals or resolutions in their lives. Sometimes it is the goal of starting their weight loss journey in time for a wedding. Or maybe they are required to lose weight due to a new health condition. Whatever the case, it is best to consult a medical professional or nutritionist.

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Exercise is key -

No matter your health goals, it is important to keep an active lifestyle. Simple workout routines will significantly improve the results of an alkaline diet.

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Take your vitamins -

Whatever your views on the alkaline diet, it is best to care for your overall health, and that includes taking a multivitamin. Once again, be sure to consult with a medical professional.

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Hire a nutritionist -

You don’t have to start this alkaline diet in the dark. Ask for help. Book an appointment with a nutritionist.

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Set yourself up for success -

Make a list of your goals. Set target deadlines for when you want to meet your health goals. Contact a friend who can support you in this new endeavor. Plan for success!

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Make it fun -

Try out new recipes. Take a cooking class. Consider researching ways to prepare your favorite dish. It's a diet, but it can be fun.

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Make it a family affair -

Include your family on your alkaline journey. You may find it more exciting when your loved ones are part of it.

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Balance is key -

Ease into the alkaline diet. Nothing is set in stone. Maybe a part-time approach to the alkaline diet might be more your style. Try it out a few times during the week or weekend, for instance.

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Meal plan -

Time is money is the saying. Save yourself the headache of wondering what's for dinner by setting up a meal plan and get ahead of your weekly schedule.

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Maybe a liquid diet might be more your style? -

The options are endless. You do not have to be confined to one way of adopting the alkaline diet. If cooking is not your expertise, maybe try out smoothies as an alternative to cooking whole meals.

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Use apps to keep yourself on track -

Download apps to help you track your progress. This is a great way to adjust or maintain the goals you set out in your transition to a healthier lifestyle.

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Buy a cookbook -

Try out new recipes! You can buy a physical cookbook or opt for an e-book. The alkaline diet is full of vegetable- and legume-heavy dishes.

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Hire a chef -

This might be the ultimate luxury, but hiring a chef can make it less overwhelming when starting out in your alkaline journey. Bringing on a trained chef can save you a lot of time.

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Eat more fruits and vegetables -

Following an alkaline diet allows you to consume more whole foods like vegetables, legumes, and fruit. Eating more vegetables will likely keep you out of the doctor’s office.

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Try soups -

Experiment with new soup recipes. Soups are an easy way to get many nutrient-dense vegetables into your diet.

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Try juicing -

Juicing is the quickest way to absorb the vitamins and other health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Having the right equipment for juicing will make the transition to an alkaline diet a whole lot easier.

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Try a mix of grains and micro green salads -

Grains and micro greens are popping up in many vegan and vegetarian café menus. They are rich in nutrients. They are also a great way to jazz up any boring salad.

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Try hearty stews -

A hearty stew is also another nutrient dense food that ensures you get all your vitamins. Pinterest and other other platforms can help you with creating unique recipes.

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Try fruit salads -

Fruit salads are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. This is another way to help with sweet cravings when transitioning to the alkaline diet.

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Give oatmeal bowls a chance -

Oatmeal is a great way to lower blood sugar levels. It reduces the risk of colon cancer, and promotes healthy bacteria in your gut.

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Take time to reassess -

You can always adjust the frequency of how often you follow the alkaline diet. It is not for everyone, but it definitely appears to have lots of benefits, hype or not.

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Keep a positive outlook -

Whether you stick with the alkaline diet in the long run or not, it's definitely worth a shot. Always keep that in mind.

Sources: (Healthline) (WebMD)

See also: Is organic food better for you?

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