The Beyond Diet is a popular eating plan that promises long-lasting weight loss using a simple, three-step system.

In addition to limiting several food groups and following a specific meal plan, the diet involves taking a powdered greens supplement, which is said to increase energy levels, optimize immune function, and support overall health.

Although proponents praise the diet for its ability to combat cravings, boost your metabolism, and ramp up fat burning, others have dismissed the plan as restrictive, overpriced, and unsustainable.

This article reviews the benefits and downsides of the Beyond Diet, along with whether it’s effective for weight loss.

DIET REVIEW SCORECARD

• Overall score: 2.67
• Weight loss: 3
• Healthy eating: 2.5
• Sustainability: 2.5
• Whole body health: 2
• Nutrition quality: 4
• Evidence-based: 2

BOTTOM LINE: Although the Beyond Diet prioritizes healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, it also eliminates several food groups and may be challenging to sustain long term.

What is the Beyond Diet?

Founded by author and nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios, the Beyond Diet is a weight loss program that claims to help you shed pounds and ramp up fat burning using just three simple steps.

According to De Los Rios, the diet can also help you pick the right foods to curb cravings, boost your metabolism, and maintain weight loss long term.

The diet is divided into three phases. Meal plans and recipes are provided during the first and second phases, each of which is 2 weeks long.

In the second phase, you’re also able to take the Beyond Diet Metabolism Test, which is used to determine which foods you should eat to optimize your metabolism.

After completing these first two phases, you’re encouraged to design your own meal plan using the principles of the plan and the recipes offered on their website.

The diet includes foods like fruits, veggies, protein-rich foods, and healthy fats. Meanwhile, most processed foods, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and soy products are restricted.

A daily greens supplement is also recommended, which is available on their website for $99.95, or around $3.33 per day.

There’s also a one-time fee of $47, which grants you access to the meal plans, recipe library, shopping guides, and online community.

Exercise programs and specific regimens geared toward balancing blood sugar levels or “detoxing” your body are available for an additional cost.

SUMMARYThe Beyond Diet is an eating plan that claims to help boost fat burning, curb cravings, and maintain long-term weight loss by picking the right foods for you.

How to follow the Beyond Diet

The Beyond Diet involves eating three meals spaced out throughout the day, along with a morning and afternoon snack.

Each meal generally consists of a good source of protein with some vegetables and fruit.

The Daily Energy supplement, which is a powdered supplement that contains a blend of greens and “superfood” ingredients, should also be taken once daily.

Additionally, one “free day” is permitted per week, on which you’re allowed to have one meal with whatever foods you’d like.

During the first 4 weeks of the diet, meal plans and recipes are provided for your use.

After you’ve completed the first 28 days, you’re encouraged to create your own meals centered on the guidelines and principles of the diet.

Foods to eat

The Beyond Diet encourages dieters to enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein sources like meat, poultry, and fish.

Nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and certain cooking oils are also permitted.

Although eggs, dairy products, and whole grains are limited during the first 4 weeks of the plan, they can be reincorporated into the diet after these initial phases.

Foods that are allowed on the Beyond Diet include:

• Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, melons, kiwis, bananas
• Vegetables: spinach, kale, avocados, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, tomato, celery
• Meat, fish, and poultry: ground beef, ground buffalo, nitrite-free bacon and sausage, chicken breast and thighs, ground or sliced turkey, salmon, haddock, cod
• Eggs: egg whites and yolks (in limited amounts)
• Nuts: almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, cashews
• Seeds: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds
• Oils: coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil
• Herbs and spices: rosemary, dill, cinnamon, black pepper, basil, oregano, parsley

During the third phase of the diet, several foods can be added back into the diet, including:

• Whole grains: sprouted whole grain bread, quinoa, wild rice, brown rice, spelt, buckwheat, barley
• Dairy products: raw butter, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese (in small amounts)
• Legumes: black beans, chickpeas, green beans, cannellini beans, lentils, fava beans

Foods to avoid

The Beyond Diet restricts several types of food, including sweeteners, sugar-sweetened beverages, soy products, and processed foods.

Some of the foods to avoid on the Beyond Diet include:

• Sweeteners: table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, artificial sweeteners
• Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, juice
• Soy products: tofu, edamame, tempeh, miso, soy milk
• Processed foods: convenience meals, chips, cookies, baked goods, fast food
• Refined grains: white bread, pasta, white rice, breakfast cereals
• Fats and oils: canola oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, lard

SUMMARYThe Beyond Diet encourages dieters to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Specific meal plans and recipes are provided for the first 4 weeks of the diet.